Programs
General
BA with LIS Major
MLIS
Dual Master's, LIS and Anthropology
Dual Master's, LIS and History
Dual Master's with Political ScienceSchool Library Media Programs
For Mississippi licensure, the endorsement, AA master's, and AAA specialist certifications require a pre-existing public school certification either in library media or a teaching area.
BA with LIS Major
Endorsement for Certification A License for School Library Media Specialists
MLIS with School Library Media Specialist AA License
Specialist in Library and Information Science
Specialist's with Emphasis in School Library Media Specialist at the AAA LevelSLIS offers a 21-credit hour Supplemental Endorsement for School Library Media Specialists that can be completed entirely online. The 21 hour supplemental endorsement complies with No Child Left Behind credit hour requirements. For more information, please see the description of our distance learning opportunities.
Bachelor of Arts in Library and Information Science |
During the first two years at the university, the library and information science (LIS) major should acquire a broad general education in the liberal arts and sciences. Library and information science courses for the undergraduate major or minor begin in the junior year and end in the senior year. LIS majors are advised to concentrate elective hours in one subject field, professional area, or language in order to qualify for better library positions. Students desiring to prepare for positions in public, academic, or corporate libraries or information centers, or other information professions should follow the general Bachelor of Arts degree program and complete twenty-five (25) credit hours of LIS courses. Students must also complete the requirements for a minor or a dual major in another field, and complete sufficient elective hours from any departments of the university to complete the 128 semester hours required for a degree. Students should consult their adviser when planning their minor or dual major. General degree requirements may be found in The University of Southern Mississippi's Undergraduate Bulletin
Undergraduate Bulletin The Bachelor of Arts degree in library and information science may be used to satisfy the requirements for licensure as a school library media specialist in the state of Mississippi. Requirements for a LIS major with licensure include twenty-seven (27) hours of library and information science courses plus thirty-seven (37) hours of professional education core courses.Undergraduate Nondegree for Mississippi School Library Media Specialist Endorsement
Undergraduate nondegree is normally the vehicle for teachers with A certification to add a School Library Media Specialist Endorsement. If you are interested in seeking nondegree status as an undergraduate, you must first send the following information to The University of Southern Mississippi's Undergraduate Admissions Office:
1) Official Transcripts
2) Application form: see Online Applications or visit the Admissions Office.
3) Immunization records [MMR]After this information is sent to the Admissions Office, download and print the Undergraduate Approval for Nondegree Enrollment Form (PDF). Please fill out this form and FAX or mail a copy to the School of Library and Information Science department (number and address provided). Submission of this form does not ensure admission to a class.
Master of Library and Information Science |
The master of library and information science (M.L.I.S.) program is flexible, allowing a balance of required courses and elective courses in order to meet the individual needs of each student. The M.L.I.S. degree is conferred upon students who have met the following requirements:
- Earned 39 semester hours of credit consisting of 21 hours of required courses, 15 hours of general electives, and three hours of the master's project
- Completed a minimum of 18 hours at the 600-level courses
- Maintained a 3.00 cumulative grade point average
- Completed the graduate program within six years
Required Courses (21 credit hours) – The required courses provide a conceptual basis for understanding basic functions in all types of libraries and information centers. These courses provide a body of principles, concepts, factual information, and attitudes that enable students to develop a sense of themselves as professionals in a service-oriented profession. A student may substitute, with the permission of the director, an elective for a required course if he/she achieved a grade of "B" or better in an equivalent graduate course at an accredited institution.
The required courses are as follows:
LIS 501-Introduction to Reference Resources and Services
LIS 505-Cataloging and Classification
LIS 511-Development of Library Collections
LIS 605-Library Management
LIS 636-The Library in American Society
LIS 651-Introduction to Information Science
LIS 668-Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Electives (15 credit hours) Electives provide the student an opportunity to pursue an area of emphasis and to build upon the foundation of the required courses. Students may select from more than 40 elective courses in library and information science, ranging from children's literature to microcomputers to archives administration.
Master's Project (3 credit hours) - Additionally, all students are required to complete LIS 695, Master’s Project. Students investigate a topic or question related to librarianship, archives, or information science using a systematic research methodology and present their findings in a clearly written and documented research report. Students develop the proposal for the project, conduct their research, and report the findings under the supervision of a two-member faculty committee. Faculty supervising the project encourage students to undertake research that serves the profession and adds to its knowledge.
During the semester the master's project proposal is submitted students take a comprehensive exam. Successful completion of the project and the comprehensive exam are required to receive the master's degree.
Computer Competencies - Students are expected to have the following computer competencies in order to successfully complete many of the courses in the School of Library and Information Science. Students who do not have these competencies should enroll in a computer competency course.
- Knowledge of file structure and management, including extensions, types, etc.
- Knowledge of how to manipulate folders, files, and documents, including copy, paste, save, and save as functions
- Knowledge of how to ftp and telnet
- Knowledge of software compatibility issues, including versions and brands
- Basic knowledge of telecommunications, including modem speeds, Internet access options, etc.
