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Program Information - Master 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.
Program-Level Learning Outcomes
- Apply the values, ethics, and professional guidelines of the library and information professions.
- Plan for the sustainable management of human, fiscal, and information resources for access and equity
- Plan for the implementation of technologies in libraries, including strategies for developing the technical skills and habits of mind in librarians, patrons, and stakeholders as necessary for innovation.
- Curate, organize, and manage information resources to support retrieval by users.
- Evaluate and propose library services for diverse communities.
- Analyze data to make decisions for the library.
The entirely online Master 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.
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.
- Fall Semester Start - applications due July 31
- Spring Semester Start - applications due December 1
- Summer Semester Start - applications due April 15
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.
UCM offers several scholarships specifically for students in the MLS 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.
The Liz Fenner Family Scholarship
The Liz Fenner Family Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a degree in library science who works in a school in a rural community.
Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to learn more about and apply for scholarship opportunities.
Master of Library Science Options
Master of Library Science, MLS
- 24 semester hours of required library science courses
- 12 semester hours of elective courses within your choice of specializations:
- School Librarianship
- Public Librarianship
- Academic Librarianship
Master of Library Science, MLS with a specialization 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 required library science courses
- 12 semester hours within the school library specialization, including 4 semester hours of practicum requirements
- 8 semester hours of internship experience (also referred to as “student teaching”)
- 1+ additional credit of the student's choice (as needed to complete the 30 credit requirement of the EdS)
As a student in the Masters of Library Science, School Library Specialization, you may 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.
As a student in the Master of Library Science, Public or Academic Library Specialization, you may participate in an internship course. Interns work with a library mentor to gain practical experience in a library.
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: Research Methods in Library Science (3) (required)
- LIS 6900: Research Problem (3) (elective)
You will design a research project in your choice of topic as part of the requirements for the LIS 5900 Research Methods in Library Science course. In LIS 6900: Research Problem, students can choose to either implement a 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.
Student Career Outcome data is available here. Our 2023-2024 data indicates 100% Destination Success Rate.
ALA Accreditation Candidacy Status
The University of Central Missouri has been granted candidacy status by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association (ALA) as of July 2024. Candidacy status is an indication that the Master of Library Science at UCM has voluntarily committed to participate in the ALA accreditation process and is actively seeking accreditation. Candidacy does not indicate that the program is accredited nor does it guarantee eventual accreditation of the program by ALA.
Our program is CAEP-accredited and nationally recognized by AASL.
MLS programs which are American Association of School Librarians (AASL) recognized and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited have a specialty in school librarianship that has been reviewed and recognized by AASL’s program reviewers using the ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards. The MLS at UCM is the only CAEP-accredited/AASL-recognized program in Missouri.
| Name | Title | Workplace |
| School Libraries | ||
| Kirsten Shaw | 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 Libraries | ||
| April Roy | Director of Employee Success | Kansas City Public Library |
| Jackie Hawes | Director | Trails Regional Library |
| Lori Perdew | Branch Manager | Scenic Regional (Pacific branch, STL) |
| Lysha Thompson | Programming and Outreach Librarian | Heartland Regional Library |
| Nathan Wittmaier | Library Systems Manager | Mid-Continent Public Library |
| Academic Libraries | ||
| Dr. Janette Klein | Dean | James C. Kirkpatrick Library |
| Kyle Constant | Systems Librarian | James C. Kirkpatrick Library |
| Michelle Franklin | Library Director | State Fair Community College |
| Courtney Trautweiler | Library Director | Cottey College |
| Dr. Kodjo Atiso | Africana and International Studies Librarian | University of Kansas |
| State Library | ||
| Katie Dunne | Youth Services Consultant | Missouri State Library |
| Janet Caruthers | State Librarian | Missouri State Library |
The advisory board convenes annually. Invited members also include the Dean of the College of Education, the Chair of the Department of Educational Technology and Library Science, LIS faculty and adjuncts, an interdisciplinary faculty member, the SOLIS president, a student representative, and the Educational Technology and Library Science office professional.
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