Program Description

The Master of Library and Information Science degree is a program of basic professional education designed to prepare students for entry into positions in libraries and information centers in colleges, schools, communities, industries, and businesses.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon completion of the MLIS program, students will demonstrate competency in information and its organization. 
2. Students will demonstrate competency in the provision of information services. 
3. Students will demonstrate competency in leadership and management in the LIS field. 
4. Students will demonstrate competency in research in the LIS field. 
5. Students will demonstrate competency in technology in the LIS field. 
6. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and professional development within the LIS field. 

Academic Progress

Students must present a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B average) on all courses taken in the program at the time of graduation. Students who earn a grade below B on more than six hours of course work or a grade of D, F, WF, or U in any course will not be allowed to continue in the program. Students who receive a grade below C in a course cannot apply the course toward graduation. 

If a student is readmitted and received a grade of D+ or D in a required course, they must retake the course to attain a grade of at least C. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS is awarded may not be included on the student’s Program of Study.

Additionally, Graduate School policy states that graduate students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and allowed one calendar year to raise the GPA to at least 3.00. Students who do not reach a cumulative 3.00 GPA during this grace period will not be permitted to enroll for further graduate work.

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: 

1. The School of Library and Information Science Supplemental Application (accessible through the Graduate School application), where applicants respond to statement provided;
2. Official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended (whether or not a degree was earned);
3. Two letters of recommendation attending to your academic performance and/or job performance—letters from friends and relatives addressing personal attributes do not qualify;
4. A qualifying score on either the GRE or MAT—a previously earned master’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a test score at the discretion of the admissions committee; and, if appropriate for applicants whose native language is not English, a qualifying score on a test of English as another language and appropriate immigration documentation.

Degree Requirements (36 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. 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.

Coursework

Course List

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 electives		18
Total Credit Hours		36

Students on the School Library track have a prescribed set of courses for certification.

End-of-Program Portfolio

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 Library and 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.