Drexel University
The iSchool at Drexel, College of Science and Technology
Contact
Degrees/Certificates Offered
- Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology
- Master of Science in Library and Information Science
- Ph.D. in Information Studies
- Post-Master's Specialist Program
Programs Offered
On Campus & OnlineProgram Philosophy
The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology, prepares students for careers in the information field (iField) through coursework, research, and real-world experience. The iSchool's Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MS) is one of just 62 programs accredited by the American Library Association, and is ranked 9th nationally in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Graduate Schools." Within the MS degree program, students may choose to specialize their studies through elective courses or through the Archival Studies concentration (one of six optional concentrations within the MS). The concentration in Archival Studies focuses on the practice and theory of managing collections of records and papers in a variety of archival settings. This concentration meets the needs of students planning archival careers in government agencies, libraries, historical societies, corporations, not-for-profit organizations, museums, and religious institutions. It also provides the educational component required for post-graduate certification as a Certified Archivist. Students may complete their degree online or on campus. Drexel's 60-acre University City Main Campus is located in the University City district of Philadelphia, PA, about a 10-minute walk from Center City, Philadelphia. As one of the nation's oldest and largest cities, Philadelphia is rich in cultural, historic, and academic institutions and is a leading center for business, industry, and government. These resources provide ample opportunities for Library and Information Science students to pursue pre-professional employment, internships, and permanent employment. Students have held archives-focused internships at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, The Philadelphia Zoo Library and Archive, Campbell's Soup Co., Delaware Art Museum's Helen Farr Sloan Library, and at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Master of Science in Library and Information Science is also available at Drexel's Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento.
Facilities
The iCommons is a computer resource center available only to iSchool students. It has two major functions at the iSchool: First, the facility itself provides a computer lab and collaboration space solely for student use. There is also a fully equipped conference room for student use, with plasma display and videoconferencing capabilities. Second, iCommons staff serves and supports iSchool faculty, administrative personnel, and individuals using iSchool's Rush Building Student Lab resources by offering access to computing equipment, information systems software, audio-visual presentation equipment, and bibliographic resources. The iCommons staff also provides technical support for the college's seven presentation classrooms, two student computer laboratories, and a usability lab. The iCommons, student labs, and classrooms have access to networked databases, print and file resources within the College, and Internet via the University's wireless network, DragonFly. The University's four libraries share an extensive collection of materials for all major areas of library and information science, computer science, systems engineering, information systems, and technology. The majority of the collection is composed of electronic records, delivered to the desktop on or off campus, with more than 450 research databases holding more than 21,500 full-text electronic journal titles and more than 110,000 electronic books. Students also have easy access to the many libraries and information centers in the Philadelphia area. Professional librarian assistance is available throughout the week, 114 hours, with specialist consultations by appointment. The main library now offers 24/7 study space in the new library cafe.
Practicum/Internships/Assistantships Offered?
The iSchool at Drexel offers a Practicum that provides students the opportunity to gain credit for work experience along with associated academic coursework. This online course enables a student to use his or her current job or obtain a job or internship within his or her field of study to earn three elective credits. Students are responsible for obtaining their practicum jobs; however, the iSchool maintains a Job Postings site through its Career Services office. The course requires 120 hours of work over the 10-week quarter along with online class participation.
Research
The iSchool at Drexel's faculty is recognized internationally for research. An impartial ranking by Academics Analytics Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index (FSP Index) rated PhD faculty productivity 8th nationally for overall productivity in Information Science/Studies, fifth in citations per faculty, and seventh in percentage of faculty with a journal publication. The PhD in Information Studies comprises advanced coursework, research apprenticeships, a portfolio, journal club, and a dissertation. The program requires a minimum of three consecutive terms of full-time residency.
