Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.
Admission to the Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) program is selective and based on the faculty’s assessment of the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study and potential contribution to the profession. The faculty take a holistic approach to the admissions process. Consequently, an applicant’s entire file and interview are taken into consideration before an admission decision is made. The following materials are required for full consideration:
- The School of Information Science Supplemental Application (accessible through the Graduate School application), where applicants respond to statement provided;
- Official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended (whether or not a degree was earned);
- Two letters of recommendation attending to your academic performance and/or job performance—letters from friends and relatives addressing personal attributes do not qualify;
Degree Requirements (36-51 Hours)
For the Master of Library and Information Science degree, an approved program of at least 36 semester hours of graduate course work must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) overall. Students in the School Library concentration have a prescribed set of courses for certification; those pursuing initial School Library certification will take additional Education courses. Required courses and the technology competency requirement are designed to provide students with an understanding of the information profession. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation, each student will submit an electronic portfolio documenting learning and professional growth during the MLIS program.
MLIS General Coursework (36 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ISCI 701 | Ethics, Values, and Foundational Principles of Library and Information Science Professions | 3 |
| ISCI 702 | Community Engagement and Service | 3 |
| ISCI 703 | Reference and Instruction | 3 |
| ISCI 704 | Leadership in Information Organizations | 3 |
| ISCI 705 | Research Design and Evaluation | 3 |
| ISCI 706 | Information Organization and Access | 3 |
| Select 18 hours of approved electives including ISCI 600 or above, but not including ISCI 799 or 899 | 18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
MLIS School Library Concentration Coursework (36-51 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core (6 hours) | ||
| ISCI 701 | Ethics, Values, and Foundational Principles of Library and Information Science Professions | 3 |
| ISCI 705 | Research Design and Evaluation | 3 |
| Elective Courses (6 hours = 2 classes, to be chosen from the following options) | 6 | |
| Storytelling: Theory, Practice, and Development | ||
| Leadership in Information Organizations | ||
| History of Children’s and Young Adult Literature | ||
| Public Library Systems | ||
| Educational Services in Library and Information Organizations | ||
| Libraries, Literacy, and Literature | ||
| Diversity in Libraries | ||
| Library Programming for Children and Young Adults | ||
| Popular Materials and Programming for Adults | ||
| Materials for Early Childhood | ||
| Materials and Services for Latino Youth | ||
| Universal Design and Accessibility for Youth | ||
| Planning Library Facilities | ||
| Critical Cultural Information Studies | ||
| Social Justice Storytelling and Advocacy | ||
| Selected Topics in Librarianship and Information Services | ||
| Material Selection (6 hours) | ||
| ISCI 756 | Children’s Materials | 3 |
| ISCI 757 | Young Adult Materials | 3 |
| Curriculum and Technology Integration (9 hours) | ||
| ISCI 706 | Information Organization and Access | 3 |
| ISCI 742 | Curricular Role of the School Librarian | 3 |
| ISCI 761 | Information Technologies in the School Library Program | 3 |
| Reference Sources and Services (3 hours) | ||
| ISCI 703 | Reference and Instruction | 3 |
| Capstone Courses (6-9 hours) | ||
| ISCI 720 | School Library Media Program Development | 3 |
| ISCI 794 | Internship in Library and Information Science 1 | 3-6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36-39 | |
- 1
Students currently certified as a teacher will need one internship (3 credits) in a school library. Students not currently certified as a teacher will need two internships (6 credits), one in an elementary school and one in a secondary school. Previous work in a library does not count as an internship.
MLIS School Library Concentration - Foundations in Education
School Library candidates who hold a current and valid teaching license must submit a photocopy of their certificate to the School of Information Science Student Services Office. Candidates who hold a current and valid teaching certificate are not required to complete the education courses listed below.
School Library candidates who do not hold a teaching certificate must complete all required education courses prior to enrolling in ISCI 742 and the capstone courses (ISCI 720 and ISCI 794). Candidates must earn a grade of “B” or better in all courses that are used to meet the “Foundations in Education” requirements below.
Foundations in Education Course Requirements (12 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Read to Succeed | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Content Area Literacy PK-12 | ||
| Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas | ||
| Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas | ||
| Teaching Reading in the Content Area to Adolescents with Reading Disabilities | ||
| Curriculum Development | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Diversity and the Curriculum | ||
| Social Class Diversity and the Curriculum | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the Curriculum | ||
| Principles of Curriculum Construction | ||
| Psychology of Learning | ||
| EDEX 523 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Human Growth and Development | ||
| Growth and Development: Childhood | ||
| Growth and Development: Middle Childhood and Adolescence | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
End-of-Program Portfolio (MLIS General & School Library Concentration)
Successful completion of the School of Information Science portfolio is a requirement for the MLIS and school library certification. Portfolios are submitted prior to graduation. The portfolio due date for students graduating in May is April 15. The portfolio due date for students graduating in December is November 15.
Program of Study
Students and their advisors will choose a minimum of 18 hours of elective courses. No more than six (6) hours can be below the 700-level and courses below the 600-level will not be accepted on the Program of Study. Elective courses in the School of Information Science and other graduate departments may be used to develop a specialization in one or more areas or to provide a broad, general preparation for the information professions. A minimum of 18 graduate hours must be completed within the School. The remaining 18 hours may be taken in other related academic units of the University. Students have the option of transferring up to six semester hours of graduate course work from colleges or universities other than the University of South Carolina. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS degree is awarded may not be included on the student’s Program of Study.