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Online Master of Library and Information Science

Total Credit Hours

36

Cost Per Credit Hour

$485

Application Deadline:

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Start Leading In A Rapidly Changing Landscape.

More than ever, library and information professionals are expected to perform at a high level of proficiency. LSU Online is equipping students in the Online Master of Library and Information Science program to hone their practical skills in this knowledge-intensive field. Our online MLIS degree is a non-thesis program that offers a solid foundation in information theory, information seeking and retrieval skills, information technology expertise, information organization, information behavior, management of information organizations, and understanding information research. Additionally, students in the Online MLIS program have the option to earn either an online Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies or an online Graduate Certificate in Records and Information Management with their elective courses. From anywhere in the world, students can enroll in this 100% online program that offers a blend of applied and theoretical knowledge, preparing students to succeed in a diverse range of information environments. Become a distinguished professional and start qualifying for new career pathways in library and information science. Additional information on the School of Library & Information Science Graduate Programs can be found here.

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An MLIS is the required terminal degree for nearly all librarianship positions in North America and is the preferred degree for archival positions and other information professions.

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Dual Degree

Students have the option to complete either an online Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies or an online Graduate Certificate in Records and Information Management with their Online MLIS elective courses.

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Experienced Faculty

All core required courses are taught by full-time faculty or adjuncts with PhDs and advanced professional experience.

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Accreditation

The Online MLIS program is the only ALA-accredited program in Louisiana and has been continuously accredited since 1931.

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"The MLIS program is based on nearly 90 years of academic and instructional excellence. The faculty bring their research and professional expertise to provide a unique applied learning experience. Graduates are respected leaders in their fields and remain engaged with the LSU School of Library & Information Science."

Dr. Carol Barry
Director- LSU School of Library & Information Science

Explore This Program

Cost Online MLIS

Total credit hours per program: 36 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $485

Total cost with fees: $17,460

The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.

Course Listings Online MLIS

Program Core Credit Hours
LIS 7000: Information & Society 3
LIS 7004: Management of Information Organizations 3
LIS 7008: Information Technologies and Systems 3
LIS 7009: Understanding Research 3
LIS 7010: Organization of Information 3
LIS 7011: Information Behavior 3

 

Students can select a total of 6 electives (18 credit hours) that best suit their career interests from among the four focused elective groups below. Students may take courses from one area or multiple areas. 

Librarianship Focused Electives Credit Hours
LIS 7002: Information Resources 3
LIS 7100: Youth Services Librarianship 3
LIS 7110: Adult Services Librarianship 3
LIS 7401: Academic Libraries 3
LIS 7608: Introduction to Cataloging and Classification 3
LIS 7807: Information Literacy Instruction 3
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science 1-3
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study 1-3

 

Archival Studies Focused Electives Credit Hours
LIS 7408: Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles & Practice 3
LIS 7504: Preservation Management of Physical Records 3
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation 3
LIS 7506: Preservation & Digitization of Audiovisual Materials 3
LIS 7702: Seminar in Archival Appraisal 3
LIS 7703: Advanced Seminar in Archival Studies 3
LIS 7704: Archival Arrangement & Description 3
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science 1-3
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study 1-3

 

Cultural Heritage Resource Management Focused Electives Credit Hours
LIS 7408: Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles & Practice 3
LIS 7504: Preservation Management of Physical Records 3
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation 3
LIS 7506: Preservation & Digitization of Audiovisual Materials 3
LIS 7608: Introduction to Cataloging and Classification 3
LIS 7700: History & Theory of Cultural Heritage Institutions 3
LIS 7705: Introduction to Museum Management 3
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science 1-3
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study 1-3

 

Records and Information Management Focused Electives Credit Hours
LIS 4511: Information Architecture 3
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation 3
LIS 7508: Management of Knowledge-based Assets in Organizations 3
LIS 7604: Principles of Records Management 3
LIS 7612: Information Governance 3
LIS 7618: e-Discovery 3
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science 1-3
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study 1-3

 

 

Admission Requirements Online MLIS

Applicants must apply through the LSU Graduate School. All application materials must be received by the application deadlines. In addition to the LSU Graduate School required materials, the School of Information Studies requires applicants to provide:

1. A resume

2. A statement of purpose of at least 1,000 words that answers the following questions:

  1. Why do you want to earn an MLIS?
  2. What are your career goals and objectives?
  3. How will the degree help you achieve these goals?

Please note: MLIS does not require letters of recommendation.

The Graduate School's criteria for admission and probationary admission are shown below.

