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Program Information - Masters of Library Science, MLS
The Master of Library Science is a 36-credit program that prepares students for professional careers in libraries. The program provides students with a foundation of library and information science philosophy, theory, and practice, with an emphasis on the pressing concerns facing libraries today. This includes, but is not limited to, the critical service functions of instruction, programming, leadership, community-building, and lifelong learning as well as the important library practices of organizing, collecting, storage, and retrieval. The program emphasizes project and service-based learning experiences, led by experienced faculty who are committed and passionate about the library profession.
Program Vision and Mission
Vision: The Master of Library Science program at UCM aspires to provide transformational education by creating an inclusive learning community that connects learners worldwide with practitioners in their field of study.
Mission: The Master of Library Science program at UCM disseminates knowledge that transforms students into library leaders who possess the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in all types of libraries.
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ContactJenna Kammer, Ph.D. |
Program Goals and Student Outcomes
As a graduate of the Library Science and Information Services, MLS program, you will have the knowledge, skills and confidence to meet the program's goals and student outcomes:
Goal 1: Foundations. Foster and promote the core principles, values, and ethics of the information professions in candidates, preparing students to serve a wide range of patrons and students.
Goal 2: Teaching and learning. Prrovide candidates with the technical, pedagogical and analytical skills to effectively adapt to future changes and challenges within the information professions.
Goal 3: Leadership. Encourage candidates to become library leaders by developing strong relationships and interconnectedness with various stakeholders, types of libraries, community agencies, families, learners and government agencies.
Goal 4: Inclusive Practice. Develop candidates who are competent with fundamental library skills and practices, including information organization, access, and retrieval, and with the ability to incorporate social justice and inclusion into professional practice.
Goal 5: Evidence-Based Decision-Making. Develop new scholar practitioners who value and execute applied research within their area of specialization.
Student Learning Outcomes
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Apply the values, ethics, and professional guidelines of the library and information professions.
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Plan for the sustainable management of human, fiscal, and information resources for access and equity
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Evaluate and plan for implementation of information technologies in libraries.
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Curate, organize, and manage information resources to support retrieval by users.
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Evaluate and propose library services for diverse communities.
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Analyze data to make decisions for the library.
The entirely online Masters of Library Science (MLS) degree is designed to help you become a 21st century librarian. The librarian develops, promotes, and implements a program that engages library users and supports their information needs. This degree builds on prior interdisciplinary coursework and supports your growth as a librarian or information professional.
The program’s objectives are:
- 90% of all MLS graduates will have secured a position in librarianship or a similar profession (e.g., librarian, director, archivist, museum staff, knowledge manager, indexer) or information-based organization within one year following their graduation.
- 80% of all MLS graduates will respond to an exit survey sent after graduation that they have the skills and attributes to become and remain successful librarian professionals.
- 80% of employers of the MLS graduates will respond to a survey indicating that our graduates have the skills and attributes to become and remain successful librarian professionals.
Admissions, Costs, and Scholarships
Acceptance into the program requires:
- undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- 2.75 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA
- completion of an online application through the Office of Graduate Studies
- completion of a letter of intent
- submission of a resume
Conditional Admission
If you do not meet the overall grade point average, you may be classified as “a non-degree seeking student” until you achieve a minimum 3.50 graduate GPA after completing the following courses:
- LIS 5100 - Foundations of Librarianship (3)
- LIS 5250 - Developing and Managing Collections (3)
- LIS 5622 - Library Administration and Leadership (3)
- LIS 5322 - Information Sources and Services (3)
These courses must be taken and grades received prior to enrolling in other courses required for the degree or reapplying for admission.
Application Dates and Deadlines
- Fall Semester Start - applications due July 31
- Spring Semester Start - applications due December 1
- Summer Semester Start - applications due April 15
Costs
The UCM MLS program has been consistently ranked one of the most affordable LIS degrees in the United States by Learn.org.
Full information on tuition and costs for UCM Graduate Students is available on the Student Financial Assistance page. You can use the UCM Cost Calculator to estimate the total tuition for your degree.
UCM supports students as they fund their degree. Each student is paired with a Financial Aid advisor to work with throughout their program. Access the UCM Financial Aid page to learn more about financing your degree.
Scholarships
UCM offers several scholarships specifically for students in the LSIS program:
Suzanne Foster Scholarship in Library Science
The Suzanne Foster Scholarship in Library Science is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in library science at UCM. This scholarship is made possible by way of gifts from family, friends and royalties earned from the sale of the University of Central Missouri (UCM) General Education course LIS 1600 University Library & Research Skills textbook: Information Literacy for Undergraduates by Sandra Jenkins, UCM faculty member.
Beatrice Ricks Library Scholarship
The Beatrice Ricks Library Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in library science. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from Dr. Beatrice Ricks.
