Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.

The M.L.I.S. emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field. The degree requires 36 semester hours and is accredited by the American Library Association. Licensure for several career tracks in North Carolina public schools is approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Graduates can qualify for the North Carolina Public Library Certification. The M.L.I.S. is interdisciplinary and students come to it with a wide variety of undergraduate preparation. Many have worked in libraries as undergraduates or as paraprofessionals and feel that they are ready for leadership in information organizations. In addition, the School Library program trains certified teachers or librarians without licensure to be certified for work in North Carolina public schools.

Program Distinctions

• Our Library and Information Science program has been nationally accredited by the American Library Association.
• Our program has been ranked “Best Online Master’s” by College Choice and “Best Online Master’s in Library Science” by Affordable Colleges Online.

Licensure and Certificates: 

• M.L.I.S. with School Library Licensure (M.L.I.S. with 076 licensure) 
• School Library Licensure-Only (076 licensure only)
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Endorsement in Computer Education (079 licensure) 
• M.L.I.S. with Instructional Technology (MLIS with 077 licensure) 
• Instructional Technology Licensure-Only (077 licensure only) 
• School Library Supervisor Licensure (078 licensure only)

The Student Experience

• Students will experience a synchronous online learning environment where instruction is delivered using engaging collaborative opportunities for discussion.
• All courses are provided with small class sizes where students can engage and build their professional learning community in an online-learning environment. 
• Students will interact with a diverse, engaged, and supportive faculty that is dedicated to bringing real-world experience and ideas to the online classroom.
• Faculty meet regularly with students to advise and prepare students for the capstone experience and licensure process. 
• M.L.I.S. students take core courses in topics such as Foundations of Library Science, Information Sources and Services, Library Administration and Management, and Information Organization and Access.
• The Library and Information Science program works with information organizations where their students reside to provide meaningful practicums, capstone, and volunteer opportunities.

After Graduation

The M.L.I.S. emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field and prepares students for positions of leadership in academic, public, school, and special libraries, as well as a variety of roles in both public and private agencies and cultural organizations as information specialists.

Check out our ILRS Jobs Board to see current job announcements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Program Course Requirements 
• Program Customization
• Three-Year Course Plan
• Want more information? Sign up for our monthly information session here! 
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you may apply at any time, and begin your program during either the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

LIVE OUTSIDE NORTH CAROLINA?

Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education.UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.