MLIS in Library and Information Science with Emphasis in PK-12 Library Media Specialist, Certification
The University of Missouri’s Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) program prepares students to be leaders in the information professions. Our fully online program offers the only Master’s Degree in the state of Missouri that has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1966/67. In the PK-12 Library Media Specialist emphasis area you will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in school librarianship, culminating in a practicum or internship experience to help strengthen your skills and develop your professional networks. Working with a faculty advisor, each student develops a customized program of study. Your degree will open an array of career options beyond school librarianship, including academic librarianship and public librarianship.
Degree Requirements
The MLIS program consists of 39 credit hours, including 19 credits of required courses. Additional required courses are required for the emphasis area. Elective courses are selected in consultation with faculty advisers.
- Must include 15 credit hours at or above the 8000 level.
- Must include 12 hours of courses taught by a full-time faculty member.
Classes are 100% online, but some classes have a synchronous (real-time interaction) component. Course registration materials will indicate whether a course has synchronous sessions and, if so, the meeting times. For additional information about planning your Program of Study, see the LIS Student Resources and Courses pages.
For Students Who Already Hold a Teaching Certificate
For students who already hold Missouri teaching certificates, the program consists of 39 credit hours, including 30 credits of required courses. Each student completes a three-credit school library practicum. Elective courses are selected in consultation with faculty advisers.
| Required Courses to be Taken Before ePortfolio | ||
| IS_LT 7305 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | 3 |
| 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 7313 | Collection and Access Management | 3 |
| IS_LT 7314 | Reference Sources and Services | 3 |
| IS_LT 9404 | School Library Administration | 3 |
| Required Emphasis Area Courses | ||
| IS_LT 9406 | Curriculum and the School Library | 3 |
| IS_LT 9417 | Action Research | 3 |
| IS_LT 9431 | Children's Library Materials | 3 |
| or IS_LT 9434 | Teen Library Materials | |
| IS_LT 7380 | School Library Practicum | 3 |
For Students Who Do Not Hold a Teaching Certificate
For students who do not hold Missouri teaching certificates, the program consists of 58 credit hours, including 30 credit hours of library and information science content, 18 hours of professional teacher education, and 10 hours of school library practicum and internship.
| Required Courses to be Taken Before ePortfolio | ||
| IS_LT 7305 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | 3 |
| 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 7313 | Collection and Access Management | 3 |
| IS_LT 7314 | Reference Sources and Services | 3 |
| IS_LT 9404 | School Library Administration | 3 |
| Required Emphasis Area Courses | ||
| IS_LT 9406 | Curriculum and the School Library | 3 |
| IS_LT 9417 | Action Research | 3 |
| IS_LT 9431 | Children's Library Materials | 3 |
| or IS_LT 9434 | Teen Library Materials | |
| IS_LT 9467 | Technology to Enhance Learning | 3 |
| SPC_ED 4020 | Teaching the Exceptional Learner | 3 |
| LTC 4460 | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages | 3 |
| ESC_PS 2010 | Inquiry Into Learning I | 3 |
| LTC 2040 | Inquiring into Schools, Community and Society I | 3 |
| LTC 4560 | Reading and Writing in the Content Areas | 3 |
| IS_LT 7306 | School Library Early Field Experience | 1 |
| IS_LT 7307 | School Library Mid-Level Field Experience | 1 |
| IS_LT 9481 | School Library Internship | 1-8 |
| Required ePortfolio to be taken in final fall or spring semester (1 credit hour) | ||
| IS_LT 9499 | Library and Information Science ePortfolio | 1 |
Graduate Examination Process
In your final semester, you will develop and present an E-Portfolio of your work to demonstrate your mastery of the LIS Student Learning Outcomes. E-Portfolios support students’ ability to demonstrate thoughtful reflection on their time in the program and what they learned. Students will include artifacts created as part of their coursework during their time in the program and will reflect on how each relates to their understanding of the SLOs. Students will also provide a biography, and supply a resume or CV. When you submit your M-1 Program of Study, you will identify the semester in which you will enroll in IS_LT 9499 MLIS E-Portfolio. Typically, this will be your last regular (i.e. fall or spring) semester.
Admissions
For inquiries about the program or admissions process, contact our Student Services Office: 303 Townsend Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Email: sislt@missouri.edu Phone: 877-747-5868 or 573-882-4546.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the MLIS and the minimum requirements of the graduate faculty, enforced by the MU Graduate School.
- Undergraduate GPA (Grade Point Average): Minimum 3.0 in last 60 hours of degree
- GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for any coursework beyond the undergraduate level.
- GRE testing is not required.
- For international applicants, our MLIS requires a TOEFL score of 100 (0-120 scale) or 5 (1-6 scale), IELTS score of 7.5, or a Duolingo score of 130 for all international applicants from countries not listed under Exemptions and Waivers.
How to Apply
- Prepare electronic versions of your resume, responses to essay question prompts, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts for your previous coursework. If admitted, you will be required to supply official transcripts.
- Apply using MU’s online Graduate Application system. Follow the instructions and upload the requested files.
Deadlines
- February 15, for priority decisions for Fall admission
- May 1, for Fall admission
- October 15, for Spring admission
Admission Decisions
Once all your application materials are complete, we will review them and notify you of the decision. Most decisions are made within six weeks after the deadline date.