Program Tracks

Public libraries are an essential part of any community, and public librarians serve everyone in a specific city, town, county, region, or other municipality.

Students at TWU can focus their plan of study on general public librarianship, children’s and youth services, reference and user services, community engagement, and much more.

Our MLS degree and the MLS with Certificate in Community Information are good options for students interested in public librarianship. Both degrees give students knowledge and skills needed to work in public libraries.

The Post-Master's Certificate in Community Information is a good option for students who already hold a master’s degree and want to develop competencies and skills in community engagement.

The School Librarianship Certification programs at TWU prepare students for careers as school librarians in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools (EC-12) in Texas. School librarians teach students, collaborate with teachers, develop the library’s collection of materials, facilitate use of technology, and much more. 

• Texas: The MLS with Certificate in School Librarianship is for students who want to pursue the MLS degree and School Librarian Certification in Texas. The Post-Master’s Certificate in School Librarianship only (no MLS) is for students who already hold a master’s degree and want to pursue School Librarian Certification in Texas.  
• Outside of Texas: Students can focus their MLS plan of study on school librarianship, and use courses to seek school librarian certification in another state. Applicants are advised to check with their state to ensure the MLS program meets their state’s requirements.

The Children’s and Young Adult Literature program track benefits students interested in a career as a children’s and/or young adult librarian, school librarian, or many other youth-focused careers. 

Students can focus their plan of study to learn more about books and other materials for youth.

Our MLS degree and the MLS with Certificate in School Librarianship are good options for students with a passion for children’s and young adult literature. 

Academic and research libraries support education and research in universities, colleges, community colleges, and other postsecondary institutions. Academic librarians teach students, provide support for courses, assist faculty with research, and serve as an important resource for administrators and staff.

Students can focus their plan of study on general academic librarianship, reference and user services, cataloging and collections, and more. 

The MLS degree gives students the knowledge and skills needed to work in academic libraries, so it is a great option for students interested in academic librarianship.

The Health Sciences Librarianship programs prepare students to be health sciences librarians and information professionals. Students gain knowledge and skills required to effectively support evidence-based practice in healthcare settings, such as:

• Libraries
• Medical associations
• Hospitals
• Health centers
• State and federal agencies

The TWU MLS degree with the Post-Master’s Certificate in Evidence-Based Health Science Librarianship and the Dual MLS and MS in Health Studies degree are good options for students interested in health sciences librarianship. Both degrees provide students knowledge and skills to work as health sciences librarians and information professionals.

Our Post-Master’s Certificate in Evidence-Based Health Science Librarianship (no MLS) is a good option for students who already hold a master’s degree and want to develop competencies and skills in health sciences librarianship.

The Community Information programs prepare students for careers as librarians and information specialists focusing on community engagement. Students learn how to leverage partnerships, advocate for library resources, and work with their community to co-create meaningful programs, collections, and services. 

Our MLS with Certificate in Community Information is a good option for students interested in community engagement. 

The Post-Master's Certificate in Community Information at TWU is a good option for students who already hold a master’s degree and want to develop competencies and skills in community engagement.