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:
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
Objective 2.1 have knowledge of community demographics and learning styles
Objective 2.2 promote inquiry in all of its forms
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
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
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ContactDr. Rene Burress, Ph.D. |
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:
Acceptance into the program requires:
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:
These courses must be taken and grades received prior to enrolling in other courses required for the degree or reapplying for admission.
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.
UCM offers several scholarships specifically for students in the LSIS program:
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.
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.
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
Library Science and Information Services, MS with an emphasis in School Library
Library Science and Information Services, MS with an emphasis in School Library + Education Specialist (EdS) in Initial Teacher Certification:
Professional Leadership, EdS - Librarianship Option
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:
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:
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.
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