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This paper is a case study of a Master of Library and Information Studies degree program online option that has been unusually successful in retaining and graduating students. Design characteristics of this program that has maintained a retention rate of over 90 percent over five years are described and mapped to the literature on distance education published after its implementation. The paper reports that characteristics identified in the practical and theoretical literatures are the same as, or closely related to, the characteristics of the program described. Student transcripts were used to track retention and time-to-completion. Topics for continuing study are identified and described. This is the first of two papers on retention in distance learning programs. The present paper (Part 1) addresses program design and implementation; Part 2 focuses on student responses to the online program option as they relate to student learning styles and outcomes.