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:
- 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 online master's degree consists of 12 courses. For those who want to be certified as a school librarian in Texas, completion of a 160-hour practicum and the TExES School Librarian Certification Exam is required.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Library Science | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| LSSL 5330 | Collection Development | 3 |
| LSSL 5332 | Organization of Collections I | 3 |
| LSSL 5334 | Information Services and 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 | Literature for Young Adults | 3 |
| LSSL 5391 | Digital Technology for the School Librarian | 3 |
| LSSL 5396 | Computer Science Applications to 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.
- Technology use in the library.
- Leadership.
- Creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.
- Flexibility.