- Knowledge of use of basic applications, including word processing, databases, and spreadsheet
- Possession of and ability to use e-mail accounts, including addressing, domain names, forwarding, attachments, netiquette, etc.
Field Experience and practical work experience in a library or other information center significantly complements the intellectual and theoretical focus of traditional course work. Students are encouraged to include in the graduate curriculum a practicum or field experience at a library, archives, or information center.
The School of Library and Information Science offers the Masters of Library and Information Science in an entirely online format. For more information, please see the description of our distance learning opportunities.
Dual Master of Anthropology and Library and Information Science |
SLIS and the Department of Anthropology offer a combined program leading to two master degrees: Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Arts in Anthropology. Students pursue the degrees simultaneously. The combined program includes thirty (30) hours in library and information science and thirty (30) hours in Anthropology, for a total of sixty (60) hours. Students in the combined program must complete the following requirements:
- Thirty (30) hours in library and information science.
The following are required courses:
LIS 501, 505, 511, 605, 636, 651, 666, and 691 (3 hours)- Thirty (30) hours in anthropology
- Proficiency in one foreign language (see Graduate Bulletin) or two semesters (6 hours) of graduate-level quantitative research methods
- A comprehensive exam in anthropology
- A thesis
Dual Master of History and Library and Information Science |
SLIS and the Department of History offer a combined program leading to two master's degrees: Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Arts in History. Students pursue the degrees simultaneously. The combined program includes thirty (30) hours in library and information science and thirty (30) hours in history, for a total of sixty (60) hours. Students in the combined program must complete the following requirements:
- Thirty (30) hours in library and information science
The following are required courses:
LIS 501, 505, 511, 605, and 636
LIS 651 or LIS 647
LIS 631 or 638 or 646 or 649 or 666
LIS electives: six (6) hours
LIS 691, which will confer three (3) of the 6-hour thesis requirement- Thirty (30) hours in history
- A reading knowledge of one foreign language
- A thesis that confers six (6) hours of the minimum hourly requirement for the history component
A comprehensive oral examination, administered by a three-member committee representing both disciplines, is given after satisfactory completion of the course work and thesis.
Dual Master of Political Science and Library and Information Science |
The Department of Political Science and the School of Library and Information Science offer a dual master's program leading to the Master of Arts in Political Science and the Master of Library and Information Science degrees. Students must be admitted separately to each program. The total number of hours required for both programs is 60, including 3 hours of thesis in each program - 30 hours for MLIS and 30 hours for the MA in Political Science. Students must satisfy the requirements of both degrees before the degrees will be awarded. Students in the combined program must complete the following requirements:
- Thirty (30) hours in library and information science
The following are required courses:
LIS 501, 505, 511, 540, 605, 636, 651 and 691
LIS electives: 2 courses in LIS, 3 hours each, chosen in consultation with an academic adviser. Strongly recommended is at least one practicum (LIS 689, 3 hours).- Thirty (30) hours in political science
PS 511, 698
24 hours in political science, chosen in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies in three of the following areas:
Public Administration-PS 571, 572, 573, 574, 770
Public Law-PS 580, 581, 582, 584, 585, 588, 589, 781
Political Theory and Methodology-PS 511, 512, 520, 521, 526, 721
American Government and Politics-PS 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 700
International Relation-PS 531, 532, 535, 730, 731
Comparative Government and Politics-PS 550, 552, 556, 557, 558, 750Supplemental Endorsement for Certification A License for School Library Media Specialists |
SLIS offers a 21-credit hour Supplemental Endorsement for School Library Media Specialists, which can be completed online. If you are interested in the endorsement, please contact the School of Library and Information Science.Required Courses: 15 Credits
LIS 401/501 Introduction to Reference Resources and Services. 3 hours. An introduction to reference materials, services, activities, and functions, as well as methods for locating information.
LIS 405/505 Cataloging and Classification. 3 hours. Principles and methods of cataloging and classifying library materials. Provides practice in bibliographical description and subject analysis.
LIS 408/508 School Library Media Centers. 3 hours. Study of the administration and development of the school library media center.
LIS 411/511 Development of Library Collections. 3 hours. Philosophy and principles governing the selection and procurement of all types of library materials.
LIS 445/545 Sources of Information for a Multicultural Society. 3 hours. Overview of the diversity of information resources available in print and other media for a multicultural society and the diversity of information utilization by that society.
Electives 6 credits (one each from the two following groups):
Group A
LIS 417/517 Literature and Related Media for Children. 3 hours. A survey of children's literature, traditional and modern, and other related materials for use by and with children of grades 1-6.LIS 418/518 Literature and Related Media for Adolescents. 3 hours. Study of adolescent literature and other related materials for the use by and with young people of grades 7-12.
