MLIS in Library and Information Science with Emphasis in PK-12 Library Media Specialist, Certification
In the 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. Please visit the Library and Information Science web page for the most current information.
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
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.
| 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 9404 | School Library Administration | 3 |
| 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.
| 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 9404 | School Library Administration | 3 |
| 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 (Early Field Experience) | 1 |
| IS_LT 7380 | School Library Practicum (Mid-Level Field Experience) | 2 |
| IS_LT 7380 | School Library Practicum (Advanced Field Experience) | 3 |
| IS_LT 9480 | Internship in Information Science and Learning Technologies (Student Teaching) | 7 |
| 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 |
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
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.