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.