Yes, all courses within the MLIS program are offered in an online, asynchronous format. There are no options for face-to-face instruction for MLIS courses.

We offer two options within the School Library track of the MLIS.

1. Advanced Certification – for students coming to the program who already hold a valid teaching license. These students will complete 36 credit hours, including one required internship in the final semester.
2. Initial Certification – for students coming to the program who do not hold a valid teaching license. These students will complete 51 credit hours. These hours are comprised of the same 36 hours required of advanced certification students, 12 hours of required education courses, and 3 hours of a second required internship.

Our MLIS program is self-paced. It depends on how many courses you take in each semester and whether you take courses in the summer semester, so it varies widely. Typically, students who work part or full time need at least two-three years to complete the MLIS school library initial certification, but it can take longer. Students will be assigned an academic advisor upon admission to the program who can help you determine a timeline.

Most of our students who work part- or full-time take one or two courses per semester plus courses in the summer sessions. The maximum number of courses allowed is four per semester without special approval, though this is rarely, if ever, recommended. Some financial programs specify the number of courses to be taken in a semester. Students are responsible for checking the requirements for loans they are awarded.

Undergraduate or graduate education courses taken at other institutions might qualify if they were taken within six years of when you would graduate from our program and if you received a B or better. The graduate student services office would review a student’s transcript to make the determination.

No, students must complete the additional MLIS degree. Students with post-graduate coursework outside of a master’s degree may have the opportunity to transfer in up to six credit hours of coursework to the MLIS degree. Courses must be no older than six years at the time the student will graduate with the MLIS. Transfer credit is not guaranteed and is subject to final approval by the Graduate Student Services Office.

The internship must be completed in the final semester, or final two semesters for students who require two internships (initial certification students). All coursework, with the exception of ISCI 720, must be completed before a student may be placed in their internship. Students will be instructed to submit an internship application in the semester prior to their internship placement. The iSchool will secure placements for each student.

Students will be required to be at their internship site for a total of 5 full-days, but the days do not need to be sequential. Students are able to work with their supervisor to complete the 5 days throughout the semester with limited disruption to their current employment.

All students in the program must complete the required internship(s). There are no exceptions for previous or current experience. The final MLIS degree will not be awarded without the completed internship(s). This is a state requirement as well, the School Library media Specialist licensure will not be awarded without the completion of the internship(s).

Students may not use previous or current experience or work hours to complete their internship requirement. Students will be placed at a school outside of their place of employment and must complete their 5 on-site days at their assigned placement.

Once initial certification students apply for iSchool internship, they will also begin the process of creating an Educator Portal account with the South Carolina Department of Education. This is the beginning process of applying for teacher certification. More information will be given to students once they apply for internship.

No, our program pathway is designed for South Carolina licensure. Upon graduating you will apply for an SC educator license and will need to transfer your SC educator certificate to your state. Our program is transferable to 48 states, it is the student’s responsibility to review their states requirement and to seek licensure in their state.

South Carolina licensure is transferable to 48 states. If you plan on teaching in other states, you need to do your own due diligence for your state’s certification requirements. For more information, please visit the South Carolina Department of Education for out-of-state educators.

There is no time restriction on when students can take the Praxis II: School Librarian (5312). However, it is strongly advised that wait until they take ISCI 720: School Library Program Development and ISCI 794: Internship as these courses have critical information concerning the exam!