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Library and Information Science - M.L.I.S.

COLLEGE: College of Communication and Information
DEPARTMENT: School of Library and Information Science
Tel: 330-672-2782
E-mail: slisinform@kent.edu
Web: www.slis.kent.edu
 
DESCRIPTION: The Master of Library and Information Science prepares students for positions of leadership in librarianship and the information professions. The program emphasizes the preparation of students for professional service in academic, public, special and school libraries and other types of information agencies. Kent State offers the only American Library Association-accredited M.L.I.S. degree program in Ohio. An M.L.I.S. degree is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers.

This degree program is available 100 percent online.

Students seeking School Library Media licensure have three pathway options in the School of Library and Information Science:
  1. For students who have a teaching credential: M.L.I.S degree with K-12 School Library Media Licensure (School Library Media concentration) is a 39-credit-hour course of study that prepares students to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries. The program includes library science and instructional technology courses.
  2. For students who do not have a teaching credential: Dual Degree M.Ed./M.L.I.S. degrees with K-12 School Library Media Licensure (Dual Degree MEd/MLIS School Library concentration) is a 57-credit-hour course of study, offered in cooperation with the College of Education, Health and Human Services. It prepares students to work in all types of libraries including school libraries and confers initial teaching license. The program includes professional educational requirements, library science and instructional technology courses.
  3. K-12 School Library Media Licensure is a 29-credit-hour non-degree course of study that prepares students to work in school libraries only. The program includes library science and instructional technology courses.
Note: Conferral of a school library media license requires successful completion of the Praxis exam in library media (#0311) and a practicum.

Dual Degree with the Master of Business Administration is for managers of large libraries and information centers. Individuals in these positions need knowledge pertaining to planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Advanced education to obtain knowledge and learn skills related to these management functions enables students to take advantage of career opportunities both in library settings and other information settings, in the profit and non-profit sectors.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS:
 Official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation, GRE if GPA is below 3.0, TOEFL for international students, goal statement and biographical sketch.
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS:
 		The Master of Library and Information Science degree requires a minimum of 36 hours.
THESIS: Students must choose between a 3-hour culminating experience (LIS 60670) or a 6-hour master’s thesis to meet degree requirements.
PROGRAM FEE: None
ACCREDITATION: American Library Association