M.A. Library and Information Science at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The M.A. in Library and Information Science prepares students for careers and leadership in library and information professions. It has been accredited by the American Library Association since 1974 and provides coursework preparing students for Florida certification as school library media specialists. Graduates work in libraries, businesses and information agencies in the state, nationally and internationally.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: School of Information | Duration: 39 credit hours minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

18 credits of core (Foundations of Library and Information Science, Basic Information Sources and Services, Research Methods, Introduction to Library Administration, Collection Development and Maintenance, Organization of Knowledge I), a 3-credit technology elective and 18 credits of electives. A competency portfolio based on ALA standards replaces the comprehensive exam.

Career pathways

Library, business and information agency roles; school library media specialist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Meet USF university admission and English proficiency requirements. GRE required (preferred minimums 156 Verbal, 141 Quantitative), waived with a 3.50+ GPA in a completed master's, a 3.25+ GPA in upper-division undergraduate work, or a doctoral/professional degree. Applicants not meeting a waiver criterion are considered for conditional admission with GRE, an academic writing sample, three letters of recommendation, resume and statement of purpose; conditional status converts to regular after the first three LIS courses (including LIS 5020) with a GPA of 3.50 or above.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Master's and Educational Specialist admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for master's and Educational Specialist programmes: June 1 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration; priority applications receive maximum consideration and later applications are considered on a space-available basis.

The nonrefundable graduate degree-seeking application fee is $30, paid through the Online Graduate Application site; international applicants may pay by electronic fund transfer from international banks. Test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.) are required only if the programme requires them.

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