The BAIS is an interdisciplinary degree offers a core of technology and data science coursework upon which students can then focus their interests through guided elective categories. Opportunities in these categories include numerous technology, data science, and communications electives for students who plan to go into information technology careers; or a variety of libraries, archives, museums (LAMs), and digital humanities electives for students more interested in careers in cultural heritage institutions. For these students, the technology foundation builds the skills that students need to work in today's LAMs' environments of digital collections, digital preservation, and virtual exhibits while serving diverse user groups.
Students in the BAIS program, in their junior year, can apply to the BAIS/MLIS (Master of Library and Information Studies) accelerated degree. The accelerated degree allows 12 credit hours to be applied to both the bachelor's and the master's degree so students can finish both degrees more quickly and save on tuition and fees. You must have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to apply for the accelerated degree.
The official degree information including the approved checksheet, approved courselist, and program details can be found on the BAIS page in the OU General Catalog.
Designed to prepare a technologically skilled and broadly educated graduate, the IS degree guides students through major coursework that is based in multiple disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences. The degree also provides internship opportunities that give students first-hand experiences in the field.
Our alumni work in many diverse industries and settings, including communications, the petroleum industry, financial management software, libraries, and data research centers. Our graduates have a variety of careers including:
Students who are interested in libraries, archives, museums, and digital humanities can focus their electives to form a foundation in these fields while also gaining the technology skills that are key in today's workplaces.
The professional degree for work in libraries and archives is a Master of Library and Information Studies, and for museums is the Master of Arts in Museum Studies. The BAIS is a great introduction to these fields for students who expect to later pursue their Master's degrees (note that you can go into these Master's programs with any undergraduate major).
Admission of Undergraduates to Graduate Course
Any senior undergraduate student may enroll in graduate courses offered by the school with the instructor’s permission. If the courses meet the conditions established by the Graduate College for graduate credit, they may be accepted as degree credits in the School of Library and Information Studies. The same course can not be counted toward both undergraduate and graduate requirements unless the student is enrolled in the BAIS/MLIS accelerated program.
| Course | Form |
|---|---|
| LIS 4920 Directed Research | Directed Research Contract (doc) |
| LIS 4940 Directed Project | Directed Project Contract (doc) |
| LIS 4960 Directed Reading | Directed Reading Contract (doc) |
Internship information, deadlines, site information and forms can be found at:
All BSIST and BAIS students must complete an internship as part of the degree requirements. Students are encouraged to find their own internships, though guidance is offered through the Internship Documentation Coordinator, SLIS faculty, and SLIS office.
Students who entered the BAIS or BSIST degree programs before summer 2021 are required to take the LIS 4663 Capstone class. Ideally, students will complete the capstone the semester before their internship. During the capstone course, students will begin to research the internship requirements and finalize their plans for an internship site and supervisor.
The Bachelor of Arts in Information Studies/Master of Library and Information Studies Accelerated Program is designed for exceptional students who wish to begin earning the MLIS in their senior year of the BAIS program. The program is open to all OU students who qualify.
Visit the BAIS/MLIS Accelerated Program Page for full details and application process.
The undergraduate advisor for the BSIST and BAIS programs is Jake Blackwell in the College of Arts and Sciences. You can contact him through email (jakeblackwell@ou.edu) or telephone (405-325-4411).
To make an appointment with Jake through iAdvise, go to iadvise.ou.edu.
Students need to get advised each semester prior to enrolling for the next term.
Find out when the registration window opens by checking the university's Academic Calendar.
