Master of Library Science
The Master of Library Science is designed to prepare competent professionals for school librarianship; encourage and support scholarly research and publications; promote and participate in professional development; offer educational services to schools, libraries, and the community; and plan, implement, and evaluate the academic curriculum, teaching effectiveness, physical resources, program policies, and the learning environment.
Graduates of the M.L.S. program will also have the required coursework necessary to sit for the School Librarian Certification exam in Texas. Students interested in Texas certification must have a valid classroom teaching certificate and two years of classroom experience before taking the exam.
Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in library science must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Admissions Review:
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- 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:
- 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
- A copy of a valid Texas teaching certificate
- Teacher Service Record from your school district's Human Resource Department with two years of certified teaching experience preferred
- Interview
- 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Library Science | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| LSSL 5330 | Collection Development | 3 |
| LSSL 5332 | Organization of Collections I | 3 |
| LSSL 5334 | Infor Services & Resources I | 3 |
| LSSL 5337 | School Library Administration | 3 |
| LSSL 5360 | Literature For Children | 3 |
| LSSL 5366 | Library Internship | 3 |
| LSSL 5367 | Research Design & Methodology | 3 |
| LSSL 5370 | School Librarianship | 3 |
| LSSL 5385 | Lit For Young Adults | 3 |
| LSSL 5391 | Dig Tech for the Schl Librar | 3 |
| LSSL 5396 | Computer Sci App Librarianship | 3 |
| Elective | ||
| Select one elective graduate course in LSSL | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
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.
