School of Library and Information Science
Graduate Programs
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Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Online
- Fully online program with no on-campus requirements
- Accredited by ALA and CAEP
- Evening classes meet in virtual classrooms
- Rolling admission, start any semester
- Study abroad opportunities offered annually
The MLIS is a 40 hour degree program consisting of 19 required and 21 elective credit hours. Detailed information about degree requirements can be found at : Degree Track Requirements and Recommended Electives
Graduate Certificates do not require additional hours, but require an additional capstone experience.
Current information about SLIS admission requirements, academic policies, and other information relating to the graduate programs can be found in the .
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The curriculum for a number of degree programs at Southern Miss have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in Mississippi, and prepare students to sit for licensure exams in Mississippi. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state. Distance students with intent of returning or moving to any state other than Mississippi should be aware of the unique requirements for that state.
MLIS with School Licensure emphasis (AA Level)
To obtain a public school license following completion of this program, students may first obtain school licensure in Mississippi then apply for a license in their state of residence if it allows for reciprocity. Each state has specific requirements for licensure: some examples of additional requirements are additional coursework, distinct test scores, and criminal background checks.
Students seeking licensure in another state are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to determine specific requirements of guidelines for reciprocity. For information about professional licensure determinations made to comply with federal regulations requiring disclosures as to whether a program that is marketed or designed to lead to licensure or state certification leads to professional licensure or state certification, see the following: General professional licensure/state certification information
For questions regarding professional licensure, contact the program coordinator for your specific program. Program coordinators are grouped by college. To access the list click the 'Professional Licensure and Certification Boards by USM College' button at the top of the main Professional Licensure and Certification web page (usm.edu/professional-licensure-certification-disclosures/index.php).
To request consideration for recommendation for AA School Librarian licensure in Mississippi, contact the School Director. Students who plan to use the master's degree in library and information science for Class AA licensure should complete the the electives listed under School Licensure on the Degree Track Requirements and Recommended Electives form.
Supplemental Endorsement for School Library Licensure (AA Level for those with MLIS or other master's degree)
SLIS offers a 25-credit hour Supplemental Endorsement to add to an existing teaching credential. If interested in the endorsement, contact Dr.%20Stacy%20Creel.
- LIS 500: LIS Orientation
- LIS 505: Cataloging and Classification (prerequisite)
- LIS 511: Collection Development
- LIS 589: School Library Practicum
- LIS 508: School Libraries
- LIS 516: Technology in the School Library
- LIS 670: Graphic Novels
- Choose one: LIS 517: Children's Literature, LIS 518: Young Adult Literature, or LIS 590: Library Instruction
- LIS 607: School Library and the Curriculum
Graduate Certificates
Students may earn a graduate certificate along with the MLIS or post MLIS. Eighteen credit hours of LIS credit may count toward both MLIS and LIS certificate if earned together:
Graduate Certificate in Archives and Special Collections
