In recent years, the library and information professions have undergone significant and rapid change. Persons who received their professional training a few years ago usually did not have the opportunity to complete intensive courses in computer-based information systems, networking, use of the Internet, construction of World Wide Web pages, educational media, program evaluation processes, and a variety of specialized information materials and services. The SLIS program provides opportunity for revitalizing and updating knowledge and skills in these and other areas.

Because the first professional degree usually provides a broad introduction to the field, many persons have discovered that they need additional course work to prepare them for the specialized activities that they encounter on a day-to-day basis in their work. The SLIS degree program enables them to pursue a particular specialization in which they are already involved or to switch to an entirely new one.

In consultation with a faculty advisor, each student will develop a program of study specifically tailored to his or her career objectives. In general, these objectives should be oriented towards increased specialization, change of specialization, or an upgrading of professional skills and knowledge. In addition, two structured emphases have been approved for the specialist degree. The first, which was developed in cooperation with the USC College of Education, allows students who currently hold certification as school library media specialists to meet South Carolina requirements for certification as district-level school media coordinators in conjunction with the specialist degree. The second emphasis in educational information technology encourages students to concentrate on course work that encompasses the new developments in technology being implemented daily in schools.

At least 18 hours of the SLIS program must be taken within the School; the additional hours may be taken in other departments of the University in accordance with the student's program interests, and up to nine credit hours may be transferred from another institution. Up to six hours of graduate work taken prior to admission to the program may be included in the SLIS degree provided the courses meet specified conditions. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the SLIS degree is awarded may not be included in the student's program. 

Students must present a grade point average of 3.00 (B) on all courses taken in the program. Students who earn a grade below B on more than 6 hours of work or a grade below C in any course will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Additionally, Graduate School policy states that graduate students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and allowed one calendar year to raise the GPA to at least 3.00. Students who do not reach a cumulative 3.00 GPA during this grace period will not be permitted to enroll for further graduate work.

Each student will be appointed a faculty advisor. It is expected that each student's program will be highly individualized and thus responsive to the specialized objectives of the student. A final research project resulting from some phase of the program and demonstrating the ability to conduct, synthesize, and utilize basic research in the area of specialization is optional. For students who choose the research product/project option, a program committee will be appointed consisting of the advisor and at least one additional SLIS reader. The program committee will coordinate both the student's program and final research project (SLIS 798). The maximum total number of hours which can be utilized in SLIS 796, Independent Study, and SLIS 798, Specialist Project Preparation, is nine credit hours, with no more than six hours directly related to the research project.

For students who choose to complete the optional research project (SLIS 798), the School follows the specific Graduate School regulations for deposit of the final research project. Detailed editorial instructions for the research project are available either through the School's Specialist Committee or The Graduate School.

School Library Media Specialist Concentration

School library media specialist certification may differ from one state department of education to another. The School of Library and Information Science program leading to certification is accredited by NCATE. Graduates who have completed this approved program are eligible for certification in South Carolina and any other state that recognizes NCATE standards. Students who are pursuing school library media certification should have their programs of study approved by the school library media program coordinator during their first term of enrollment.

The general requirements for NCATE at the School of Library and Information Science are 18 semester hours of foundations in library and information science, 12 semester hours of educational foundations or current certification in some other discipline in education, and 12-18 semester hours of courses related specifically to school library media programs.

Those who want certification in South Carolina must take the Specialty Area (Library Media) of the PRAXIS but do not have to take with the General Knowledge or Professional Knowledge area. Many other states do require other parts of the PRAXIS, so those considering employment in another state should contact that state's department of education as early in their program as possible.

A one time fee of $172 for inital certification of $65 add-on certification is required by the University for all recommendations for certification regardless of the state in which the individual is applying. A person may request that recommendations be sent to any number of states at any time after paying the fee.