Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Library and Information Science

The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) offers a Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The mission of SLIS is to prepare qualified individuals for professional roles in libraries, archives, and other information environments with the necessary knowledge, applied scholarship, and skills to serve the information needs of their communities.

Program Overview

• The MLIS degree is available online, providing flexibility for students.
• The program has been ALA-accredited since 1980, with the last review by the ALA Committee on Accreditation (COA) in 2019 resulting in continued accreditation, and the next review scheduled for spring 2026.

Educational Goals for MLIS Students

The program aims to equip students with:

• Knowledge of and commitment to ethical practices
• Professional practice and training experiences
• Knowledge of the LIS literature
• Engagement in research
• Technical competency

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the program, students must provide:

• Two letters of recommendation from professionals on letterhead stationary
• An essay outlining their interest in earning an MLIS degree
• An updated resume
• Mississippi residents must also provide proof of MMR immunization

Program Requirements

• The MLIS degree requires 25 hours of core courses and 15 hours of elective courses, with one of the electives being a technology-focused course.
• If a student earns an MLIS degree and a graduate certificate together, up to 12 credit hours can count towards both.
• Online students do not pay out-of-state fees but pay the same tuition as residents.

Practicum and Research Opportunities

• MLIS students with little or no library experience are strongly encouraged to complete a library, information setting, or archival practicum.
• Students earning the archival certificate must complete 150 practicum hours in an archive or special collection.
• MLIS students are required to conduct research in two required courses: a bibliometric research paper in LIS 651 and a master's research project in LIS 695.
• Students earning an archival certificate are required to complete an archival paper.
• Every spring, students have the opportunity to participate in the virtual student poster symposium.

Scholarship Opportunities

• There are many scholarships specifically for MLIS students.

Study Abroad

• SLIS offers 6 credit hours of study-abroad credit in British Studies each summer in London.

Children's Book Festival

• Each spring, SLIS sponsors the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival, and students have the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for waiving festival registration fees.

Faculty

• SLIS graduate faculty all have Ph.D., E.D., or J.D. degrees from accredited universities and are accomplished scholars.
• Most are ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholars, with specific research interests, but all are committed to student success and community impact.

Availability and Degree Plans

• Library and Information Science MLIS: Online 100%
• Archives and Special Collections Graduate Certificate: Online 100%
• Youth Services and Literature Graduate Certificate: Online 100%