THE MASTERS PROGRAM

Masters Program School Library Media Requirements Academic Policies Joint Degrees Distance Courses Professional Competencies

 

Degree Requirements

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 Requirements

A total of 36 semester hours of graduate credit is required for receipt of the master’s degree, of which 30 semester hours must be taken in the School of Library and Information Science at The Catholic University of America and completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B). Candidates for the M.S.L.S. degree must also pass a comprehensive examination.

 

The university normally expects that requirements for master’s degrees will be completed within three years. Students who do not complete their coursework within four years of enrolling in the program must petition the faculty in writing for an extension of time. Extending the completion of coursework beyond this point requires the approval of both the school’s faculty and the dean.

 

Computer Competency Requirement

 

Competence in basic computer applications (e-mail, word processing, use of the Internet, use of library online catalogs) is required for students in library and information science. Many of our entering students are already proficient. For those who are not, a series of workshops are offered on Saturdays at the beginning of each semester. These workshops are free, and cover a series of topics (including both background information and hands-on experience) from the basics of computing at SLIS to the creation of Web pages.  Students are expected to be familiar with the information covered in the workshops; this material will not be taught in regular library and information science classes.

 

Core Courses

 

All students are required to complete with a passing grade the following core courses: CLSC/LSC 551, 553, 555, and 557. These courses cover the central elements of the curriculum: acquisition and organization of information, retrieval and dissemination of information, technological applications, information sources and services, and the important policies, standards, and ethical issues facing information professionals. A core course requirement may only be waived if the student has comparable transfer credit. Students are urged to complete the core courses within the first 18 semester hours of coursework. Please see our Course Catalog for an overview of these core courses.

 

Grading

 

Letter grades are given to students taking courses for credit unless these courses are graded “pass-fail.” The quality of a student’s performance in a particular course, including such factors as ability to meet deadlines and participation in class discussion, is the only basis for a grade. Faculty will provide feedback to students evaluating the performance on which a grade is based.

 

Students are cautioned that any grade below a full B (3.0) is considered marginal in the School of Library and Information Science programs, and grades of C are viewed with grave concern.  Students receiving two grades of C or a single grade of F will be dismissed from the program. Students receiving low grades should consult with instructors and advisers immediately about ways of improving their academic performance.

 

Students at the School of Library and Information Science are expected to be aware of and adhere to the information in the General Section of the Graduate Announcements on Grades and Grade Reports (including Incompletes, Unethical Practices, Academic Honesty, Change of Grade, Dismissal) and Change of Enrollment (including leave of absence, change of course, withdrawal from a course and withdrawal from the university). 

 

 

Comprehensive Examination

 

Candidates for the M.L.S. degree must pass a comprehensive examination. Students may not register for this examination earlier than the final semester of coursework. Registration for the examination requires a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 for courses taken in the School of Library and Information Science, with no provisional reports of incomplete (I) remaining on the student’s record. Comprehensive examination briefings and an explanation of procedures are held each semester.

 

The school sends written notification to students informing them of the results of the comprehensive examination. Those who fail must retake the entire examination in a subsequent term. Candidates who fail a second time are no longer eligible to receive a master’s degree. 

 

The comprehensive examination tests a common knowledge base that will qualify the candidate to perform professionally and provide a foundation for the individual to acquire greater expertise as needed. Questions from former semesters and more details are available on the school’s Comprehensive Exams webpage.


The SLIS Faculty have adopted a statement of Professional Competencies for Graduates of the Master’s in Library Science Degree Program.