The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree prepares professionals to design, implement, and manage library and information services in academic, public, school and special libraries, as well as related information agencies and settings. The program is offered with the following specializations:
- MLIS individualized programs are designed to provide flexibility that supports student choices and career plans
- School Library Media Specialists
- Digital Information Management
- Academic Libraries
Courses are all offered online. The MLIS program was launched in the Fall of 2016 and it has been fully accredited by ALA since 2020.
The MLIS curriculum is a 36-credit hour program: six core courses, including a field-based internship, that address discipline-specific foundations and concepts; five courses focused on specializations of a student’s choice; and one concluding course that prepares students to meet degree requirements (capstone experience) determined by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The culminating capstone experience provides opportunities for students to showcase and apply their knowledge and skills gained throughout their program.
Careers
Southern’s Library and Information Science program prepares graduates for a variety of exciting positions such as academic librarian, law librarian, school librarian, data curator, instruction librarian, and emerging technology librarian. Careers in the field afford students the opportunity to help others, provide knowledge and guidance to communities, and make positive changes at the departmental or institutional level.
Library science careers offer strong growth potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for librarians to grow nine percent through 2026. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for library scientists nationally is $60,000. Those with a master's degree or higher typically earn more than $84,000 per year.
Typical Job Titles
- Librarian
- Information Specialist
- Digital Asset Manager
- Archivist
- Research Librarian
Accreditation
The MLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
I draw on my coursework at Southern every day in my current job as faculty librarian at the Ohio State University. My MLS degree was a crucial stepping stone in my career, and above all, it gave me the skills and confidence I needed to conduct systematic research and publish my work in the field of library science. I am truly grateful for the hands-on mentoring and warm support I received from my thesis advisor and many other faculty and staff during my time in the program.
Ann Marie Davis, '15
Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.
Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.
School / College
College of Education
Department
Information and Library Science
Contact
Hak Joon Kim, Ph.D.