Preparing health information professionals for the twenty-first century: the Texas Woman's University dual master's degree program.

In response to the evolution in health sciences librarianship and the impact of emerging technologies on health information, education, and communication enterprises, Texas Woman's University (TWU) has created a new dual degree program to address tomorrow's health information career opportunities. The purpose of this article is to describe TWU's dual library science/health studies degree program. Designed to prepare health information practitioners for the twenty-first century workplace, this program is a collaborative effort involving the School of Library and Information Studies and the Department of Health Studies (the academic component in the College of Health Sciences that focuses on the discipline of health education). The dual master's degree program has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is currently enrolling students. Individuals enrolled in the program attend classes in library science and health studies, earning a total of forty-five credit hours. Earned separately, each degree requires thirty-six credit hours. Combining theory and practice, students are provided the skills and knowledgebase necessary to compete successfully in the changing health information environment. Upon completion, graduates are awarded master's degrees in both library science and health studies. Possessing specialized combinations of expertise, graduates of the dual degree program are ideally qualified for positions in health sciences information services, health education, medical libraries, health communication, voluntary and public health agencies, and health promotion programs in business and industry.