Library and Information Science - Master's
Interested in earning an ALA-accredited MLIS degree online?
The mission of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is to prepare qualified individuals for professional roles in libraries, archives, and other information environments with appropriate knowledge, applied scholarship, and skills to serve the information needs of their communities.
SLIS has been ALA-accredited since 1980. At the last review by the ALA Committee on Accreditation (COA) in 2019, ALA Accreditation status was continued and the next accreditation review by ALA COA is scheduled for spring 2026.
What Will I Learn?
Educational Goals for MLIS Students
- Knowledge of and commitment to ethical practices
- Professional practice and training experiences
- Knowledge of the LIS literature
- Engagement in research
- Technical competency
Two letters of recommendation by professionals on letterhead stationary are required as well as an essay on why the student is interested in earning an MLIS degree, and an updated resume. Mississippi residents must provide proof of MMR immunization.
The MLIS degree requires 25 hours of core courses and 15 hours of elective courses, with one of the electives being a technology-focused course. If a student earns an MLIS degree and a graduate certificate together, up to 12 credit hours can count towards both. Online students do not pay out-of-state fees but pay the same tuition as residents.
MLIS students with little or no library experience are strongly encouraged to complete a library, information setting, or archival practicum. Students earning the archival certificate must complete 150 practicum hours in an archive or special collection.
MLIS students are required to conduct research in two required courses, a bibliometric research paper in LIS 651, and a master's research project in LIS 695. Students earning an archival certificate are required to complete an archival paper. Every spring students have the opportunity to participate in the virtual student poster symposium.
There are many scholarships specifically for MLIS students.
SLIS offers 6 credit hours of study-abroad credit in British Studies each summer in London.
Each spring, SLIS sponsors the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival and students have the opportunity to volunteer to work at the festival in return for waiving festival registration fees.
SLIS Graduate Faculty
SLIS graduate faculty all have Ph.D., E.D., or J.D. degrees from a variety of accredited universities and they are all accomplished scholars. Most are ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholars. Each faculty member has specific research interests, but all want our students to succeed and to make a difference in their communities.
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Library and Information Science MLIS | Online 100% |
| Archives and Special Collections Graduate Certificate | Online 100% |
| Youth Services and Literature Graduate Certificate | Online 100% |
- Academic Librarian
- School Librarian
- Archivist
- Special Librarian (Medical or Legal)
- Public Librarian
- Government Librarian
- Lauren Ashley Howell (MLIS, Archival Certificate, 2017),
Metadata Librarian George Mason University Library Fairfax, VA - Tiffany Riggins (MLIS, Archival Certificate, Youth Services Certificate, 2016),
Teen Librarian Helen Hall Public Library Houston, TX
- Stephen Parks, J.D. (MLIS, 2013),
State Librarian State of Mississippi, Mississippi Supreme Court Jackson, MS - Nadia Nasr (MLIS, 2005),
Head of Archives & Special Collections Santa Clara University Library Santa Clara, CA
- Tamara Nelson (MLIS, 2009),
Instructor/Reference Librarian University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS - Cynthia Sturgis Landrum, Ph.D. (MLIS, 2006),
Director Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Evansville, IN