MLIS in Library and Information Science with Emphasis in Youth Services

Degree Requirements

Required Courses to be Taken Before ePortfolio (18 credit hours)
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 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
Required Emphasis Area Courses (6 credit hours)
IS_LT 9431	Children's Library Materials	3
or IS_LT 9434	Teen Library Materials
IS_LT 9433	Youth Services in Libraries	3
Elective Emphasis Area Courses (at least 6 credit hours)
IS_LT 9403	Gender Construction in Children's/Adolescent Literature and Media	3
IS_LT 9405	Sociocultural Aspects of Literacy	3
IS_LT 9444	The Public Library	3
IS_LT 9410	Seminar in Information Science and Learning Technology (Diverse Children's Materials OR Children's and Adolescent Lit Dealing with Mental Health/Social Emotional Learning)	3
Required ePortfolio to be taken in final fall or spring semester (1 credit hour)
IS_LT 9499	Library and Information Science ePortfolio	1

 

Sample Plan of Study

A student's own plan of study will vary depending on their pace in the program and individual choices. A full-time graduate student takes 9 hours per semester, and part-time students may take 3 or 6 hours. Recommended first classes include IS_LT 7305 Foundations of Library & Information Science and IS_LT 7301 Introduction to Information Technology or IS_LT 7320 Emerging Technologies in Libraries, followed by other required courses.  Some electives are offered biannually, so we recommend that students work with their advisor to create a plan of study that meets their expectations. The LIS Tentative Course Rotation document indicates when each class will be offered. Programs of Study (M-1)s for dual degrees and emphasis areas are available on the MLIS Forms page, including the M-1 for the MLIS with Youth Services emphasis area.  

Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements

 No thesis is required for the MLIS. 

Comprehensive Examination Process

Prior to graduation, all students must complete a Graduate Examination requiring them to demonstrate mastery of the LIS Student Learning Outcomes. The MLIS assessment is the ePortfolio. ePortfolios 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 the program and reflect on how each relates to their understanding of the SLOs. Typically, students create their ePortfolio in the last regular (fall or spring) semester.  

Practicum

All students are encouraged to complete a two- or three-hour practicum as part of the degree. The practicum is real-world experience in libraries and information agencies. Sometimes the practicum is an experience in another part of a library (public services versus technical services), in another kind of library (special versus academic), or in a different institution entirely (e.g., museums). Students are invited to tailor their practicum experience to their own needs and circumstances, including geography and specific areas you want to explore. For more information, please see our Practicum page. 

Admissions