In a recent announcement, the online Master’s of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program in the University of North Carolina Greensboro School of Education’s Department of Information, Library, and Research Sciences has been ranked the ninth-best program in the nation and the top one in North Carolina. The rating was issued by BestColleges.com.
To earn ranking consideration, programs must meet the four following criteria:
- Be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution
- Submit an annual report to NCES
- Offer an online master’s degree in the given program area
- Have a graduation rate in the top third of all reporting schools
Rankings also consider affordability, student outcomes, reputation, and diversity and social mobility.
UNCG’s MLIS program emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field. The degree requires 36 semester hours and is accredited by the American Library Association. Licensure for several career tracks in North Carolina public schools is approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Graduates can qualify for the North Carolina Public Library Certification. The MLIS is interdisciplinary, and students come to it with a wide variety of undergraduate preparation. Many have worked in libraries as undergraduates or as paraprofessionals and feel that they are ready for leadership in information organizations. In addition, the School Library program trains certified teachers or librarians without licensure to be certified for work in North Carolina public schools.
