Library and Information Science MLIS

Overview

The School of Library and Information Science offers the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, Accelerated Master’s Option (AMO), dual MLIS/MBA in Business Administration, and a dual MLIS/MA in Anthropology, History, or Political Science. The MLIS is a fully online program accredited by the American Library Association.

The Master of Library and Information Science prepares qualified individuals for professional roles in libraries, archives, and other information environments with appropriate knowledge and skills to serve the information needs of their communities. The MLIS offers coursework that meets K-12 school licensure requirements for the state of Mississippi. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that this program of study meets the licensure requirements of the state in which they intend to seek employment, as noted in the Professional Licensure section of this catalog.  

Students seeking information about professional licensure/state certification should also review the Professional Licensure Disclosure page and the related pages setting forth our institutional determination as to whether the programs that lead to professional licensure/state certification meet the educational requirements necessary to lead to licensure in states outside of Mississippi. We also recommend that students contact and obtain guidance from the specific state licensing board. 

Campus: Online 100%

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Statement of Purpose: In a 1-2 page essay, describe your background and interests in library and information science, the types of libraries, archives, or repositories of interest, and what your potential contributions to the career field are.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation on institutional letterhead stationary from professionals and/or professors attesting to the applicant’s readiness for graduate work.
3. Résumé

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

In addition to the requirements detailed in General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information , students must earn a minimum grade of “B” in the following foundational courses: LIS 501 , LIS 505 , and LIS 511 .

The certificates in the School of Library and Information Science may be earned with or post-MLIS degree or as a postmaster’s certificate for those holding a master’s degree in a related field. If earned together with the MLIS,  up to 18 approved hours can be counted toward both the certificate and the MLIS degree. Students pursuing the MLIS and a certificate from the School of Library and Information Science simultaneously must complete all coursework within 6 academic years, after which course revalidation will be required.

MLIS Course Requirements (40 hours)

• LIS 500 - Library Information Science 1 hr
• LIS 501 - Reference and Information Sources 3 hrs.
• LIS 505 - Cataloging and Classification 3 hrs.
• LIS 511 - Collection Development and Management 3 hrs.

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• LIS 516 - Media Utilization 3 hrs. or
• LIS 557 - Information Technology and Libraries 3 hrs. or
• LIS 558 - Web Design and Evaluation 3 hrs.

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• LIS 605 - Library Management 3 hrs.
• LIS 668 - Research Methods in Library and Information Science 3 hrs.
• LIS 695 - Master’s Project 3 hrs.
• LIS Advisor Approved Electives 18 hrs. (9 hrs. must be at 600-level or higher)

MLIS/ MA in Anthropology, History, or Political Science Requirements (61 hours)

The dual degrees in MLIS/MA Anthropology MA,, MLIS/MA History MA,, and MLIS/MA Political Science MA requires (31) hours in Library and Information Science and thirty (30) hours in the other field of study, respectively. Students must be admitted separately to each program and the requirements for both degrees must be satisfied before the dual degree is awarded.

LIS requirements (31 hours):

• LIS 500 - Library Information Science  (1 hr)
• LIS 501 - Reference and Information Sources  (3 hrs)
• LIS 505 - Cataloging and Classification  (3 hrs)
• LIS 511 - Collection Development and Management  (3 hrs)
   
• LIS 557 - Information Technology and Libraries  (3 hrs) or
• LIS 558 - Web Design and Evaluation  (3 hrs.)
   
• LIS 605 - Library Management  (3 hrs)
• LIS 698 - Thesis for Students in Dual Master’s Programs  (3-6 hrs) (3 hours required)
• LIS Advisor Approved Electives 12 hrs.

The Anthropology and Political Science admission and course requirements in these dual degree programs are outlined in the School of Social Science and Global Studies   section of this Bulletin.

The History admission and course requirements in this dual degree program are outlined in the School of Humanities  section of this Bulletin.

Dual MLIS/Business Administration MBA Requirements (55 hours)

The dual degree in MLIS/MBA Business requires thirty-one (31) hours in the School of Library and Information Science and twenty-one (21) hours in the School of Management, respectively. Students must be admitted separately to each program and the requirements for both degrees must be satisfied before the dual degree is awarded.

LIS requirements (31 hours):

• LIS 500 - Library Information Science  (1 hr.)
• LIS 501 - Reference and Information Sources  (3 hrs.)
• LIS 505 - Cataloging and Classification  (3 hrs.)
• LIS 511 - Collection Development and Management  (3 hrs.)

• LIS 557 - Information Technology and Libraries  (3 hrs.) or
• LIS 558 - Web Design and Evaluation  (3 hrs.)

• LIS 605 - Library Management  (3 hrs.)
• LIS 651 - Fundamentals of Information Science  (3 hrs.)
• LIS 668 - Research Methods in Library and Information Science  (3 hrs.)
• LIS Advisor Approved Electives (3 hrs; must be at 600-level or higher)

• LIS 540 - Information Ethics  (3 hrs.)
• LIS 609 - Seminar in Library Management  (3 hrs.)
• LIS 559 - Public Relations & Marketing in Libraries  (3 hrs.)

MBA Requirements (21 hrs):

• ACC 611 - Managerial Accounting  (3 hrs.)
• FIN 611 - Financial Management  (3 hrs.)
• MGT 600 - Organizational Behavior and Leadership  (3 hrs.)
• MGT 660 - Strategic Management  (3 hrs.)
• MKT 600 - Marketing Management  (3 hrs.)
• College of Business and Economic Development Electives 6 hrs.

The Business admission requirements are outlined in the School of Management section of this Bulletin.