MLIS in Library and Information Science
The Library and Information Science (LIS) Program contributes to the essential knowledge, skills, and values of librarianship and the information professions through research, education, and outreach. Our Program offers the only Master's Degree in the state of Missouri that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). ALA's initial accreditation was granted in 1966/67, and the program was given continued accreditation in 2015.
The MLIS can be completed online.
We use several different course structures to provide you with the broadest and most instructionally appropriate class opportunities.
- Online asynchronous classes allow you to participate anytime, anywhere.
- Online synchronous classes, scheduled at fixed times to allow online, offer real-time interaction without the drive time.
Most library and information science faculty are based in Columbia. Clinical faculty in Kansas City and a Program Liaison in Omaha, NE provide student support and coordinate extracurricular activities. Students can seek the MLIS with emphasis areas of Archival Science, eLearning Information Professional, or Library Media Specialist, as well as Library Media Specialist with Certification.
Degree Requirements
The program consists of 39 credit hours, including 18 credits of required courses. Each student completes a practicum (two to three credits). Elective courses are selected in consultation with faculty advisers. The program of study must include 15 credit hours of 9000-level courses, and 12 hours of courses taught by a full-time faculty member.
| Required Courses - must be taken prior to eportfolio development | ||
| IS_LT 7301 | Library and Information Technology | 3 |
| or IS_LT 7320 | Emerging Technologies in Libraries | |
| IS_LT 7305 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | 3 |
| IS_LT 7312 | Principles of Cataloging and Classification | 3 |
| or IS_LT 7302 | Organization of Information | |
| IS_LT 7313 | Collection and Access Management | 3 |
| IS_LT 7314 | Reference Sources and Services | 3 |
| IS_LT 7315 | Management of Information Agencies | 3 |
| Practicum | ||
(choose one of these, for 2 or 3 credit hours) | ||
| IS_LT 7380 | School Library Practicum | 2-3 |
| or IS_LT 7381 | Practicum in Information Agencies | |
| Elective Courses | ||
(at least 15 hours of 9000 level courses required) | ||
Dual Degree Option: MLIS and MPA in Public Affairs
This online joint degree requires a total of 51 credit hours, including 21 required credit hours for the MLIS program, 18 required credit hours for the MPA program, and 12 credit hours to be shared between the two programs. Applicants to the dual degree program must apply and be admitted to each program individually.
| Library & Information Science courses (21 credits) | ||
| IS_LT 7301 | Library and Information Technology | 3 |
| or IS_LT 7320 | Emerging Technologies in Libraries | |
| IS_LT 7302 | Organization of Information | 3 |
| or IS_LT 7312 | Principles of Cataloging and Classification | |
| IS_LT 7305 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | 3 |
| IS_LT 7313 | Collection and Access Management | 3 |
| IS_LT 7314 | Reference Sources and Services | 3 |
| IS_LT 7315 | Management of Information Agencies | 3 |
| IS_LT 7381 | Practicum in Information Agencies | 2-3 |
| Public Affairs courses (18 credit hours) | ||
| PUB_AF 8110 | Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Management | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8170 | Public Policy Processes and Strategies | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8180 | Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs I | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8181 | Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs II | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8210 | Public Service and Democracy | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8520 | Human Resources Management and Development in Public and Nonprofit Sector | 3 |
| Select 2 additional courses from each program for a total of 12 credit hours | ||
| PUB_AF 8720 | Budgeting and Financial Management in the Nonprofit Sector | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8510 | Public Budgeting and Taxation | 3 |
| PUB_AF 7540 | Local Government Management | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8530 | Strategic Management of Public Service Organizations: People, Information and Money | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8830 | Grant Writing I | 3 |
| IS_LT 9408 | Information Policy | 3 |
| IS_LT 9413 | Electronic Resource Management | 3 |
| IS_LT 9012 | Public Library Community Partnerships | 3 |
| IS_LT 9453 | Leadership and Planning in Information Agencies | 3 |
| IS_LT 9443 | The Academic Library | 3 |
| or IS_LT 9444 | The Public Library | |
Graduate Examination Process
In your final semester, you will develop and present a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your mastery of the LIS Student Learning Outcomes. The portfolio contains descriptions of competencies and what they mean to you, explanations of artifacts, and reflections. You should start on your portfolio early in your coursework.
Portfolios can be submitted spring and fall semesters. You will be notified of the submission dates by the SISLT Student Services Office of the specific date at the beginning of your final semester.
Admissions
Email: sislt@missouri.edu
SISLT Student Services
304 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-4546 or toll free 877-747-5868
https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/degrees-programs/library-information-science/
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the minimum requirements of the Master of Library & Information Science program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied before official admission to the University of Missouri.