Library Science, MLS

The master of library science is a totally online degree program designed for students seeking employment as librarians and information professionals in Pre K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, public libraries, and related settings. All students are eligible for NC Public Library Certification upon completion of the MLS degree requirements. The MLS requires a minimum of 39 s.h. of credit. Eight core courses (24 s.h.) are required of all students to be taken in a consecutive series as follows:

Tier 1:

Tier 2:

Tier 3:

School library media (courses required for public school licensure):

A school focused sequence of courses within the 39 hour MLS including the following courses specific to school librarianship:

LIBS 6135 - Materials for Children
LIBS 6137 - Materials for Young Adults
LIBS 6142 - Instructional Foundations of the School Library Media Program
LIBS 6144 - Instructional Strategies and Leadership for School Media Specialists
and one elective (3 s.h.) to be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Note:

The 076 Media Coordinator license also requires a satisfactory score on the Media Coordinator Praxis/NTE (National Teacher’s exam). LIBS 6989 - Early Internship is a prerequisite for students seeking media coordinator licensure and lacking an initial teaching licensure. Prospective school pathway applicants who hold an undergraduate degree or graduate degree in another discipline must complete the full MLS degree requirements, as specified above (39 or 42 s.h.).

Public library:

LIBS 7050 - Seminar on Public Libraries
Electives (12 s.h.) selected in consultation with an advisor.

Academic library:

All electives are selected in consultation with an advisor to meet the career goals of the student.

LIBS 6810 - Academic Libraries
LIBS 6972 - Research Methods in Library and Information Studies
9 s.h. of electives

Note:

Applicants holding a graduate degree in library science who are seeking school licensure are required to submit transcripts for evaluation. Upon review, a course of study will be determined to meet the competencies of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the American Association of School Librarians of the American Library Association working with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.