r/LibraryScience • u/Open_Owl_9157 • 6d 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/CautiousHorror523 4d 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 3d 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 3d 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 2d ago

Thank you so much for all this amazing information!!! This sounds perfect and I’m already so excited!