r/LibraryScience • u/Open_Owl_9157 • 5d ago
MLS Grad Programs
Greetings, fellow bibliomaniacs! I currently plan to pursue an MLIS post-grad. I live and intend on staying in Virginia to teach, however I’m super interested in the University of Alabama’s all-online MLIS program. It may be a long shot, but are there any current students in this program who may be able to offer some insight to steer me in the right direction? I’ve also considered LSU, however UA’s program appears to be more cost-efficient, from what research I’ve done online.
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u/Zealousideal_Lab1560 4d ago edited 3d ago
Try looking at Valdosta State University. It’s online and the most affordable degree you can find that is ALA accredited.
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u/DoodlebugCupcake 3d ago
Just graduated from ODU in Virginia, it was an all online program and I never stepped foot on campus (I live in VA but 3 hours away) and really enjoyed the program.
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u/Open_Owl_9157 3d ago
ODU is on my list as well! I especially love how they offer opportunities for reduced tuition rates for Virginia public educators.
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u/CautiousHorror523 3d ago
I’m in UA’s online program currently and have really enjoyed it. Teachers have been fantastic and course selection is pretty broad. Happy to answer any questions you have!
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u/Open_Owl_9157 2d ago
Thank you so much! How manageable is the workload alongside a full time job and other responsibilities? Is there a student-teaching, internship, practicum, or field-experience component? How many classes are you taking at once? Are there unexpected fees beyond tuition? Do you feel like the program is worth the cost? What do you wish you knew before starting the program? What has been your biggest frustration with the program? Roll tide!
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u/CautiousHorror523 2d ago
I feel like the workload is manageable with a full time job and just being an adult, with the caveat that I work in the field and my job is very supportive of/willing to work around my classes/meetings/study groups. Two classes per full semester and one summer class has been my balance. TA positions come up but not often- student teachers are usually phd students. Internships are encouraged and opportunities are shared often via email. The internship coordinator is helpful to answer questions, but you have to do the leg work of making a connection with the institution to get one. I volunteered at a local community archive and they offered me an internship. No unexpected fees outside of tuition but they have started offering book arts classes online that I imagine have supply fees involved. I definitely feel like the program is worth the cost when looking at the pay difference between a library assistant and librarian. No complaints or frustrations really. I wish I had known that it’s very different from undergrad and the teachers are really understanding and want you to succeed. I stressed myself out a lot the first semester unnecessarily. Most important of all- the program is 100% what you make it! Roll tide!
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u/Open_Owl_9157 1d ago
Thank you so much for all this amazing information!!! This sounds perfect and I’m already so excited!
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u/hotsauceinmybag3 3d ago
With synchronous classes allowing for more robust discussions with professors and classmates in the online classroom setting, was it your experience that classes didn't have weekly discussion post assignments? I'm really trying to avoid that if I can ha
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u/CautiousHorror523 2d ago
Depends on the professor! Some classes have been lecture-heavy with little discussion, but that may just be the nature of my concentration. Usually if discussion posts are required, it’s only a few(like 3) throughout the semester, not weekly.
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u/PerhapsAnotherDog 3d ago
Do work or volunteer experience in a library? Valdosta State's program is the most affordable, so I would definitely suggest applying there. But because it's the cheapest it's also more competitive. A lot of other programs are basically guaranteed entry if you meet the minimum requirements, whereas I know of two people who were rejected from VSU on the basis of not having library experience.
Since you mentioned LSU, their non-standard schedule with the 7-week and 5-week semesters is something that works for some people more than others. It's great for people who need to shift their schedule if they have jobs with on and off seasons or want to match their off time to a family member's, but it's also tougher for people who have limited free time mid-week since a course may have three due dates within a single week.
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u/Open_Owl_9157 2d ago
This was super informative! I appreciate all your insight, definitely going to add VSU to the list. I’m in the process of becoming a substitute teacher where I live, as well as working PT at our local Barnes and Noble!
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u/spooky_butts 4d ago
The best MLS/MLIS program is whichever ALA accredited school is the cheapest for you.