Library Science, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Admissions standards reflect those used in other MU graduate programs and those presented at R1 and R2 institutions in other states offering this degree. Additionally, they are established at this level aligning with program outcomes to ensure that the university produces ethical and capable practitioners of librarianship who can obtain employment in a special, public, or academic library in the region.

Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at marshall.edu/graduate-admissions. All admission materials must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.

In addition, to be admitted to the MSLS program, an applicant must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree and have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
  • One professional letter of recommendation, and can include any additional optional letters of recommendation, from former instructors or library employers describing the applicant's academic ability or current knowledge of the field.
  • A writing sample in the form of a written personal statement not to exceed 1000 words. Personal statements generated by artificial intelligence will not be accepted.
    • Prompt: Introduce yourself and articulate your motivation for pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that have equipped you for this program, and outline your career goals, explaining how this degree will facilitate their achievement. Convey your passion for librarianship and dedication to making meaningful contributions to the field.

Provisional Admission:

  • Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 may still apply and will be admitted on a provisional basis.
  • Provisional students who are admitted must maintain a 3.0 or better in their graduate courses for the duration of the MSLS program.
  • Admission standards for the School Library track outlined by the College of Education and Professional Development must be met by candidates.

Conditional Admission:

The MSLS program may admit applicants conditionally for one term, on a limited basis, at the discretion of the program.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete the required 30 hours listed in the plan of study and pass the competency exam administered in their last semester. 

Degree students are expected to maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average in their courses. 

No more than nine hours excluding the optional internship can be substituted for LSC courses (with prior approval) from other graduate degree programs.

Students may obtain graduate certificates in addition to the required LSC courses. 

Course Requirements

Core Courses (12 hours)
LSC 500Library Foundations 3
LSC 505Library Organization3
LSC 510Library Research Skills3
LSC 515Library Management3
Elective Courses (18 hours)
LSC 600Library Access Services3
LSC 605Collection Development3
LSC 610Library Resource Management3
LSC 615Print/Digital Preservation3
LSC 620Library Marketing Skills3
LSC 520Ethical Librarianship3
Optional Internship Course
LSC 625Library Internship3
Optional Special Topics Courses
LSC 580Special Topics3
LSC 581Special Topics3
LSC 582Special Topics3
LSC 583Special Topics3
LSC 650Special Topics3
LSC 651Special Topics3
LSC 652Special Topics3
LSC 653Special Topics3
Optional Independent Study Courses
LSC 585Independent Study3
LSC 586Independent Study3
LSC 587Independent Study3
LSC 588Independent Study 3
LSC 685Independent Study 3
LSC 686Independent Study 3
LSC 687Independent Study 3
LSC 688Independent Study 3

CURRICULUM NOTE:

  • Relevant substitutions (up to nine hours) among the elective courses will be allowed with permission from both the MSLS program and the academic unit providing substitutions.

Plan of Study

The courses below will always be offered in the terms listed. A student may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Plan of Study Grid
FallCredit Hours
LSC 500 Library Foundations 1 3
LSC 505 Library Organization 1 3
LSC 600 Library Access Services 3
LSC 605 Collection Development 3
 Credit Hours12
Spring
LSC 510 Library Research Skills 1 3
LSC 515 Library Management 1 3
LSC 610 Library Resource Management 3
LSC 615 Print/Digital Preservation 3
 Credit Hours12
Summer
LSC 520 Ethical Librarianship 3
LSC 620 Library Marketing Skills 3
 Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours30
1

LSC 500, LSC 505, LSC 510, and LSC 515 are offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

Optional Courses 

The following optional courses can be taken in any term:
LSC 625Library Internship (optional in place of a focused course only) 23-9
LSC 580Special Topics3
LSC 581Special Topics3
LSC 582Special Topics3
LSC 583Special Topics3
LSC 650Special Topics3
LSC 651Special Topics3
LSC 652Special Topics3
LSC 653Special Topics3
LSC 585Independent Study3
LSC 586Independent Study3
LSC 587Independent Study3
LSC 588Independent Study 3
LSC 685Independent Study 3
LSC 686Independent Study 3
LSC 687Independent Study 3
LSC 688Independent Study 3
2

LSC 625 is offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.