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

Select 1 course:

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

Accelerated Master's Option (AMO) Requirements

Senior undergraduate students in the Library and Information Science program who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify may take up to 9 credit hours of graduate credit coursework in the following cross-listed elective courses during their senior year.  These courses will count toward both the BS degree and MLIS degree at the undergraduate tuition rate:

• LIS 406/506 – – Cataloging Multimedia Objects 3 hrs.
• LIS 416/516 – – Technology in the School Library 3 hrs.
• LIS 433/533 – History of the Book (3 hrs)
• LIS 417/517 – – Literature and Related Media for Children 3 hrs.
• LIS 418/518 – – Literature and Related Media for Young Adults 3 hrs.
• LIS 419/519 – – Programs and Services for Youth 3 hrs.
• LIS 428/528 – – Storytelling 3 hrs.
• LIS 433/533 – History of the Book 3 hrs.
• LIS 440/540 – – Information Ethics 3 hrs.
• LIS 445SL/545SL – – Sources of Information for a Multicultural Society 3 hrs.
• LIS 457/557 – – Information Technology and Libraries 3 hrs.
• LIS 458/558 – – Web Design and Evaluation 3 hrs.

To qualify for the Accelerated Master’s Option, the student must:

1. Have completed a minimum of 90 hours of graded undergraduate coursework.
2. Have completed at least 15 hours of undergraduate LIS coursework with no grade lower than a “C”.
3. Have a minimum 3.5 undergraduate cumulative grade point average.

The student’s undergraduate advisor and the school director will review the application. If approved for the program, the student must:

1. Submit an Undergraduate Out-Of-Career Course form to the Graduate School before registering for any graduate-level course.  In order to receive proper academic credit and reduced tuition rates, this form is required prior to registration.
2. Maintain a minimum 3.5 undergraduate cumulative grade point average.
3. Complete each graduate course with no grade lower than a “C” (for credit toward completion of the undergraduate degree). However, higher standards apply for students who intend to complete the MLIS and acceptance into the AMO does not guarantee admission into the MLIS program. Students must apply for graduate admission into the MLIS program. Please refer to Admission Requirements and Procedures for general application guidelines and to the admission requirements in this section for additional program-specific information.

MLIS/ MA in Anthropology, History, or Political Science Requirements (61 hours)

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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!

Admission Requirements

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

1. Standardized Exam Scores: Official GRE scores for verbal, quantitative, and written analytical sections, official GMAT scores, or official PRAXIS scores. Applicants may request a waiver consideration of the GRE/GMAT/PRAXIS for program admission under the following conditions:
   • Applicants who have previously earned a Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
   • Applicants who have successfully completed 9 hours of graduate-level course work in LIS and have a minimum of 2 years of library work experience.
   • Applicants who have demonstrated five years or more of significantly progressive management work experience.
2. 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.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation on institutional letterhead stationary from professionals and/or professors attesting to the applicant’s readiness for graduate work.
4. 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 University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, the Online Library and Information Science Masters is also accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.