Our program has two pathways to certification — one for current certified teachers (Advanced Certification) and another for students who do not have any teaching certification (Initial Certification).
For Advanced Certification:
Students who hold a current teaching license are required to complete 36 credit hours of MLIS coursework. This coursework includes required courses, two approved electives, and one internship.
For Initial Certification:
Students who do not hold a current teaching license are required to complete 51 credit hours. In addition to the 36 credit hours required of Advanced Certification students, Initial Certification students are also required to enroll in 12 hours of required education coursework and a second internship experience.
Capstone Courses
ISCI 720 and ISCI 794 (internship) are capstone or final courses. All other coursework must be completed prior to enrolling in ISCI 720 and ISCI 794, regardless of certification track. These classes are to be taken in the final semester(s) and are only offered in fall or spring semesters.
Full degree requirements can be found on the Academic Bulletin.
School Library Internship
MLIS students on the school library track are required to complete at least one 3-hour internship as part of their degree requirements. Students who hold a valid teaching license (Advanced Certification) must complete one 3-hour internship. Students who do not hold a valid teaching license (Initial Certification) must complete two 3-hour internships. Internships are completed in the final semester, or final two semesters in the case of initial certification students, after all other coursework in the degree is completed. Internships are only offered in fall or spring semesters.
Students must apply for their internship by the deadline posted for their internship semester:
- September 15 for spring internships
- March 15 for fall internships
Current students can find detailed information about the internship in the iSchool Graduate Students Blackboard Organization.
Portfolio Requirements
Successful completion of the School of Information Science portfolio is a requirement for the MLIS with the School Library concentration. School Library concentration portfolios are submitted in the final semester as part of the required final internship class. This electronic portfolio includes an introduction, resume, vision statement, and work samples (with introductory reflective essays) that document competency in the program's learning outcomes
Students can find detailed information about the portfolio requirements in the iSchool Graduate Students Blackboard Organization.