Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science
Program Overview
Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science
Program Overview
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science is designed to provide mid-career professionals with a previous master's degree in information science or library science the opportunity to update their knowledge and technical skills and move their career into a more specialized area. This 30-credit program enables students to develop new expertise in archival methods, information analysis, data collection, classification and indexing, reference management, and digital media storage and retrieval without having to complete a dissertation.
Program of Study
Core Courses
- ProSeminar in Information Science and Technology
- Directed Readings in Information Science and Policy
Specialization Courses
- Choose classes in your self-designated area of interest.
Supporting Courses
- Take relevant classes in departments across the University.
Advanced Internship
- Work toward your career goals with new experience in a library or information agency.
Major Research Seminar
- Write a publishable research paper in your area of specialization.
Comprehensive Exam
- To complete the program, you must demonstrate:
- Mastery of your area of specialization
- Knowledge of major trends and issues in the field
- Familiarity with research methodologies and priorities
Design Your Own Specialization
If you're passionate about a specific topic in library and information science, this program provides you with the opportunity to pursue it as a specialization. Work with your advisor to identify your area of specialization and develop a program of study that supports it.
Past examples of self-designed specializations include:
- Information systems development
- Information resource management for decision making
- Reference and information services
- School media information program administration
- Records and archives management
- Services for special groups
- Indexing and abstracting
- Government information resource management
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: November 1
- Summer: Not Available
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: January 1
- Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official GRE scores*
- Resume
- Statement of goals
*The GRE is not required if: GPA is > 3.2, already have Master's Degree, or 5 years of work experience.
Supplemental Degree Programs
Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.
Supplemental programs available with this degree:
- Community College Leadership CGS
- Demography CGS
- Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity MS
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security MS
- Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity CGS
- Information Science MS
- International Education Management CGS
Program Outline
Outline:
Core Courses:
- ProSeminar in Information Science and Technology
- Directed Readings in Information Science and Policy
Specialization Courses:
- Students choose classes in their self-designated area of interest.
Supporting Courses:
- Students take relevant classes in departments across the University.
Advanced Internship:
- Students work towards their career goals with new experience in a library or information agency.
Major Research Seminar:
- Students write a publishable research paper in their area of specialization.
Comprehensive Exam:
- Students demonstrate mastery of their area of specialization, knowledge of major trends and issues in the field, and familiarity with research methodologies and priorities.
Self-Designed Specialization:
- Students passionate about a specific topic in library and information science can pursue it as a specialization.
- Students work with their advisor to identify their area of specialization and develop a program of study that supports it.
- Past examples of self-designed specializations include:
- Information systems development
- Records and archives management
- Indexing and abstracting
Other:
- The program meets the needs of mid-career professionals with a previous master's degree in information science or library science who want to learn about current trends, computing applications, and emerging technologies relevant to their work in the field.
- The program is interdisciplinary.
- Completing this certificate enables students to develop new expertise in archival methods, information analysis, data collection, classification and indexing, reference management, and digital media storage and retrieval without having to complete a dissertation.
