School of Information Science & Learning Technologies

University of Missouri

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Apply

Before You Apply

You may test the waters by taking up to nine hours of SISLT course work, with these qualifications:

  • Taking courses prior to applying does not guarantee admission.
  • Take courses that will be included in your program of study — check with the Student Coordinator’s office before enrolling (sislt@missouri.edu).
  • No more than nine hours will count toward your degree before you are officially accepted into the program.

Deadlines

The application packets should be completed by:

  • Fall admission:
    • Priority deadline: Feb. 15
    • Regular deadline: May 1
  • Oct. 15 for spring admission

All applications received after the above dates will be considered for admission in the following semester.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate education.
    • The average GPA of our admitted students for fall 2014 was 3.66.
  • GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for any course work beyond the undergraduate level.
  • For international applicants:
    • Full admission: International applicants will need to submit the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 80 or a Duolingo score of 105 (approved tests are listed on the Graduate School’s website).
    • Probationary admission: TOEFL paper-based test minimum 550-589, TOEFL internet-based test minimum 80-99. Requirements for leaving probation status may include additional language testing or course work, as designated by your advisor and LIS faculty.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online graduate application at least six weeks prior to the deadlines above.
    Upload the following materials to the online graduate application:

    • Resume or CV.
      • This should demonstrate high potential for success in the library and information science field.
    • Responses to essay question prompts.
      • Demonstrate your ability to succeed in a competitive Masters program that meets wholly online.
        • Help the Admissions Committee understand what you will bring to the program, and why you’re a good fit.
      • In addition, demonstrate your capacity for success in a rapidly evolving and social field.
        • LIS professionals make extensive use of technology and must be excellent communicators.
        • They are highly engaged, constantly learning, and ethical in the work they do providing access to information for their users.
        • For additional insight into what the program requires, look to the student learning outcomes.
    • Two letters of recommendation.
      • In the online application, you will need to supply names and contact details of two academic or professional contacts, ideally who understand the rigors of graduate school, who can attest to your critical thinking, your analytical and writing skills, and your potential as a graduate student in a highly-ranked and competitive program and/or your potential as a LIS professional. The Graduate School will contact your references with instructions regarding the letters. Letters from friends, family members, or co-workers who are not supervisors to whom you report, or letters from anyone who is not familiar with your scholastic aptitude for graduate-level coursework are not appropriate, and will not count toward a completed application.
      • We strongly recommend that you have at least one recommendation letter from an undergraduate or graduate instructor who can attest to your critical thinking, and one letter from a supervisor or employer who can speak to your work ethic, propensity for learning new tasks, collegiality, or general “soft skills” that will support your future success in the information professions. If you have a unique circumstance (e.g., self-employment or no contact with former instructors), please contact us for advice. We do not accept letters of reference from references who cannot look objectively at your experience and potential for success given the requirements of this program and of professional-level work in the information professions.
    • Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Upload unofficial transcripts in your online application. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Duolingo scores for international applicants only
      • Full admission: International applicants will need to submit the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 80 or a Duolingo score of 105 (approved tests are listed on the Graduate School’s website).
      • Probationary admission: TOEFL paper-based test minimum 550-589, TOEFL internet-based test minimum 80-99. Requirements for leaving probation status may include additional language testing or coursework, as designated by your advisor and LIS faculty.

     

  2. Have official transcripts sent to:
    MU Office of Research and Graduate Studies
    210 Jesse Hall
    Columbia, MO 65211
  3. Submit official test scores
    • Official TOEFL scores (if applicable) (MU code: 6875, SISLT: 90).

We encourage electronic submission, but applicants can also send materials by mail to:

SISLT Student Services Office
304 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

LIS Policies

Scholarships & Financial Aid

As an LIS graduate student there are various sources of financial aid that you might be able to tap. Please note that you must be admitted to a degree-seeking program to receive financial aid; additionally, some scholarships require full time enrollment of nine credit hours per semester.

MU Financial Aid

The MU Student Financial Aid Office has information on the various forms of financial aid that are available to degree-seekers. A Financial Aid Adviser is also available to discuss your particular needs.

