The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s School of Information Sciences master’s program has been ranked 13th in the nation among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. This is a significant achievement for the university, the College of Communication and Information (CCI), and the School of Information Sciences (SIS). These rankings highlight the growing strength and reputation of SIS and its Master of Science in Information Sciences (MSIS) program.
SIS features an American Library Association-accredited master’s program, which is the only ALA-accredited program in the state of Tennessee. With options to complete the program online or in person, it has become one of the most competitive programs nationally over the past two decades.
Receiving a ranking in the U.S. News & World Report is a prestigious honor. According to their website, these rankings are based on data regarding academic quality and other factors, making them highly competitive among universities. Graduate programs are ranked each spring based on votes from deans and department heads collected in the fall.
This recognition aligns with the university’s and CCI’s initiative of being on the rise.
The strengths of SIS’s master’s programs include both in-person and synchronous online formats to accommodate different student needs, along with a student-centered approach. Faculty members are dedicated to student success, teaching and learning excellence, and continuous improvement. Upon completing the program, students acquire a solid theoretical foundation and practical tools needed for real-world innovation. SIS emphasizes hands-on learning by providing students with real-world projects, professional development opportunities, and a cutting-edge curriculum.
SIS Director Abebe Rorissa said, “It is great to see that the MSIS program is ranked high among our aspirational peers. This is a testament to the program’s long-standing reputation, quality, and our emphasis on teaching and learning excellence, continuous assessment and improvement, and student success. With world-class faculty, excellent staff, and alumni who are leaders in the field and the profession, the School of Information Sciences strives to prepare students to succeed in the real world by providing them with an accessible in-person and online (synchronous) education, the necessary theoretical foundation, and a wide range of skills and tools for practical application that allow them to be innovative trailblazers.”
CCI Dean Joe Mazer added, “This national recognition highlights the outstanding work of our faculty, students, and alumni in the field of library and information sciences. The School of Information Sciences continues to excel in preparing future leaders, and we are proud to see our information sciences graduate program ranked among the top in the country. The College of Communication and Information remains committed to innovation, excellence, creating a best-in-class student experience, and research and creative activities that positively impact communities.”
Faculty expertise, dedicated staff, and alumni success are driving forces behind the program’s national visibility. MSIS graduates work in libraries, archives, information technology, UX, and data management all across the country. UT’s MSIS program fosters a supportive environment with mentorship, advising, and professional engagement, where its alumni become leaders and innovators in the field.This national recognition is an honor and will be a source of continued momentum for the school, college, and university. You can learn more about the MSIS program, attend an info session, or apply today here.