This month, for the first time in four years, U.S. News & World Report released nationwide rankings of library and information studies graduate programs. The Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS) Program offered by the University of Texas at Austin School of Information maintained its tradition of excellence in these and other head-to-head rankings, placing in a tie for #6 out of 56 programs assessed.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the methodology used to determine the 2025 Best Library and Information Studies Programs included ranking “56 master's degree programs in library and information studies that were accredited by the American Library Association as of summer 2024.” U.S. News & World Report’s rankings differ from other published rankings in that they are based entirely on surveys of deans, directors and senior faculty at each of the programs assessed. The surveys ask respondents to rate their peer institutions on a 1-5 scale. No other factors – such as research citations or reputation among industry employers, considered in other rankings – play into U.S. News & World Report’s assessments. In previous iterations of these rankings, in both 2021 and 2017, the iSchool ranked #5. Those previous years’ rankings also offered a bit more nuance, breaking out separate rankings for specialties in archives and preservation, digital librarianship and information systems. This year, no specialty rankings were published.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS) Program.