Library and Information Science MLIS

Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)

Credit Hours:

Total Hours: 40

Cost per Credit Hour:

$519.12

Calculate Your Tuition

Completion Time:

1-3 years *pending hours enrolled

Accreditation:

ALA, CAEP

Special Requirements:

No GRE required

Learn more about this program:

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Opening a book is like opening a door to a different world, and with the Library and Information Science Master’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, you can become a tour guide into new worlds for your community! The complexity of today’s information age requires greater expertise and knowledge than ever before, and we can help you gain the skills you need to excel in this evolving field.

Our affordable, fully-online Library and Information Science degree will expand your knowledge of media utilization, reference and information sources, cataloging, and library management. You’ll even learn about web design and evaluation. This is a great path to your career as a librarian!

The online Library and informations Science MLIS offers you a unique learning experience with synchronous classes. These live, online classes give you the opportunity to meet with your instructor and classmates each week and learn from a community of your peers. Your classes will meet at the same time and same day each week and are typically night classes.

Need an undergraduate degree first? Southern Miss offers an online Library and Information Science degree (BS). Additionally, we also offer an Archives and Special Collections Graduate certificate online. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are here to help. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

The Graduate School is now offering standardized test waivers to applicants of this program. There is currently no GRE requirement for this degree!

A number of scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship, or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!

Master of Library and Information Science Degree Requirements (40 hours)

Course	Credits
Library Information Science	1 hrs.
Reference and Information Sources	3 hrs.
Cataloging and Classification	3 hrs.
Collection Development and Management	3 hrs.
Library Management	3 hrs.
Foundations of Librarianship	3 hrs.
Fundamentals of Information Science	3 hrs.
Research Methods in Library and Information Science	3 hrs.
Master's Project	3 hrs.

Select 1 course:

Course	Credits
Media Utilization	3 hrs.
Information Technology and Libraries	3 hrs.
Web Design and Evaluation	3 hrs.

LIS Advisor Approved Electives 12 hrs. (3 hrs. must be at 600-level or higher)

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any additional fees for the library science degree?

Additional course fees may apply for the online Library and Information Science Masters degree. Fees range between $20 – $60.

What are the costs for the online library and information science masters degree?

To find pricing information, visit our pricing page. For financial aid information, view our financial aid page. For detailed tuition information, visit our business services page.

Do you offer Senior Citizen tuition discounts?

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarship Program for Mississippi residents age 62 or older. Legal residents of the State of Mississippi age 62 or older may enroll tuition-free in a maximum of six (6) semester hours for the fall or spring term. Courses on all campuses (Online, Hattiesburg, and Gulf Coast) are available to senior citizens on a space available, first come first serve basis. This scholarship program applies to fall and spring courses only.

To inquire about the availability of this scholarship, contact Precia Pedersen at precia.pedersen@usm.edu or the registrar’s office.

Are there scholarships available for grad students?

Yes! To view all the funding resources available to graduate students, please visit the Graduate Admissions Funding Resources page.

What other online degrees are offered by Online at Southern Miss?

Please visit our programs page here: https://online.usm.edu/programs/

Will other classes besides the ones listed in degree requirements count towards my library science degree?

Other classes that aren’t listed may count towards your online Library and Information Science Masters degree once your transcript has been evaluated and posted.

Can this degree be completed fully online?

Yes, the online Library and Information Science Masters program is available totally online. Students are not required to visit campus for an in-class lecture; however, an online lecture may be required by your instructor. These synchronous classes will give you time with your professor without having to come to campus.

Do online students pay out-of-state tuition?

No, online students pay resident tuition. For information about pricing, click here.

Are you a military veteran or service member?

If yes, visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions, and course enrollment.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School is now offering standardized test waivers to applicants of this program. There is currently no GRE requirement for this degree!

The School of Library and Information Science offers the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, Accelerated Master’s Option (AMO), 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 desired state’s licensure requirements. For assistance with out-of-state licensure questions, please complete the Professional Licensure Form.

Admission Requirements

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

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.
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.
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, 12 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.

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