Library Science, Dual MLS-MSW Degree Program, M.L.S.

Holly Hebert, Program Director
(615) 898-5378
Holly.Hebert@mtsu.edu

The Library Science Dual MLS-MSW Degree Program concentration is a 60-credit hour plan of study administered jointly by the MTSU M.S.W. and M.L.S. programs. The concentration provides students an opportunity to serve their respective future communities more fully by serving not only as information facilitators, but also as a confidential and targeted referral sources to local, state, or national social services for their community’s members.

MTSU’s M.L.S. program is in precandidacy status by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. Precandidacy status is an indication that MTSU’s M.L.S. program has voluntarily committed to participate in the ALA accreditation process and is actively seeking accreditation. Precandidacy does not indicate that the program is accredited nor does it guarantee eventual accreditation of the program by ALA.

Vision of the Library Science Program

To meet the information society’s current and future needs pertaining to the discovery, acquisition, organization, provision, and ethical and effective use of information regardless of media format.

Mission of the Library Science Program

To prepare the next generation of 21st century information professionals through impactful research, creative entrepreneurship, learner-centered teaching, and innovative professional practice.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the master’s program in Library Science requires

an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
official transcripts from all previous college-and university-level work showing a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75;
three letters of recommendations from professionals;
500-word essay (Statement of Purpose) regarding applicant’s reasons for seeking the M.L.S. at MTSU.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must submit

an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
official transcripts of previous college work;
a TOTAL of three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential for completing the Master of Library Science and Master of Social Work degrees;
500-word essay (Statement of Purpose) regarding applicant’s reasons for seeking the M.L.S. at MTSU. Dual degree applicants have additional essay requirements. See supplementary application instructions for the Master of Social Work Program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Library Science Dual MLS-MSW Degree Program concentration requires completion of 60 semester hours.

Curriculum: Library Science, Dual MLS-MSW Degree Program Concentration

Required Library Science Courses (30 hours)

LIBS 6000 - Librarianship 3 credit hours
LIBS 6015 - Introduction to Information Intermediation, Resources, and Instruction 3 credit hours
LIBS 6020 - Organization of Information 3 credit hours
LIBS 6030 - Information Technology for Information Professionals 3 credit hours
LIBS 6060 - Understanding Research for Evaluation in Libraries 3 credit hours
LIBS 6100 - Management of Libraries 3 credit hours
LIBS 6011 - Collection Development and User Services 3 credit hours
LIBS 6201 - Public Libraries 3 credit hours
LIBS 6310 - Materials for Literacy of Children 3 credit hours
LIBS 6311 - Materials for Literacy of Young People and Adults 3 credit hours
Field Experience - The 3-6 credit hours that a M.L.S. student would normally be completing/earning for the field experience are subsumed by the M.S.W.’s own field experience (Practicum IIA and IIB) hours. The M.S.W. practicum would be completed in a library.

NOTE: Changes to the M.L.S. plan of study where one M.L.S. elective is substituted with another M.L.S. elective may be possible following consultation with the student’s advisor.

Required Social Work Courses (30 hours)

SW 6030 - Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 credit hours
SW 6120 - Research II 3 credit hours
SW 6200 - Advanced Direct Practice with Individuals 3 credit hours
SW 6210 - Advanced Practice with Families 3 credit hours
SW 6230 - Advanced Macro Practice 3 credit hours
SW 6240 - Social Policy Analysis 3 credit hours
SW 6300 - Empirical Social Work Practice 4 credit hours
SW 6310 - Practicum IIA 4 credit hours
SW 6320 - Practicum IIB 4 credit hours