|
|
|
Specialist in Library & Information Science
Degree Program
The Specialist in Library and Information Science (SLIS) degree is a sixth-year degree program for librarians, information managers, media specialists, and other related professionals who wish to refresh and update their knowledge and skills, gain greater specialization in their professional training, or redirect their careers from one area to another.
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.
Application Procedures
As noted previously, admission to the School of Library and Information Science is selective and is based on the faculty's assessment of the applicant's aptitude for a particular level of graduate study and potential contribution to the profession. The admission policies of the SLIS shall apply to every applicant to the SLIS program, full-time and part-time, regardless of the location in which the applicant plans to attend classes. An applicant for admission as a degree candidate in library and information science must fulfill all general admission requirements of the Graduate School of the University and the School of Library and Information Science prior to registration.
Application Requirements for the Specialist Program include the following:
 1. A completed USC Graduate School Admissions Information Form and a non-refundable $40.00 application fee. The application may be completed by paper or electronically. Go to the home page of the Graduate School and click on "Apply Now" or go directly to the application.
2. An official transcript showing possession of a master's degree in library and information science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited or National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) approved program. (Applicants with a master's degree from an NCATE approved program must also have current certification as a librarian or school library media specialist.)
Applicants with a master's degree in library and information science that is not from an ALA accredited or NCATE approved program may also be admitted to the program upon satisfactory exemption of SLIS 701, 702, 703, 704, and 706. Any of these courses not exempted must be taken as part of the Specialist degree program in addition to the required 30 hours.
Applicants without an ALA accredited or NCATE approved program degree but holding a master's degree in a library and information science related field may be accepted into the program upon satisfactory exemption of SLIS 701, 702, 703, 704, and 706. Any of these courses not exempted must be taken as part of the Specialist degree program in addition to the required 30 hours.
3. A minimum of three (3) years of full-time experience in library, media center, or information agency. However, requirements for work experience may be waived at the discretion of the Specialist Committee.
4. The School of Library and Information Science requires one of the following:
- Official score reports for tests taken October 2002 or later showing at least 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE with a minimum score of at least 500 on the verbal portion.
- Official score reports for tests taken prior to October 2002 showing at least 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative or verbal and analytical (whichever is higher) portions of the GRE.
- Official score reports for tests taken October 2004 or later showing at least 410 on the Miller Analogies Test.
- Official score reports for tests taken prior to October 2004 showing 50 or better on the Miller Analogies Test.
- (International students whose native language is not English must also submit an official report showing a minimum score of 570 [230 computer-based total] on the TOEFL exam.)
5. Two letters of recommendation from persons able to comment on the applicant's professional performance and potential.
6. A statement of professional purpose indicating the specialization the applicant seeks to develop. A resume outlining the applicant's educational and professional record should be attached to the statement.
7. A personal interview with the Specialist Committee. The Committee may, at its discretion, waive or change the personal interview requirements and use other information in its place.
Degree Requirements:
The Specialist in Library and Information Science (SLIS) degree consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours of post-master's degree course work with a grade point average of at least 3.00 (B) on all work. If SLIS 705, Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science, (or its equivalent) has not been completed satisfactorily (with a grade of B or higher) prior to admission, this requirement must be fulfilled in addition to the 30 semester hours necessary to earn the degree.
 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. 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. 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, if that option is chosen. 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.
Each student will be appointed a faculty advisor by the Specialist Committee of the School. 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 by the Specialist Committee 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). 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.
back
|
|
|