MU Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships can provide you with financial support while pursuing an advanced degree, as well as the opportunity for professional experience and academic training.
Graduate Assistantships are commonly posted on this site:

Graduate Assistantship for MU SISLT Students in St. Louis

The Thomas Jefferson Library St. Louis offers a 9 month graduate assistantship. This as an opportunity to obtain hands-on library experience in an academic library setting, working alongside library administration, librarians, and library staff. Includes stipend and tuition remission. Criteria: Graduate student in SISLT; lives in the metro Saint Louis area. Contact the SISLT Program Coordinator for more information.

Internships

Some libraries and companies may offer internships for promising students. These internships will be announced via SISLT-LIS listserv.

Scholarships

College of Education & Human Development Scholarship Applications are considered once per year in the spring, with awards distributed during the following fall/spring academic term. By filling out this online form before April 8, both currently enrolled students and prospective students are automatically considered for all College of Education & Human Development scholarships for which they are eligible. Online Graduate Scholarship Application

LIS Scholarships

LIS program alumni and friends have generously endowed the following scholarships for students pursuing the LIS master’s degree. Apply for these scholarships by using the College of Education & Human Development Scholarship Application.

Bryce Allen Memorial Scholarship
Family, friends and colleagues established this fund in 2004 in memory of Bryce Allen to provide awards to students enrolled in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies in the College of Education & Human Development.
Absolute Criteria: Graduate status, enrolled in SISLT.
Recipient(s): 1
Doris J. Athy Scholarship
Established by Doris J. Athy in 2001, this fund supports students enrolled in the School of Library and Information Science on the University of Missouri campus.
Absolute Criteria: Graduate status, enrolled in SISLT, must file a FAFSA and show financial need.
C. Edward and Greta S. Carroll School of Information Sciences and Learning Technologies Endowment
Edward C. and Greta S. Carroll established this gift in 2001 for support of graduate students in the School of Information Sciences and Learning Technologies in the College of Education & Human Development.
Absolute Criteria: SISLT, as designated by the director.
Recipient(s): 1
Lucille Marie Cobb Memorial Scholarship
This fund was established in 1996 in memory of Lucille Marie Cobb to benefit graduate students majoring in library science in the School of Information Sciences & Learning Technologies.
Absolute Criteria: SISLT graduate majoring in Library & Information Science
Recipient(s): 4 students
Constance Loraine Hill Memorial Fund in Library and Informational Science
Established in 1994 by Rhona Williams in memory of her mother, Constance Loraine Hill, to provide scholarships to African-American students enrolled in the Library and Information Science program.
Absolute Criteria: SISLT, African American student
Recipient(s): 1
Edward P. Miller Library and Information Science Scholarship
Established in 1993, this was the second scholarship established by Dr. Miller. He was a professor in the School of Library & Informational Sciences for twelve years, and served as Dean for ten of the twelve years.
Absolute Criteria: School of Library & Informational Science student, as designated by the director.
Recipient(s): 1
Ralph H. Parker Endowment for Excellence in the School of Library and Information Science
This is the first scholarship established by Dr. Edward P Miller in 1988. Dr. Miller was a professor in the School of Library & Informational Science for twelve years and served as Dean for ten of those twelve years.
Absolute Criteria: School of Information Science & Learning Technologies student, as designated by the director.
Recipient(s): 1
Ruth Tandy Royse Fellowship in Library Science
Ruth Tandy Royse, a 1916 graduate of MU, established this fund in 1971. Mrs. Royse worked in the University of Missouri library and wanted to study library science but the school had not yet been established. After the School of Library and Informational Science was established, she worked with the Dean to provide this first scholarship gift. This fellowship supports students with academic achievement and potential for development as a librarian with preference given to a graduate of MU.
Absolute Criteria: Graduate students in Library & Information Science, based on academic record, potential for development as a librarian and must fill out FAFSA and show financial need.
Recipient(s): 2
Sharon Willis Memorial Prize
This scholarship was established in 1979 in memory of Sharon Willis, who was a faculty member in the College of Education & Human Development. It is awarded to a graduate student in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies who has made significant contributions in the area of children’s literature or children’s library services.
Absolute Criteria: Graduate students in SISLT who have made significant contributions in the area of Children’s Literature or Children’s Library Services.
Recipient(s): 1
H. W. Wilson Foundation Library Science Scholarship
This scholarship is supported by the H.W. Wilson Foundation with a gift of $10,000 to each of the 56 graduate library and information studies schools in the U.S. and Canada that are accredited by the American Library Association.
Absolute Criteria: Graduate students in School of Library & Information Science
Recipient(s): 2

Other Financial Aid Sources

In addition to internal sources, you should also consider external funds. The Missouri Library Association, Nebraska Library Association, the Missouri State Library, and various other agencies make scholarship funds available for students.

