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School of Information Studies

Information is one of the most valuable assets in today’s organizations. The School of Information Studies offers innovative and interdisciplinary graduate programs that prepare you for a rewarding career as an information professional.

Welcome

Welcome to the University of Ottawa's School of Information Studies (ÉSIS)!

You are joining us at an exciting time! 

Whether your interest is in data curation or in information policy development, in web design or in management of information services, in social media or in access to information, or digital humanities, ÉSIS will provide you with a variety of courses to meet your needs, as well as opportunities to develop a research agenda and to put your knowledge into practice – all in a bilingual environment.

Research lies at the heart of ÉSIS’s culture. With an interest in addressing critical questions surrounding access to information, knowledge organization and information retrieval, our faculty’s research explores the ways in which policy, technology, and institutional practices impact the constantly evolving worlds of GLAM institutes, the publishing sector and culture industries. Through a range of cutting-edge methods, our faculty are committed to working with these communities to shape transformative solutions in information and culture sectors. Not only do students have opportunity to contribute to faculty research, but they also engage in their own research throughout the course of their program of study both inside and outside of the classroom.

At ÉSIS, we offer a positive experience in a program of the highest quality and integrity. We encourage you to connect with professors in our department to find out more about our program, our community, and our culture. Join the next generation of leaders in the information revolution by enrolling in the School of Information Studies at uOttawa. We look forward to meeting you!

Would you like to find out more? Book a virtual appointment with the Director of the program!

Book a meeting with the Director
Mary Cavanagh, Director
Mary Cavanagh, Director
60

graduate students

15

number of professors

Programs

ÉSIS offers an Information Studies program grounded in theory, supported by practical work experience, and integrally connected to the pulse and trends of the leading knowledge centres in the National Capital Region and beyond. With a wide variety of professors from a range of interdisciplinary backgrounds, a multi-cultural student body, and a strong commitment to student learning outcomes, uOttawa offers a first-class Information Studies education, all within a bilingual North American setting.

The Master of Information Studies program accredited by the American Library Association offers three options to complete the 45 credits required for the MIS degree. In all cases, a minimum of 25% of the courses must be completed in the second language. Full-time or part-time students in MIS complete 6 compulsory core courses in their first year of study plus a capstone experience course in their final semester.

Build on your education with this new Graduate Diploma in Information Management. The 18-credit program is intended both for those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree wishing to enter a career in the field of records and information management, and for those already working in the field who wish to upgrade their qualifications.
The Interdisciplinary PhD program in Electronic Business is offered under the auspices of the Telfer School of Management, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Faculty of Arts (School of Information Studies). It is offered on a full-time basis in the following three fields: Electronic Business (e-Business), Electronic Technologies (e-Technologies) and Electronic Society (e-Society). 

Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)

ALA accreditation guarantees that our master's program meets the highest standards of quality, innovation, and value in Library and Information Studies education.

Our ALA Accreditation
Logo American Library Association (ALA) Accredited

Student experience

ÉSIS attracts students both nationally and internationally. Because our MIS program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis, our student body includes mature students who are looking to enhance their current careers, or move into the field of information sciences. All students have completed a four-year undergraduate degree.
Students enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and personal attention from our faculty. Because ÉSIS is a relatively small department within uOttawa, students at ÉSIS develop a special sense of community. This feeling permeates the classroom, student lounges and is exemplified by the active ÉSIS student's association.

Students also benefit from our close relationship and proximity to the country’s leading knowledge centres. Through the co-op option and through other employment opportunities, students at ÉSIS can explore their interests and build relationships within the community. Many of our alumni are now working in information management specializations, in government libraries, in higher education and research roles, and in knowledge innovation and mobilization organizations.

Scholarships and bursaries in SIS

Courses offered in the current academic year 

ÉSIS student’s association

Contact us

School of Information Studies

Desmarais Building, 11th Floor
55 Laurier Ave. East
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1N 6N5
Campus Map

Tel.: 613-562-5130
[email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
From 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 4 p.m.)

Academic assistants

Undergraduate studies
Simard Hall, room 128
613-562-5134 
[email protected]

Graduate studies 
Desmarais Hall, 8th floor
613 562-5800 ext. 5439
[email protected]  

Indigenous affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded.

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home.

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future.

Learn more.