CLIS Home > Academic Programs
Master of Library Science (MLS)
The MLS program focuses on areas central to research and practice in information science. It emphasizes the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the field. The application of the results of scholarly research are related to current practices and are analyzed with the goal of advancing the quality and scope of services in a variety of information settings. It provides a comprehensive foundation for professional careers in all libraries, information centers, and other agencies engaged in information activities.
Program Requirements
The program for the MLS degree requires 36 credit hours of academic work to be completed with a minimum average of B within five calendar years from the first registration. In the nonthesis option, all credits are course work. The thesis option requires 30 credits of course work and 6 credits of thesis research. While a full-time student can complete the Master's Degree Requirements in a calendar year, the more usual and recommended course of study requires approximately 18 months.
CLIS students have flexibility in completing the program. Students may take courses in daytime and evening and may change from part-time to full-time and vice versa, as their circumstances permit. Most MLS courses are offered both day and evening on a regular rotation; however, there are a few courses that are only offered during the day or evening.
The History/Library Science (HiLS) specialization requires 54 credit hours for the MLS and MA in History. The time limit for completion of all degree requirements for the dual degree specializations is five years.
Each student works with a faculty advisor to design a suitable course of study.
Five courses are required upon entry into master's study:
- LBSC 601 Information Use, OR LBSC 605 Archival Principles, Practices and Programs (for students in the Archives, Records, and Information Management specialization), OR LBSC 640 Library Media Specialists as Information Professionals (for students in the School Library Media specialization)
- LBSC 635 Management and Administration for the Information Professional
- LBSC 650 Information Access
- LBSC 670 Information Structure
- LBSC 690 Information Technology
Students must complete the five required courses before taking electives. The other six course are electives selected by the student and the advisor. Advisor approval is required before registering for courses.
At least 24 credits of the 36 required must be LBSC courses taken at CLIS. A student may take courses in other UMCP departments or through the Consortium at other area institutions (limit of nine credits). Six credits may be transferred from another accredited graduate program and from Advanced Special Student status at UMCP. Information about policies and procedures governing degree requirements and courses taken outside CLIS is available from the CLIS Student Services Office.
For a full listing of courses, see the Course Descriptions page.
Specializations and Concentrations
Students may also choose to complete a Master’s Thesis. Here are the requirements:
http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/catalog/masters_degree_policies.htm#10
Academic Options
Students may choose to specialize in one of two areas:
Students may also choose from two concentrations:
Career Course Plans
Guides have been developed by CLIS faculty and staff to assist students in choosing courses and other academic pursuits (e.g., field work, research, participation in professional association activities) that will best prepare them for their career.
Field Study
Students may participate in a field experience appropriate to their individual career goals, in which they obtain professional experience under the direct supervision of a professional librarian or information specialist. Students spend 100-140 hours per semester at the site and produce a written report. They meet regularly during the semester with the instructor to discuss assigned readings and to share their field experiences.
Approximately 200 institutions sponsor CLIS internships, including the Library of Congress, George Meany Memorial Archives, Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Canadian Embassy Library, Maryland State Library, Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries, National Wildlife Federation Library, National Agricultural Library, National Archives and Records Administration, and University of Maryland Libraries.
Admissions
Please see MLS Admissions.
Tuition and Fees
Please see Fees and Expenses.
Financial Aid
A limited amount of financial aid is available through UMCP. For more information about financial aid opportunities and jobs, please see the Financial Aid information page.
Job Placement
CLIS maintains placement resources in the Student Services Office; notices are posted in the Paul Wasserman Library and on a ground-floor bulletin board, as well. Placement resources include literature on employment trends, job hunting techniques, and other aspects of career development; and information on professional organizations. Sessions on resume-writing and interviews are held regularly. Employers visit CLIS to interview graduating students.
Student Activities
The CLIS Student Organization is composed of all graduate students in the College. The organization sponsors social and service activities; representatives serve as full voting members of CLIS committees and the Collegium, the College's governing body. See CLIS Student Handbook.
There are active student chapters of the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), Special Libraries Association (SLA), and the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and an organization for the school library media students.
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