Dr. Aileen Helmick Memorial Scholarship in Library Science
The Dr. Aileen Helmick Scholarship in Library Science is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in Library Science. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from family and friends of Aileen Helmick, ‘76.
Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to learn more about and apply for scholarship opportunities.
Degree and Course Requirements
The LSIS Program offers five exciting options for students who are interested in earning a graduate degree in the area of Library Science and Information Services.
Master of Science Options
Library Science and Information Services, MS
- 24 semester hours of library science electives
- 3 hours of practicum requirements
- 6 hours of research requirements
- A capstone project within an area of the student’s choice
Library Science and Information Services, MS with an emphasis in School Library
- 24 semester hours of library science electives
- 3 hours of practicum requirements
- 6 hours of research requirements
- A capstone project within an area of the student’s choice
Library Science and Information Services, MS with an emphasis in School Library + Education Specialist (EdS) in Initial Teacher Certification:
- Approximately 17 semester hours of education courses (depending on previous coursework)
- 24 semester hours of library science electives
- 5 hours of practicum requirements
- 6 hours of research requirements
- 8 semester hours of internship experience (also referred to as “student teaching”)
Education Specialist Options
Professional Leadership, EdS - Librarianship Option
- 21 semester hours of electives
- 9 semester hours of research requirements
- A thesis requirement
Cooperative Bridge Program
This is a collaborative program in Library Science and Information Services between the University of Central Missouri and Murray State University. Students can earn an Education Specialist (EdS) and a Doctorate in Education (EdD). Admitted students must complete:
- EdS requirements at UCM: 30 credit hours
- 18 credits in LIS coursework
- 6 credits of research
- 6 credits of internship
- EdD requirements at Murray State: 30 credits
- 21 credits in core courses
- 9 credits of dissertation courses
Practicum Experience
As a student in the Masters of Library Science, School Library Concentration, you will participate in an early practicum (1 credit) course and late practicum (2 credits) course. During these courses, you will spend time working within a library with a mentor at the beginning and end of your program. These practicum experiences allow you to see how theories, professional standards, and competencies are applied within a real-world setting. As part of these experiences, you will complete a portfolio aligned with professional standards (AASL/CAEP, ALA, ACRL, etc.) as evidence of your learning in these courses.
Research Experiences
Librarians must make data-driven decisions to guide practice and improve information services for their community. To prepare you to do this, the program includes several research courses:
- LIS 5900: Action Research in Libraries (3) (required)
- LIS 6900: Research Problem (3) (elective)
You will design an action research project in your choice of topic as part of the requirements for the LIS 5900 Action Research course. In LIS 6900: Research Problem, students can choose to either implement an action research project or complete a project to solve a problem identified in their studies. Both options will lead you to become an expert in a topic you are passionate about. Many students have published their research projects in journals or presented them at professional conferences.
Advisory Board
Name |
Title |
Workplace |
School Librarians |
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| Kelly Pryde | Middle School Librarian | Warrensburg School District |
| Traci Mattis | Elementary Librarian | Lee's Summit School District |
| Angie Groenke | Director of Libraries | North Kansas City School District |
Public Librarians |
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| Jackie Hawes | Director | Trails Regional Library |
| Napthali Faris | Branch Manager | Mid-Contintent-Lone Jack |
| Lori Perdew | Branch Manager | Scenic Regional (Pacific branch, STL) |
| April Roy | Director | KC Public Library |
| Nathan Wittmaier | Library Systems Manager | Mid-Continent Public Library |
Academic Librarians |
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| Janette Klein | University Librarian | UCM |
| Kyle Constant | Systems Librarian | UCM |
| Michelle Franklin | Library Director | State Fair Community College |
| Courtney Trautweiler | Library Director | Cottey College |
State Library |
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| Lysha Thompson | Youth Services Consultant | Missouri State Library |
Interdisciplinary Faculty |
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| Lauren Hays | Associate Professor | UCM |
| Amber Clifford | Professor of Anthropology and Director of the McClure Archives and University Museum | UCM |
Current Students |
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| Samantha Iadanza | Elementary Para | Chicago |
| Theo Tate | Montgomery City Library Board Member | Montgomery City, MO |
Fulltime Faculty |
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| Rene Burress | Chair, Associate Professor Dept of Educational Tech & Library Science |
UCM |
| Jenna Kammer | Associate Professor | UCM |
| Sandra Jenkins | Senior Instructor | UCM |
| Ann McCoy | Dean, College of Education | UCM |
| Amanda Harrison | Assistant Professor | UCM |
| Cheryl Plummer | Office Professional III | UCM |
Adjuncts |
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| Paula Erickson | High school librarian and adjunct | Fort Osage |
| Robin Gibbons | Practicum and Internship |