Group B
LIS 416/516 Media Utilization. 3 hours. A survey of media resources and equipment, with an emphasis on utilization in libraries.LIS 440/540 Information Ethics. 3 hours. Introduces ethical issues and concerns specifically related to information professions and information technology.
Undergraduate Nondegree for Mississippi School Library Media Specialist Endorsement
Undergraduate non-degree is normally the vehicle for teachers with A certification to add a School Library Media Specialist Endorsement. If you are interested in seeking nondegree status as an undergraduate, you must first send the following information to The University of Southern Mississippi's Undergraduate Admissions Office:
1) Transcripts
2) Application form: see Online Applications or visit the Admissions Office
3) Immunization records [MMR]After this information is sent to the Admissions Office, download and print the Undergraduate Approval for Nondegree Enrollment Form (PDF). Please fill out this form and FAX or mail a copy to the School of Library and Information Science department (number and address provided). Submission of this form does not ensure admission to a class.
Graduate Nondegree for Mississippi School Library Media Specialist Endorsement
Graduate nondegree is normally the vehicle for teachers with A certification to add a School Library Media Specialist Endorsement who are considering pursuing the Master's in Library and Information Science. If you are interested in seeking nondegree status as a graduate, you must first send the following information to The University of Southern Mississippi's Graduate Admissions Office:
1) Official Transcripts
2) Application form: see Online Applications or visit the Office of Graduate Studies.
3) Immunization records [MMR]After this information is sent to the Admissions Office, download and print the Graduate Approval for Nondegree Enrollment form. Please fill out this form and FAX or mail a copy to the School of Library and Information Science department (number and address provided). Submission of this form does not ensure admission to a class.
M.L.I.S with School Library Media Specialist AA License |
The licensure of school library media specialists is mandated by state departments of education. The School of Library and Information Science, in conjunction with The University of Southern Mississippi, College of Education and Psychology, offers the courses required for licensure in Mississippi and in most other states. Information about specific licensure requirements is available upon request from the director of the School of Library and Information Science.
Students who plan to use the master's degree in library and information science for Class AA licensure should complete the following courses in addition to the required M.L.I.S. courses:
LIS 508, 516, 517, 518, 525, 591
The following professional educational courses must be completed to satisfy licensure in the state of Mississippi:
REF 601 and REF 607
Students seeking licensure at the master's degree level are also advised that they may be required to complete more than 45 hours to meet all degree and licensure requirements, especially if they do not hold a Class A License in library and information science. Each student should see his or her adviser or the director of the School of Library and Information Science for further information concerning licensure requirements.
Specialist in Library and Information Science |
The Specialist in Library and Information Science (S.L.I.S.) advanced degree program will provide the opportunity for practitioners to meet specific requirements in their professional areas, earn AAA school library media licensure, participate in continuing education activities, and specialize in particular areas of librarianship. Library and information science courses will include information technologies in a variety of information environments, advanced management seminars, and advanced research design. Specific courses of study are planned to meet the needs of individual students in consultation with faculty advisers and the director. All students in the SLIS program are required to complete a three-hour Specialist Field Problem (LIS 794), or Specialist Thesis (LIS 798). All students must pass an oral defense of their project or thesis before a committee. Summer term and transfer credit information that applies to the master's program, also applies to the specialist's program.
Students entering the specialist’s program with a master of library and information science degree must complete the following requirements:
- Thirty-six (36) semester hours in library and information science, with the option to include twelve (12) hours from related departments such as public administration, political science, educational leadership, communications, and marketing:
Thirty hours (30) of electives selected from the following recommended courses: LIS 506, 508, 516, 517,518, 525, 540 545, 557, 558, 560, 591, 641, 653, 654, 655, 656, 670, and 675
Six hours (6) of a specialist field project (LIS 794) or thesis (LIS 798)
- Oral defense of the specialist field project or thesis to a committee and comprehensive exam.
- Students must meet the residency requirements specified in this Bulletin.
Specialist in Library and Information Science with Emphasis in School Library Media Specialist Licensure at the AAA Level |
Students entering the specialist's program with a master of library and information science degree with an AA license must complete the following requirements:
- Thirty-six (36) semester hours of course work
Eighteen hours (18) of elective courses in LIS
Twelve hours (12) of recommended education courses (consult adviser)
Six hours (6) of a specialist field project (LIS 794) or thesis (LIS 798)
- Oral defense of the specialist field project or thesis to a committee
- Students must meet the residency requirements specified in this Bulletin.
Students entering the specialist's program with a Master of Education degree with an AA license must complete the following requirements:
- Forty-five (45) semester hours of course work:
Twenty-one (21) hours of prerequisite courses: LIS 501, 505, 511, 605, 636, 651, 668
Eighteen (18) hours of elective courses in LIS, with an option to substitute twelve (12) hours of education courses for the recommended LIS courses (consult adviser)
Six (6) hours of a specialist field project or thesis
- Oral defense of the specialist field project or thesis to a committee
- Students must meet the residency requirements specified in this Bulletin.
