The Library and Information Science program at Appalachian State University prepares students to pursue careers in libraries or information fields.
The Program has achieved Pre-Candidacy Accreditation status from the American Library Association (ALA): View Program retention and graduation data.
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is a 36-credit hour degree program that prepares students to foster digital and information literacies, assist underserved populations, and bridge the gap between people, information, and technology. The program's curriculum has been developed and is reviewed annually to ensure that it enables students to successfully meet the program’s Learning Objectives.
View admission information and deadlines for the online MLIS degree program
The MLIS program offers two concentrations that prepare students for licensure:
- School Libraries – The curriculum for the School Libraries track reflects those courses appropriate and necessary for Media Coordinator licensure (076) in the state of North Carolina and meets the requirements for American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Recognition.
- Libraries, General – Appropriate for students pursuing public or academic librarianship, the curriculum for this concentration provides all necessary coursework for certification through the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission.
Students in LIS will experience:
- A fully online course delivery that blends synchronous class meetings in a collaborative learning environment with asynchronous projects and coursework.
- 16:1 student-instructor ratio and small class sizes that enhance student engagement and cohort community-building.
- Engaged and supportive faculty who support your professional success and development.
View program overview and assessment data
Dual-Degree Opportunities
Qualified students may pursue two master’s degree programs simultaneously through a dual degree pathway. Students must meet all admission and graduation requirements for both programs, allowing them to build complementary expertise while earning two graduate degrees.
- MLIS (School Libraries) and MA in Media, Technology and Learning Design (Instructional Technology K-12 Facilitation Concentration) - Available only to students in the School Libraries specialization, this 54-credit-hour dual degree combines preparation in school librarianship and educational technology leadership. Graduates are eligible to apply for North Carolina 076 Media Coordinator licensure and the 077 Technology Facilitator Endorsement.
- MLIS (General Concentration) and MA in Media, Technology and Learning Design (Learning Design & Technology Concentration) - This dual degree option combines graduate study in library and information science with learning design and technology, preparing students to lead and support learning, information, and technology initiatives across a variety of educational and professional settings.
Alternative and Add-on Licensure Pathways
Graduate certificate licensure pathways are appropriate for students who want to add additional licensure eligibility onto their degree program, or for professionals who want to enhance their existing MLIS, education or information degree with a specific area of licensure. Graduate certificate programs are offered in an online format.
Course descriptions and current programs of study for each certificate can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Media Supervisor (078 Licensure) Graduate Certificate
The 078 Media Supervisor Licensure program is designed to serve those individuals who have an earned MLS, have experience working as school librarians, and desire to pursue district or county-level administration positions that assist building-level librarians in implementing successful media programs.
This program of study is offered on an as-needed basis. Please reach out to Dr. Robin Moeller for more information at moellerra@appstate.edu.
Public Librarian Graduate Certificate
Designed for current MLS and information science degree holders, and for students currently enrolled in the School Libraries degree track who want to add on licensure for public librarianship, this program prepares students for certification in North Carolina public libraries. Coursework covers programming and outreach, reader advisory, literacy and library services, and leadership methodologies.
For information on how to enroll, please reach out to Dr. Kim Becnel at becnelke@appstate.edu.
Licensure and Certification
Completed program transcripts are required for all licensure levels. Licensure applications and documentation are not submitted by the program, students must submit an application for licensure in order to obtain the necessary license for their area of specialization.
- School Librarian Licensure – Graduates of the School Libraries program track who hold NC “A” licensure and present passing scores on the specialty area PRAXIS/NTE (Praxis test - School Librarian (5312)) are eligible to apply for Media Coordinator licensure (076) through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
- Public Librarian Licensure – Graduates of the Libraries, General program track and the Public Librarian Graduate Certificate may be eligible to apply for public librarian licensure through the State Library of North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission.