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Library Science and Information Services
Librarians Are Leaders!
Whether you're currently a librarian and want to expand your skillset or are just beginning to explore the fascinating world of information resources, we can help you reach your career goals through our two graduate degrees:
Both the Master of Science in Library Science and the Education Specialist satisfy the requirements for Missouri school library media certification. The curriculum has been approved by the American Association of School Librarians (a division of the American Library Association) through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The curriculum is designed with the assumption that active learning is more effective than passive learning and that hands-on and inquiry methodologies are pedagogically sound. Candidates seek information; analyze, compare, and evaluate research findings; critique the literature; and apply their skills and competencies. Communication skills (oral, nonverbal, written, and graphic) are developed to function effectively as a school librarian. Current technology is integrated into courses so you can learn to use them effectively.
Meet Your General Education Requirements
The LIS program at UCM is also home to two popular general education courses:
LIS 1010 - Truth, Lies and Information Management GE (2)
In an information-saturated society, this class prepares students to locate, evaluate,
and synthesize information for academic, professional and personal pursuits by developing
a critical awareness of sources and search strategies.
LIS 1600 - University Library and Research Skills GE (2)
Freshman-level course introduces traditional and computer-based resources and services
available in academic libraries and strategies for locating, evaluating and using
information.
Both of these courses fulfill Foundational Skills Competency #5 in the Managing Information area of the UCM General Education Program.
Earn Your Graduate Degree Online
Complete your degree from any location. Whether you live in Warrensburg, in Missouri or another state, or even another country, all of the program requirements can be completed from wherever you have an internet connection. Class assignments and project work are completed in the time frames that best suit your work and life schedule!
Dates and Deadlines
New Applications
- Fall Semester Start - applications due July 31
- Spring Semester Start - applications due December 1
- Summer Semester Start - applications due April 15
Practicum Students
- Fall Practicum - applications due to the program coordinator by March 31
- Spring Practicum - applications due to the program coordinator by October 31
- There is no Summer Practicum
Thesis Deadlines
- Fall Commencement - thesis submitted to GER by November 15
- Spring Commencement - thesis submitted to GER by April 25
- There is no Summer Commencement
For assistance in practicum enrollment and for questions about program requirements, please email René Burress at burress@ucmo.edu. For questions about thesis requirements, please contact your program advisor.
Initial Teacher Certification in School Librarianship
For students who do not have initial teacher certification, the state of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has developed requirements for certification in school librarianship which include professional education requirements and subject area requirements. Each of these requirements can be met by courses available online at UCM.
Accreditations and Accolades
UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri
Nationally recognized by the American Association of School Librarians
2018 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Library Science Degrees
Program Coordinator
René Burress
Assistant Professor
Lovinger 4116 A
Tel: (660) 543-4910
