Texas Online Library Science Programs
Three Texas universities offer online graduate degree programs in library science. They include Texas Woman's University, the University of North Texas and Sam Houston State University. All three universities are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and two of the three universities are accredited by the American Library Association. Many online or distance education programs provide the same academic standards as traditional programs.
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Admissions Process
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To be considered for any of the universities' online library science programs, you will need a bachelor's degree. You will also need to fill out an application, provide your college transcripts and include at least three letters of recommendation. You will also need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which assesses how ready you are for graduate school.
Texas Woman's University
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Texas Woman's University (TWU), located in Denton, Texas, allows you the opportunity to obtain a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree and a Master of Arts in Library Science (MALS) degree totally online. The MLS degree prepares potential librarians with coursework that includes library history, collection development, cataloging or organizing, library management and reference services. Students interested in the research arm of library science should consider the MALS degree. Graduates of the MALS program are trained as researchers who conduct research or help others to conduct research in a variety of areas. The online MLS degree is a 36-hour program while the online MALS program can be completed in 39 hours.
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University of North Texas
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Students seeking an online degree in the library science program at the University of North Texas (UNT) have three online degree choices: Master of Science/Library or Information Science (36 hours), Master of Science/Youth Librarianship and School Library Certification. Through the university's Web/Institute, students have to first attend one nine-day workshop or two four-day workshops on-campus before they will be able to take remaining courses online. UNT's school library certification prepares graduates to work as a school librarian in a K-12 environment. UNT is also located in Denton, Texas.
Sam Houston State University
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Although its library science program is not ALA-accredited, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, offers students an opportunity to obtain a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree online. Coursework includes children and youth literature, computer applications, trends and library services. Certification is also available for those who already have a master's degree. Most of the coursework is online; however, one or two face-to-face meetings are required. The MLS takes 36 academic hours to complete, while certification takes 24 academic hours.
ALA Accreditation
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Many colleges and universities have degree programs in library science, but not all are accredited by the American Library Association. Graduation from an ALA-accredited institutions means the college or university's library science program is peer-reviewed and meets industry standards. While some employers are not concerned about ALA accreditation, many require that you possess an ALA-accredited degree before you can be hired.
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References
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