Library and Information Science MLIS
Earn your online Library and Information Science Master's degree from Southern Miss!
Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)
Completion Time:
1-3 years *pending hours enrolled
Accreditation:
Special Requirements:
No GRE required
The complexity of today’s information age requires greater expertise and knowledge. Let the Library and Information Science MLIS from Southern Miss 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.
The online Library and Information Science MLIS offers a unique learning experience with synchronous classes. These live, online classes allow you to meet with your instructor and classmates each week and learn with a community of your peers. Your classes will meet at the same time and on the same day each week and are typically night classes.
Looking for more library-related degrees? Check out our other fully-online options! Want more info about this degree? Our enrollment coaches are here to help. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!
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!
What can you do with a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science?
A Library and Information Science Master’s degree prepares you for roles that involve organizing, managing, and disseminating information in various settings.
We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.
We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.
MLIS Course Requirements
| 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. |
|
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 (3 hrs. must be at 600-level or higher)
|
-3 hrs. |
MLIS/MA in Anthropology, History, or Political Science Requirements
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. Note: Anthropology MA and History MA are not fully online programs.
LIS requirements:
| 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. |
|
Thesis for Students in Dual Master’s Programs
|
3 hrs. |
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Information Technology and Libraries
|
3 hrs. |
|
Web Design and Evaluation
|
3 hrs. |
- 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
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:
| 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. |
|
Fundamentals of Information Science
|
3 hrs. |
|
Research Methods in Library and Information Science
|
3 hrs. |
|
LIS Advisor Approved Electives (3 hrs; must be at 600-level or higher)
|
|
|
Information Ethics
|
3 hrs. |
|
Seminar in Library Management
|
3 hrs. |
|
Public Relations & Marketing in Libraries
|
3 hrs. |
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Information Technology and Libraries
|
1 hrs. |
|
Web Design and Evaluation
|
3 hrs. |
MBA Requirements:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Managerial Accounting
|
3 hrs. |
|
Financial Management
|
3 hrs. |
|
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
|
3 hrs. |
|
Strategic Management
|
3 hrs. |
|
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.
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
The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee at http://apps.usm.edu/graduate-school/grad-school-apps/.
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.
Additional course fees may apply for the online Library and Information Science Masters degree. Fees range between $20 – $60.
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.
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.
Yes! To view all the funding resources available to graduate students, please visit the Graduate Admissions Funding Resources page.
Please visit our programs page here: https://online.usm.edu/programs/
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.
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.
No, online students pay resident tuition. For information about pricing, click here.
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.
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 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 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, 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.
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