Library Science and Information Services, MS

The University of Central Missouri Library Science and Information Services (LSIS) program offers several MS degree concentrations to choose from:

• Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services
• Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services, School Librarian Concentration
• Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services, School Librarian Concentration + Initial Teacher Certification

All of our programs are completely online. Complete your degree from any location. Students in the LSIS program are local, regional, national, and international. Wherever you live, all of the program requirements can be completed from wherever you have an internet connection. Assignments and projects are completed within the time frames that best suit your work and life schedule! Our LSIS program has been online for over 20 years!

 

Accreditation

UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri. Our LSIS program is nationally recognized by the American Association of School Librarians. We are currently seeking pre-candidacy status with the American Library Association. 

As a graduate of the Library Science and Information Services, MS program, you will have the knowledge, skills and confidence to meet the program's goals and student outcomes:

 

Goal 1. Use Information Efficiently and Ethically

• Objective 1.1 build stimulating learning environments that promote active learning, reading, and information literacy
• Objective 1.2 ensure equitable access to information for all

Goal 2. Teach Others

• Objective 2.1 have knowledge of community demographics and learning styles
• Objective 2.2 promote inquiry in all of its forms

Goal 3. Collaborate and Lead

• Objective 3.1 connect the library with the larger community
• Objective 3.2 provide professional development for patrons
• Objective 3.3 advocate for libraries at local, state, and federal levels

Goal 4. Manage the Library Program

• Objective 4.1 plan, select, and organize the library collection
• Objective 4.2 manage library staff, budgets, and space
• Objective 4.3 assess the library and library programs

The entirely online Library Science and Information Services, MS program is designed to help you become a 21st century librarian. The librarian develops, promotes, and implements a program that engages library users and supports their information needs. This degree builds on prior interdisciplinary coursework and supports your growth as a librarian or information professional.

 

The program’s objectives are:

• 90% of all Library Science and Information Services, MS graduates will have secured a position in librarianship or a similar profession (e.g., librarian, director, archivist, museum staff, knowledge manager, indexer) or information-based organization within one year following their graduation.
• 80% of all Library Science and Information Services, MS graduates will respond to an exit survey sent after graduation that they have the skills and attributes to become and remain successful librarian professionals.
• 80% of employers of the Library Science and Information Services, MS program’s graduates will respond to a survey indicating that our graduates have the skills and attributes to become and remain successful librarian professionals.

Admissions

Acceptance into the program requires:

• undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• 2.75 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA
• completion of an online application through the Office of Graduate Studies
• completion of a personal interview

Apply Now!

Conditional Admission

If you do not meet the overall grade point average, you may be classified as “a non-degree seeking student” until you achieve a minimum 3.50 graduate GPA after completing the following courses:

• LIS 5100 - Foundations of Librarianship (3)
• LIS 5250 - Developing and Managing Collections (3)
• LIS 5622 - Library Administration and Leadership (3)
• LIS 5322 - Information Sources and Services (3)

These courses must be taken and grades received prior to enrolling in other courses required for the degree or reapplying for admission.

 

Application Dates and Deadlines

• Fall Semester Start - applications due July 31
• Spring Semester Start - applications due December 1
• Summer Semester Start - applications due April 15

 

Costs

The UCM LSIS program has been consistently ranked one of the most affordable LIS degrees in the United States by Learn.org.

Full information on tuition and costs for UCM Graduate Students is available on the Student Financial Assistance page. You can use the UCM Cost Calculator to estimate the total tuition for your degree.

UCM supports students as they fund their degree. Each student is paired with a Financial Aid advisor to work with throughout their program. Access the UCM Financial Aid page to learn more about financing your degree. 

 

Scholarships

UCM offers several scholarships specifically for students in the LSIS program:

Suzanne Foster Scholarship in Library Science

The Suzanne Foster Scholarship in Library Science is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in library science at UCM. This scholarship is made possible by way of gifts from family, friends and royalties earned from the sale of the University of Central Missouri (UCM) General Education course LIS 1600 University Library & Research Skills textbook: Information Literacy for Undergraduates by Sandra Jenkins, UCM faculty member.

Beatrice Ricks Library Scholarship

The Beatrice Ricks Library Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in library science. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from Dr. Beatrice Ricks.

Dr. Aileen Helmick Memorial Scholarship in Library Science

The Dr. Aileen Helmick Scholarship in Library Science is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in Library Science. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from family and friends of Aileen Helmick, ‘76.

Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to learn more about and apply for scholarship opportunities. 

The LSIS Program offers five exciting options for students who are interested in earning a graduate degree in the area of Library Science and Information Services. 

• Library Science and Information Services, MS
• Professional Leadership, EdS - Librarianship Option

Master of Science Options

Library Science and Information Services, MS

• 24 semester hours of library science electives
• 3 hours of practicum requirements
• 6 hours of research requirements
• A capstone project within an area of the student’s choice

Library Science and Information Services, MS with an emphasis in School Library

• 24 semester hours of library science electives
• 3 hours of practicum requirements
• 6 hours of research requirements
• A capstone project within an area of the student’s choice

Library Science and Information Services, MS with an emphasis in School Library + Education Specialist (EdS) in Initial Teacher Certification:

• Approximately 17 semester hours of education courses (depending on previous coursework)
• 24 semester hours of library science electives
• 5 hours of practicum requirements
• 6 hours of research requirements
• 8 semester hours of internship experience (also referred to as “student teaching”)

 

Education Specialist Options

Professional Leadership, EdS - Librarianship Option

• 21 semester hours of electives
• 9 semester hours of research requirements
• A thesis requirement

 

Cooperative Bridge Program

This is a collaborative program in Library Science and Information Services between the University of Central Missouri and Murray State University. Students can earn an Education Specialist (EdS) and a Doctorate in Education (EdD). Admitted students must complete:

• EdS requirements at UCM: 30 credit hours
  • 18 credits in LIS coursework
  • 6 credits of research
  • 6 credits of internship
• EdD requirements at Murray State: 30 credits
  • 21 credits in core courses
  • 9 credits of dissertation courses

As a student in the Library Science and Information Services, MS program, you will participate in an early practicum (1 credit) course and late practicum (2 credits) course. During these courses, you will spend time working within a library with a mentor at the beginning and end of your program. These practicum experiences allow you to see how theories, professional standards, and competencies are applied within a real-world setting. As part of these experiences, you will complete a portfolio aligned with professional standards (AASL/CAEP, ALA, ACRL, etc.) as evidence of your learning in these courses. 

Librarians must make data-driven decisions to guide practice and improve information services for their community. To prepare you to do this, the program concludes with 6 credits of research courses:

• LIS 5900: Action Research (3)
• LIS 6960: Research Problem (3)

You will design an action research project in your choice of topic as part of the requirements for the LIS 5900 Action Research course. In LIS 6960: Research Problem, you will choose to either implement your action research project or write a literature review exploring a topic of your choice. Both options will lead you to become an expert in a topic you are passionate about. Many students will publish their final capstone projects in journals or present on them at professional conferences.