SLIS Online and LSU Online Comparison
The School of Library & Information Science (SLIS) offers entirely asynchronous online graduate programs in two different formats: SLIS Online & LSU Online.
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| SLIS Online offers a Master in Library & Information Science (MLIS) and a Graduate Certificate in School Librarianship (CSLIB). SLIS Online programs are classified as traditional, on-campus programs for application purposes. However, SLIS Online is an entirely asynchronous online program. | LSU Online offers a Master in Library & Information Science (MLIS), a Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies (CARST) and a Graduate Certificate in Records & Information Management (CRIM). |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| SLIS Online MLIS students can complete the CSLIB using their MLIS elective courses. SLIS Online students may also complete a dual degree with another graduate program on campus. | LSU Online MLIS students can complete the CARST or CRIM degree using their MLIS elective courses. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| There are 8 different focus areas offered in the SLIS Online format. MLIS students may also elect not to complete a focus area. | Students in the LSU Online MLIS may take elective courses in librarianship, archival studies or records & information management (or any combination thereof). |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| SLIS Online courses are taught in two 14-week semesters (Fall and Spring) and two five-week terms during the summer. | LSU Online courses are taught in two seven-week terms in the Fall, two seven-week terms in the Spring, and two five-week terms in the summer. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| Students complete 18 hours of required courses and 18 hours of electives. | Students complete 18 hours of required courses and 18 hours of electives. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| CSLIB students complete 18 hours of courses. | CARST and CRIM students complete 15 hours of courses. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| The MLIS program admits students for Fall and Spring semesters only. The Certificate in School Librarianship program admits students for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. |
The LSU Online MLIS & CARST, & CRIM programs admit students six times a year (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, Summer 2). |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| SLIS Online students graduate three times per year (Fall, Spring, Summer). | LSU Online students graduate six times per year (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, Summer 2). |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| SLIS Online follows a traditional LSU tuition and fee schedule. For more information on tuition and fees, see the Graduate School Tuition Schedule. | LSU Online follows a flat rate per credit hour for tuition and fees. For more information see the LSU Online program. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| Applicants who live outside Louisiana will incur a nonresident fee. Students in select states can apply for in-state tuition through the Academic Common Market. | Applicants who live outside of Louisiana will pay the same flat rate per credit hour as in-state students. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| Application deadlines for SLIS Online programs. | Application deadlines for LSU Online programs. |
| SLIS Online | LSU Online |
| Apply for admission by filing an online application with the LSU Graduate School. SLIS Online program applicants must select on-campus as admission type in their application. | Apply for admission by filing an online application with LSU Online. LSU Online program applicants must select online as admission type in their application. |
*Dual degrees allow students to complete two degrees simultaneously, such as completing both the MLIS & CSLIB. Students who complete dual degrees graduate with two degrees/diplomas.