Enroll

How to Enroll

If you intend to live in Columbia or mid-Missouri and attend classes at MU, you should register for the on-campus course section.

If you are not in the mid-Missouri area and plan to attend classes at one of our distance sites, you should register in the off-campus course section or in the course section specific to your site.

  1. Determine which courses you want to take and when they are available by checking MU’s course schedule at MyZou.
  2. Both on-campus and off-campus students register for classes online using the MyZou system.
    1. The University Registrar has provided this information to help you navigate MyZou.
  3. Purchase textbooks and/or course packs (if any are required).

When to Enroll

Enrollment dates vary from semester to semester. For the most current information, visit the MU Academic Calendar.

Orientation

Welcome to the LIS program! There are many people and resources that can help you through your LIS degree. Some of them are listed here, and you can find others by contacting your faculty adviser.

All students in the LIS program, including distance students, are automatically members of the Library and Information Science Graduate Student Association (LISGSA). Regular meetings and events are a great way to make friends with other students, create future professional contacts and connect with the LIS faculty.

Who Is Your Faculty Adviser?

You can find the name, phone number, and e-mail address of your faculty adviser by consulting your admissions letter from SISLT.

If you decide to change advisers, that’s an easy process. Just ask your preferred adviser if he or she would be willing to advise you. When that person says yes, ask him or her to send a note to the Student Coordinator’s Office to indicate that you’d like to switch to your preferred adviser. It’s easy, and there are no hurt feelings on anyone’s part.

When Can You Register?

Check the MU Registrar’s Academic Calendar to determine when you can register. New graduate student registration usually begins about two months before the start of the semester.
Remember that courses may be canceled if they haven’t met enrollment expectations, so if there’s a course you really want to take, enroll for it early.

What Classes Should You Take First?

We ask that our students take all required classes within their first 24 hours of coursework, to give them a foundation in the profession that prepares them for advanced coursework. If you want to take an elective course before completing your required courses, your adviser can help you figure out the best schedule to meet your needs.

If you are admitted in Fall semester, we recommend taking 7301 Introduction to Information Technology and 7305 Foundations of Library and Information Science.

If you are admitted in Spring semester, we recommend taking 7313 Collections and Access Management and 7314 Reference Sources and Services.

Do You Have Transfer Credit?

Have you taken graduate-level coursework from another university? Are you interested in a course offered by another university? You might be able to save time and money by transferring that coursework to your Master’s degree program here! Check below to see if your graduate credit will apply!

Criteria for Transfer Credit
  • Recency. Your transfer credit must be less than 8 years old at the time you’ll graduate. For example, if you graduate in 2010, you can’t transfer a course taken earlier than 2002.
  • Amount. You may transfer six credit hours into your SISLT Program of Study.
  • Adviser Approval. Your transfer credits must be approved by your faculty adviser, and must fit into your LIS degree program. Your adviser may ask to see a course description or syllabus to determine that the transfer course is appropriate for your degree program here at SISLT.
  • Institution. Your transfer credits must be from a regionally-accredited institution in the United States or from an institution abroad that is recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education as a graduate-degree granting institution.
  • Quality. Your transfer credits may not be from extension or correspondence credit.

 
SISLT does not accept transfer credit in lieu of completing the required courses, with one exception. We will accept up to six hours of transfer credit if you have previously been enrolled in an ALA-accredited LIS program and have taken courses at that program that are equivalent to the required SISLT courses.
For more information on transfer credit, speak with a faculty adviser. If your transfer credit meets all the criteria, you must do a few things to get it applied to your degree program.

