Master of Library Science

The Master of Library Science (MLS) is designed to prepare competent professionals for school librarianship. The MLS program will introduce students to ​library collection development that supports the curriculum as well as reading for pleasure; comprehensive review of children's and young adult literature; how to manage a school library; information and digital literacies; digital tools that school librarians use; reference and services; and cataloging, classification, and subject analysis techniques. 

Graduates of the MLS program will also have the required coursework necessary for the School Librarian Certification exam in Texas. To be recommended for Texas certification, you must have a valid teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience, the requisite coursework to take the exam, as well as any other requirements included in the Texas Administrative Code for the School Librarian Certificate.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in library science must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

Admissions Review:

1. Graduate Application 
2. Application fee
3. Official transcript from the baccalaureate institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If GPA is lower than a 3.0, the last 60 hours of education can be used. 

Program Review:

1. Pay the $35 Texas Education Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs Fee (paid to the TEA as required by TAC 229.9.7) if seeking Texas School Librarian certification
2. A copy of a valid Texas teaching certificate
3. Teacher Service Record from your school district's Human Resource Department with two years of certified teaching experience preferred
4. Interview 
5. Writing Sample

For instructions regarding the application process, please contact the Department of Library Science at (936) 294-1151 or visit the Office of Graduate Studies program page.

This 36-hour master's degree provides instruction for the preparation of PK-12 school librarians. Graduate students who are on track to complete a Master of Library Science (MLS), must complete a portfolio. Every graduate program requires a final product for its course of study.  For the electronic portfolio in the MLS, Library Science graduate students are expected to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the body of knowledge gained during their courses in the MLS program. Library Science graduate students must be enrolled in a course during the semester that they satisfactorily complete the Portfolio. Portfolio is a competency, in lieu of comprehensive examination, that must be completed in order to meet the requirements for the MLS degree.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Master of Library Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Collaboration and teamwork. 
• Ethical practices.
• Planning and organizational skills. 
• Communication. 
• Technology use in the library.
• Leadership.
• Creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. 
• Flexibility.