MLS / MALS Degrees

The Master of Library Science (MLS) degree is designed to prepare professionals to work in academic, public, school, corporate and other special libraries, as well as other types of information environments.

The Master of Arts in Library Science (MALS) degree is designed to prepare library and information professionals to conduct research in an information environment.

Master of Library Science Degree (MLS)

This preparation is achieved by:

1. The acquisition of knowledge in a set of courses basic to an understanding of library and information studies.
2. Advanced instruction in courses selected according to the student's career goals.
3. Completion of a practicum or internship (may be waived if the student has had comparable and substantial experience in a library or other information environment, to be replaced with an advisor approved elective).

Core Courses: 12 hours

• LS 5813 Information Professions
• LS 5013 Information Storage and Retrieval
• LS 5143 Organization of Technical Services
• LS 5843 Practicum

Library Science electives, 24 hours

Total: 36 hours

Master of Arts in Library Science (MALS)

This preparation is achieved by:

1. The acquisition of knowledge in a set of courses basic to an understanding of library and information studies.
2. Advanced instruction in a set of research courses.
3. Completion of a thesis.
4. Experience in a research setting. As graduates conduct their professional research and / or move into doctoral programs in librarianship, they will make effective contributions to library research.

Goals of the MALS degree in addition to goals for the MLS, are:

1. To contribute to the improvement of library and information services through research.
2. To produce graduates who can work in association with researchers in other disciplines.
3. To produce graduates with research expertise needed to work in academic libraries, government agencies, etc.

Core Courses: 15 hours

• LS 5813 Information Professions
• LS 5013 Information Storage and Retrieval
• LS 5143 Organization of Technical Services
• LS 5753 Research Methods
• LS 5843 Practicum

Electives in Library Science and other disciplines: 15 hours

Research tool: 3 hours

Thesis: 6 hours

LS 5983 & LS 5993

Total: 39 hours

Additional information is available upon request from the School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman's University, P.O. Box 425438, Denton,TX 76204-5438. Telephone: (940) 898-2602/2603. Fax: (940) 898-2611. E-Mail: slis@twu.edu. Web: http://www.twu.edu/cope/slis