  • List the transfer credit on your M-1 Program of Study form. If you have already submitted the Program of Study, you will need to submit the Program of Study Revision form with the transfer credit listed.
  • Ensure that your official transcripts from the credit-granting institution are on file with SISLT and the Graduate School.

Degree Progress

The LIS curriculum reflects the foundations of the field as well as the critical issues facing the profession, and you will be evaluated on your mastery of the LIS Program’s student learning outcomes. You will work closely with your adviser on all course selection decisions.

For students admitted in Fall 2014 and later, the program consists of 39 credit hours (credits) including 18 credits of required courses. Students admitted before Fall 2014 are expected to complete 42-credit hour program (with 16 credits of required courses). This decrease in the number of program credit hours and change in the number of credits needed from required courses is the result of a systematic curriculum redesign that optimizes student and faculty resources while at the same time maintains the high quality and affordability of the program.

Required Courses (18 credits) — Note: 16 credits for students enrolled before Fall 2014

  • 7301 Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits) OR 7320 Emerging Technologies in Libraries (3 credits)
  • 7305 Foundations of Library and Information Science (3 credit) Note: Only 1 credit required for students enrolled before Fall 2014
  • 7302 Organization of Information (3 credits) OR 7312 Principles of Cataloging and Classification (3 credits)
  • 7313 Collection and Access Management (3 credits)
  • 7314 Reference Sources and Services (3 credits)
  • 7315 Management of Information Agencies (3 credits) OR 9410 School Library Administration

Practicum

Learn about the Practicum

  • 7381 Practicum in Information Agencies (2–3 credits) OR 7380 Practicum in School Libraries (2–3 credits)

Elective Courses (Selected in consultation with faculty adviser)

  • Must include 15 credit hours of 9000-level courses
  • Must include 12 hours of courses taught by a full-time faculty member.

The Program of Study

After you’ve completed your first semester, you should work with your faculty adviser to fill out the Program of Study Form, also known as the M-1 form. Your Program of Study form plans out the courses you expect to take while you’re in the LIS program. While we provide the below examples, you may wish to use the most current version of the M-1 form available from the Graduate School at https://gradschool.missouri.edu/current-students/forms-cs/.

 
After you sign the Program of Study form, you should bring it or send it to the SISLT Student Coordinator, who will see that your faculty adviser and SISLT’s Director of Graduate Studies sign the form. The form then goes to the Graduate School, where it is approved and signed by the Dean of the Graduate School. Once it is signed by the Graduate School Dean, a copy of the form will be mailed back to you.

After you’ve filled out and submitted your M-1 form, you may change your mind about a course. If this happens, you should fill out the Program of Study Substitution Form to delete the courses you didn’t take from your Program of Study and include the courses you did take. Do this when you register for classes for your last semester, to ensure that you can graduate on time.
Program of Study Course Substitution Form

Graduation

You have to let the Graduate School know that you plan to graduate by filling out the Graduate Application Form. The Graduate Application Form is available for approximately six weeks prior to the beginning of your final semester. Watch your MU email account for notices from the Graduate School and SISLT Student Coordinator as to when the application will be available.

  • The Application for Completion is your indication to the Graduate School that you intend to graduate during a particular semester. Fill it out at the beginning of your final semester in the program.
  • Planning on participating in MU’s commencement ceremony? Read the Graduate School’s commencement ceremony checklist, including where to obtain regalia.

Communications

To make it easier for LIS faculty, staff and students to communicate with each other, we maintain an opt-in LIS Listserv. Below you will find instructions on how to subscribe and unsubscribe.

Once you have subscribed, you will receive email messages containing information about SISLT events, courses and student activities. We also offer a Listserv dedicated to helping you with your job search after graduation.
Please Note: It is important to make sure that you send the subscribing message from the email you want to be included in the Listserv. Also, if your email program asks you if you want to send the message in text or HTML, tell it text only.

