Program: Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S. - Columbia Campus

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MLIS program, students will demonstrate competency in information and its organization.

Students will demonstrate competency in the provision of information services.

Students will demonstrate competency in leadership and management in the LIS field.

Students will demonstrate competency in research in the LIS field.

Students will demonstrate competency in technology in the LIS field.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and professional development within the LIS field.

Academic Progress

Students must present a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B average) on all courses taken in the program at the time of graduation. Students who earn a grade below B on more than six hours of course work or a grade of D, F, WF, or U in any course will not be allowed to continue in the program. Students who receive a grade below C in a course cannot apply the course toward graduation.

If a student is readmitted and received a grade of D+ or D in a required course, they must retake the course to attain a grade of at least C. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS is awarded may not be included on the student’s Program of Study.

Additionally, Graduate School policy states that graduate students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and allowed one calendar year to raise the GPA to at least 3.00. Students who do not reach a cumulative 3.00 GPA during this grace period will not be permitted to enroll for further graduate work.

Degree Requirements (36 Hours)

For the Master of Library and Information Science degree, an approved program of at least 36 semester hours of graduate course work must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) overall. Required courses and the technology competency requirement are designed to provide students with an understanding of the information profession. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation, each student will submit an electronic portfolio documenting learning and professional growth during the MLIS program.

Coursework

SLIS 701 - Introduction to Library and Information Studies
SLIS 705 - Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science
SLIS 707 - Information Organization and Retrieval (*not required for students on the School Library Track)
SLIS 706 - Introduction to Information Technologies or the Competency Exemption Exam
24-27 hours of electives

Students on the School Library track have a prescribed set of courses for certification.

End-of-Program Portfolio

Program of Study

Students and their advisors will choose a minimum of 24-27 hours of elective courses. No more than six (6) hours can be below the 700-level and courses below the 600-level will not be accepted on the Program of Study. Elective courses in the School of Library and Information Science and other graduate departments may be used to develop a specialization in one or more areas or to provide a broad, general preparation for the information professions. A minimum of 24 graduate hours must be completed within the School. The remaining 12 hours may be taken in other related academic units of the University. Students have the option of transferring up to six semester hours of graduate course work from colleges or universities other than the University of South Carolina. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS degree is awarded may not be included on the student’s Program of Study. No more than six semester hours may be earned in independent study credit.

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