Master of Science in Library and Information Studies
Course descriptionThe School of Library & Information Studies Master degree and certificate programs prepare students for the many and varied careers which can be found wherever information and information technologies are at work: in public, academic, and governmental libraries; entrepreneurial businesses; large corporations; consulting and research groups; legal organizations; schools at all levels of education; non-profit organizations across a wide spectrum such as museums, archives and medical institutions; and local, state, national, and international government agencies.
The Master's in Library and Information Studies curriculum requires 36 credits, including four required core courses (12 credits). The remaining 24 credits may be taken at the discretion of the student and should support the student’s professional goals. A thesis is optional for either the MS or the MA. Students may elect to complete their degree, entirely online or in some combination of online and on campus courses.
Accreditation
The Master degree is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Time to Completion
Course work for the Master degree must be completed within 7 years from the time the student first registers for graduate credit.
Any graduate work transferred from another institution must have commenced not more than 7 years prior to completion of the degree for the credits to be applicable to the Master's degree.
Exceptions may be appealed through the School of Library & Information Studies.
Curriculum design
The Master's curriculum requires 36 credits, including four required core courses (12 credits):
LIS 5271 Research Methods in Information Studies (3 credits) OR
LIS 5203 Assessing Information Needs (3 credits)
AND
LIS 5411 Introduction to Information Policy (3 credits) OR
LIS 5020 Foundations of the Information Professions (3 credits)
AND
LIS 5408 Management of Information Organization (3 credits)
AND
LIS 5703 Information Organization (3 credits)
The remaining 24 credits may be taken at the discretion of the student and should support the student’s professional goals. To facilitate course selection, courses have been organized into programs of study along general and specialized areas of interest.
We recommend following a program of study to guide your course selection in order to facilitate achievement of your career goals, although this is not required. Master degree programs of study are:
General Librarianship : prepares students to work in information organizations including libraries, archives, network services, and agencies.
Information Architecture & Technology: prepares students to meet the information needs of users by developing and managing information technologies, including web-based resources and networks. Includes specializations in Web Design and Technology & Networking .
Information Needs & Services: prepares students to meet the information needs of users by providing services, instruction, and leadership, and by organizing information in user-centered ways. Includes specializations in Leadership & Management , Reference & Instruction , and Information Organization .
Youth Information Needs & Services: prepares students to meet the information needs of children and young adults in various settings, including libraries and school media centers. Includes specializations in Youth Services and School Media .
Individualized Program of Study: designed for students wishing to customize their program of study for a particular area, such as information policy, and other career goals.