School of Library and Information Science

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Library and Information Science 

Our graduates are professional librarians, archivists, and information specialists who make a positive difference in their communities across the country and internationally. Our fully online programs include some unique features:

No out-of-state fees - online students pay the same tuition as residents
No required visits to campus (although we are happy to see students and graduates who drop by for a visit to our beautiful campus and offices)
British Studies each summer in London, an optional study-abroad course where students may earn 6 elective credit hours
Synchronous classes meet online once each week in virtual classrooms where students may see, hear, and interact with the professors.

LIS Resources @USM Libraries

LIS Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Master of Library and Information Science Degree Requirements

Mission/Vision/Values

Mission
The mission of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is to prepare qualified individuals for professional roles in libraries, archives, and other information environments with appropriate knowledge and skills to serve the information needs of their communities.

Vision
The School of Library and Information Science aspires to promote student success, improve information literacy, and serve diverse populations through excellence in teaching, research, service, and the use of emergent technologies.

Values
The School of Library and Information Science is committed to:
Student-centered learning: We are committed to cultivating an active, student-centered learning community.
Diversity and Inclusion: We recognize and value the diversity of modern society and support inclusiveness in learning.
Intellectual freedom: We embrace the ideals of intellectual and academic freedom and strive to nurture an open, respectful learning environment for the free exchange of ideas.
Service: Because we believe it is a core of the profession, we support service at all levels and encourage ongoing professional development as a means of enhancing skills and knowledge.
Community: We believe in creating, fostering, and participating in learning and research communities that span borders on state, national, and international levels.
Research: We believe research is an essential part of scholarship, not just for creation of new knowledge but for support of teaching and learning and sharing of new knowledge with multiple communities of interest.

Check out the current SLIS Graduate Student Handbook, Policies and Procedures. (PDF)

University of Southern Mississippi Policies (PDF)

Check out the Registrar's Office Academic Calendar for important dates.

Tentative Schedules
Spring 2021 Undergraduate Course Offerings (PDF)
Spring 2021 Graduate Course Offerings (PDF)
Summer 2021 Undergraduate Course Offerings (PDF)
Summer 2021 Graduate Course Offerings (PDF)
Fall 2021 Undergraduate Course Offerings (PDF)
Fall 2021 Graduate Course Offerings (PDF)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PDF)
Graduate Course Descriptions (PDF)

Undergraduate Course Rotation (tentative) 2020-2022 (PDF)
Graduate Course Rotation (tentative) 2021-2023 (PDF)

The University of Southern Mississippi is the only institution in the state with a program accredited by the American Library Association. The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) offers a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), two graduate certificates, and a Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science (LIS) entirely online. Our graduates work in a wide variety of settings, including schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, government libraries, corporate libraries, hospitals, military, museums, archives and other information-related environments.

Graduate Programs (100% Online)

Undergraduate Program (100% Online)

Meet our faculty Plan your visit