Library and Information Science, MLISc

Degree Requirements

Of the 39 credits needed for the MLISc degree, 21 are core requirements. Students are required to take one course from a list of course options corresponding to each of the six LIS Program student learning outcomes (SLOs), totaling 18 credits:

Plan A (Thesis)

The normal requirement for the MLISc degree under the thesis option is a minimum of 39 credit hours of approved graduate study. At least 27 credits must be taken in LIS courses or a combination of LIS and other approved courses. The student must also take 6 credit hours in LIS 700 - Thesis Research  and 3 credit hours in an approved research methods course, and 12 credits of approved electives.

To advance to candidacy and become eligible to enroll in LIS 700 - Thesis Research , students must complete at least 15 credits of course work, and defend a thesis proposal in a private meeting with their thesis committee. While it is strongly suggested that all committee members physically attend the thesis proposal defense meeting, remote participation is permitted. Upon approval of the committee, students advance to candidacy, conduct their research, and present their results at a public defense.

Plan B (Non-thesis)

The normal requirement for the MLISc degree under the non-thesis option is a minimum of 39 credit hours of approved graduate study. At least 30 credits must be taken in LIS courses. Up to 9 credits may be taken in other schools or colleges when the courses are relevant to the individual student’s specialization and approved by the LIS program director and Graduate Division.

The maximum course load is 15 credit hours per term. Therefore, 39 credit hours would require at least two terms and a summer. A full load is a minimum of 8 credit hours per term. The program may be undertaken on a part-time basis but must be completed within five years (a two-year extension is allowed by Graduate Division for a total of seven years). 

Students who were in MLISc-degree programs from other ALA-accredited library programs may, in special circumstances, transfer up to 19 credit hours toward their MLISc degree at UH Mānoa, provided the work to be credited has been completed within the time limit previously cited. Such requests must be included in the application.

Culminating Experience

All Plan B students are required to create and present a reflective portfolio consisting of artifacts and evidence from approved course assignments and other professional experiences, demonstrating mastery of the six program SLOs. The portfolio is introduced in the first semester as part of FSS First Semester Seminar, supported in coursework and regular advising sessions throughout the program, and compiled, presented and assessed in LIS 691 - Masters Seminar , taken in the semester the student expects to graduate. All artifacts must be completed prior to enrolling in LIS 691 - Masters Seminar .

Distance Education

The MLISc program uses different formats for course delivery. It offers a few courses each year online. Students on neighbor islands may also use Zoom to participate synchronously in select courses taught at UH Mānoa. In addition, several courses are offered asynchronously throughout the year.