MLIS Dual Degrees

MLIS students can pair their degree with others through the dual degree process. Requirements for each dual degree may vary, and students are encouraged to consult their advisor for more information. In order to apply for a dual degree, students must complete the Request for Dual Degree form and submit it to their advisor for approval.

Students interested in a dual degree must be first admitted by one of the programs. Once admitted, the student would complete the Request for Dual Degree form and submit it for approval by both programs. In order to qualify for a dual degree, a student must be enrolled in both programs simultaneously. Students cannot submit two admissions applications.

SLIS Online Dual Degrees

MLIS students in SLIS Online may earn the following dual degrees:

MLIS & Graduate Certificate in School Librarianship (CSLIB)

The MLIS/CSLIB program allows students to complete the CSLIB as part of their MLIS coursework. In consultation with their advisor, students may fulfill the CSLIB requirements as their MLIS elective courses.

MLIS & Master of Arts or MLIS & Master of Science

The MLIS/MA or MLIS/MS programs allow students the opportunity to complete two master’s degrees simultaneously and reduce the total number of credit hours required for each degree. Within a dual degree program, each program accepts six hours of the other program’s coursework as elective courses towards their own degree, thereby reducing the number of required hours by 12.

For example, in a MLIS/MA-History dual degree program, SLIS would accept 6 hours of History courses as electives towards the MLIS. The History department would accept 6 hours of LIS courses as electives towards the MA-History degree. The total number of required hours for the combined program would therefore be 60 rather than the 72 hours it would require if completed separately. The MLIS program would include the 18 hours of required core courses, 6 hours of electives from the History program, and 12 hours of additional LIS electives.

As dual degree programs require careful planning, students must consult with faculty advisors in both departments prior to applying for the program. Additionally, both degree programs must approve the courses accepted into their own degree from the outside program.

Finally, while the MLIS program is offered entire online, the second program in a dual degree may require in person coursework.

LSU Online Dual Degrees

MLIS students in LSU Online may earn the following dual degrees:

MLIS & Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies (CARST)
MLIS & Graduate Certificate in Records & Information Management (CRIM)

The MLIS/CARST & MLIS/CRIM programs allow students to complete the Graduate Certificate as part of their MLIS coursework. In consultation with their advisor, students may fulfill the CARST or CRIM requirements as their MLIS elective courses.