LIS Listserv

Listserv Address: sislt-lis@coe.missouri.edu.
Subscribing instructions:

  1. Send an email message to LISTSERV@po.missouri.edu
  2. Do not type anything in the subject line.
  3. Do not include your signature.
  4. In the body of the message type one of the following and only one of the following:
    • To subscribe send:
          subscribe sislt-lis@coe.missouri.edu Joe User
    • Please replace “Joe User” with your name.
    • To unsubscribe send:
          unsubscribe sislt-lis@coe.missouri.edu
    • To change to digest format send:
          Set sislt-lis digest

Before your subscription (or unsubcription) will process, you will have to “confirm” the command. LISTSERV will send you back a confirmation request email. Click on the web link in the email to activate your subscription or leave the list. This extra step helps block spammers and prevents internet vandals from changing your subscriptions.

To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the list, just send mail to sislt-lis@coe.missouri.edu.

The content shared on this listserv is for informational purposes only. The SISLT iSchool does not endorse any outside opportunities communicated through this list.

SISLT JOBS Listserv

Listserv Address: sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu.
Subscribing instructions:

  1. Send an email message to LISTSERV@po.missouri.edu
  2. Do not type anything in the subject line.
  3. Do not include your signature.
  4. In the body of the message type the following and only the following:
    • To subscribe send:
          subscribe sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu Joe User
    • Please replace “Joe User” with your name.
    • To unsubscribe send:
          unsubscribe sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu
    • To change to digest format send:
          Set sislt-lis digest

Before your subscription (or unsubscription) will process, you will have to “confirm” the command. LISTSERV will send you back a confirmation request email. Click on the web link in the email to activate your subscription or leave the list. This extra step helps block spammers and prevents internet vandals from changing your subscriptions.

To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the list, just send mail to sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu.

The content shared on this listserv is for informational purposes only. The SISLT iSchool does not endorse any outside opportunities communicated through this list.

Careers

Librarianship is a rapidly changing field that prepares you to serve new kinds of library and information users with new expectations. Technology has changed the way librarians retrieve information for their users, and yet traditional services remain the same — whether in person or online. Librarians must be information experts in the information age, and our program helps prepare you to become just that.

A Profession in Demand

An impending librarian shortage has been well documented. The American Library Association estimates that nearly a quarter of professional librarians will reach retirement age within the next decade.

But, as more people attempt to navigate digital information, libraries and librarians will be needed more than ever to provide relevant and meaningful services to library users. Moreover, the skills you gain in your LIS education can be used in a variety of other settings, including archives, museums, and businesses.

Career Assistance

  • LIS Job Workshops, conducted by the College of Education & Human Development’s Graduate Student Services and Initiatives office in consultation with LIS faculty. Resources and recordings of the 2017 sessions are available online at https://missouri.instructure.com/courses/1872/pages/lis-career-services-workshops-spring-2017.
  • College of Education & Human Development Career Services Office, for students seeking general career services and advice. Includes sample resumes, cover letters, and thank you notes, as well as potential interview questions. Primarily geared toward Education undergraduates. https://cehd.missouri.edu/career-services/
  • College of Education & Human Development Graduate Student Services and Initiatives Office, for campus and online distance students seeking personalized resume review and career advice. Resume review is available for campus and online students. https://cehd.missouri.edu/graduate-students/
  • University of Missouri Career Services, for students seeking information on the job search process, including resumes, cover letters, interviews, and online image. Services offered to on-campus students include resume review, mock interviews, and consultation with career specialists. Off-campus students can access workshop recordings and schedule simulated interview experiences through InterviewStream. https://career.missouri.edu/services/faculty-staff/class-lesson-plans/online-image/
  • The American Library Association makes career resources available, including the ALA JobList and typical salary information. The ALA JobList Placement Center, which operates at every Annual and Midwinter conference, allows job-seekers to meet with potential employers. http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/employment

Other Resources

  • SISLT Jobs Listserv: New job announcements sent by employers seeking candidates in the fields of library and information science are posted by SISLT faculty and staff.
  • LibraryCareers.org sponsored by the American Library Association, offers information on the variety of careers you can pursue with this degree.
  • JobList.org includes current job listings for the fields of library & information science & technology. Sponsored by ALA and ACRL, you can set up an RSS feed to alert you of a new job posting based on your search criteria.
  • http://inalj.com/ lists job postings by type and by state, offers advice on the job search, and allows the ability to post your resume.
  • Hire MIZZOU Tigers: The University of Missouri provides an online job placement service at no cost to MU students.