Texas Woman’s University Online Library Science Masters Review
As most professionals in the field know, getting a library and information science master’s degree not only represents an enormous academic achievement, but it’s typically required to even be considered for a job in the first place. That’s because some jobs require state licenses that can only be granted after a master’s degree, and even jobs that don’t require state certification may only be available after a graduate program. The good news for students across the country is that there are many options for completing a master’s degree in library and information science remotely.
Texas Woman’s University offers an online master’s degree in library science, and students should know some key facts and potential benefits before they make their final academic decisions.
About the Program
Before we discuss some of the pros and cons for the average student when making their decision, let’s take a look at basic facts and figures about the Texas Woman’s University library science programs.
Basics
- Institution type: Public
- Campus: Denton, Texas
- Accreditation: American Library Association (ALA)
- Program format: 100% online
Tuition and fees
- Expected total tuition: $10,080 in-state; $24,840 out-of-state
- Per credit-hour tuition: $280 in-state; $690 out-of-state
Degrees & requirements
- Library science degrees offered: Master of Library Science, Master of Arts in Library Science
- Number of credit hours required: 36
- Estimated time to completion: 24 months
- Optional specializations: Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries, Health Science Libraries, Information Technology, Technical Services/Cataloging, Community Informatics
Biggest Pros
What are the biggest advantages for students considering getting their MLS from Texas Woman’s University?
Accreditation
Texas Woman’s University is one of only three institutions in the state of Texas to earn accreditation from the American Library Association, and it’s one of only two to offer degrees entirely or partially online. ALA accreditation is important not only for signaling that a person has reached a basic level of competence, but for those who are planning on careers in schools or public libraries, ALA accreditation is often required for obtaining the state licensures necessary.
Specializations
TWU offers several interesting specializations for library science students, and some of them are unusual for library science education. Specialties like public librarianship or special librarianship are obvious (though excellent) options, but specialties like information technology and community informatics speak to the exciting and emerging fields of library science.
Degree options
The Master of Library Science is the signature offering in TWU’s School of Library and Information Studies, but it’s not the only degree an interested student could earn. Also on offer are a Master of Arts in Library Science, graduate certificates in school librarianship or evidence-based health science librarianship, and a dual MLS/MS in health studies degree.
Biggest Cons
What factors might make students think twice about getting their MLS at Texas Woman’s University?
Practicum
Earning practical work experience during any educational setting certainly can be seen as a positive, but students, especially those pursuing online education, may prefer to limit their search to programs that offer but don’t require a practicum. TWU students must complete 120 hours of practicum experience, and school librarian students must complete 160 hours.
Tuition
Tuition costs overall are just on the high end of the range, but in many cases, universities charge the same tuition rate for online learners regardless of where they live. Students applying from outside Texas may be tempted to consider cheaper options.
Texas Woman’s University Online Library Science Program FAQs
Here’s a look at a few of the questions applicants most frequently ask about TWU’s library science program.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Unless their undergrad GPA falls below 3.0, applicants to Texas Woman’s University don’t need to take a standardized test. However, if their bachelor’s degree grades are too low, they must submit a GRE or Miller Analogies Test score, while LSAT scores also can be accepted.
Is a thesis required?
No thesis is required in TWU’s MLS program, but students must successfully complete a comprehensive exam before they will be considered for graduation.
Is a practicum required?
All students in the MLS program at Texas Woman’s University must complete more than 100 hours of practicum experience. Most students will need to complete 120 hours, while school library students must complete 160 hours.
Conclusion
Picking the right college or university is never an easy choice, and the increasing availability of online and hybrid programs in library and information science doesn’t make it any easier. But Texas Woman’s University offers a range of academic- and library-focused specialty areas, which could make it ideal for a particular type of student.