Admission

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • A grade-point average of at least 3.0 (“A”= 4.0) on all undergraduate work (or in the final 60 credit hours) and 3.0 on any graduate-level work

Probationary Admission

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • A grade-point average of at least 2.75 (“A”= 4.0) on the final 60 hours of undergraduate work and 3.0 on any graduate-level work
  • Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.75 for the final 60 hours of undergraduate work must have completed a minimum of nine hours of graduate work with at least a 3.33 GPA to be considered for probationary admission
  • Official GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing) no more than five years old of at least 300 composite and 3.5 writing. Other standardized graduate admissions exams will be considered (GMAT, MAT, LSAT, etc.)
  • In your Statement of Purpose you must also address the reasons for your lack of achievement as an undergraduate and the reasons you believe you would succeed in the program

For information on the application process, application fees and deadlines, and application processes for international students, see the Graduate School website.

Career Opportunities Online MLIS

A broad range of career opportunities are open to graduates of the Online MLIS program. Many graduates go into the field of librarianship, working in public, corporate, academic, and school libraries. But the MLIS degree also gives you the flexibility to explore a variety of careers.

Selected Positions: 

  • Acquisitions Librarian
  • Children’s Librarian
  • Government Documents Librarian
  • Law Librarian
  • Reference Librarian
  • Technical Services Librarian
  • Young Adults Librarian
  • Bibliographer
  • Indexer
  • Abstractor
  • Archivist
  • Processing Archivist
  • Manuscript Curator
  • Records Analyst
  • Records Manager
  • Museum Librarian
  • Museum Registrar
  • Preservationist/Conservator
  • Antiquarian Book Specialist
  • Genealogical Researcher
  • Ontologist
  • Taxonomist/Thesaurus Developer
  • Metadata Specialist
  • Commercial Records Center Manager
  • Digital Projects Researcher
  • Document Manager/Analyst
  • Electronic/Digital Resources Cataloger
  • Imaging Specialist
  • Micrographics Specialist
  • Information Manager
  • Information Resource Manager
  • Public Records Researcher
  • Usability Specialist
  • Data Miner
  • Reprography Specialist
  • Visual Resource Specialist
  • Book (or Serials) Vendor Representative
  • Grey Literature Specialist
  • Hypermedia Products Developer
  • Electronic Document Professional
  • Forms Management

Accreditation Online MLIS

The online Master of Library and Information Science program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). 

 

What Will I Learn? Online MLIS

Our online MLIS degree offers a solid foundation in information management, organization, and research. Students will be prepared to excel in a diverse range of information science careers. Electives help to further hone students’ skills in a specific area of their choosing.

Students in the Master of Library & Information Science will meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Be able to describe and identify political, social, legal, and ethical issues related to the role of information in society. This encompasses information creation, access, and use by individuals and groups in real-world settings.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of information technologies. Appropriate information technologies encompass theories and tools in the context of library and information services.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesize research literature in LIS and other disciplines.
  • Be able to describe and evaluate information services that reflect and respond to the needs of diverse constituencies. Information services include but are not restricted to collection, organization, description, dissemination of information, programming, and outreach.

Why Choose This Program? Online MLIS

Why choose LSU’s online Master of Library and Information Science?

Our MLIS is the only ALA-accredited program in Louisiana. It has also maintained accreditation since 1931. For over 90 years, the comprehensive MLIS program has provided students with the knowledge and experience to excel in their careers. Courses are taught by expert faculty, and graduates themselves become respected leaders in the LIS field. Additionally, students also can complete a graduate certificate while they earn their online Master of Library and Information Science.

 

When To Begin? Online MLIS

There are many factors new students should consider when deciding whether to begin their academic degree or certificate program in the summer or during a fall/spring term. Summer modules are shorter (5 weeks) when compared to fall/spring modules (7 weeks). Therefore, a course during a 5-week module requires students to dedicate more time than a 7-week module.

New students that have full-time jobs or family obligations may find it more challenging to begin their degree or certificate program in the summer modules. Graduate School policy requires students maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to avoid academic probation (“B” or better), and a 2.75 GPA or higher to remain academically eligible. Our online students have told us that summer courses demand they devote more time to their coursework to be successful because of the shorter length of the summer module. Students in summer courses should expect to spend about 25 hours per week on their academic studies.

Online studies provide the flexibility you need to fit your educational goals into your life. Please consider these factors when deciding which start time gives you the best opportunity for a successful beginning to your academic journey.

For more detailed information, you may read the School of Information Studies Graduate Student Handbook

Ready to reach your goals?

Take the first step forward by completing the form and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:

  • Additional information on the Master of Library and Information Science online program
  • Financial aid options (employer funding, military benefits)
  • Receiving credit for past education (transfer, professional development)
  • The admissions process and timeline

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