FAQ: Electives; How do I choose the courses for my MLS degree?

Be creative. The elective portion of your MLS degree allows for flexibility and individualized planning. Each student is assigned an initial faculty advisor to help with the planning. Students are also encouraged to ask questions of other faculty and professionals to help explore career options.

Take an active role. Read job ads. Study the websites of professional associations in the field. Participate in one of our student chapters. Attend free workshops on campus. Start building up your résumé early. What interests you? What fascinates you? What elements of job ads do you notice? Where do you want to live? What type of work environment is important to you?

Read course syllabi and descriptions. Get a part-time job. Volunteer.

As you take your MLS Foundation courses, thoughts about what to take next will become clearer. You may find that working in the area of reference really makes sense to you -- or management -- or cataloging -- or web development… Enjoy discovering the different careers available with the MLS degree. This is a profession that values life-long learning. The time to complete your 36 credit hour MLS will go fast, but you will have a solid foundation to continue to learn.

Electives (21 hours) - Choose from:

• Any 500 or 600-level SLIS Course - MLS electives must be SLIS courses
• Internship(s) for S605 course credit (2-3 credit hours) -- note: students in some dual degree programs can be approved (or may be required) to take two internships. Students can do an internship for S605 credit after completion of 18 SLIS graduate credit hours. An approval form is required.
• SLIS Workshops (usually 1.0 or 1.5 credit hours) are offered under the S603 course number. Workshops focus on practical, professional skills. MLS students may count up to 6 credit hours of S603 toward the degree.
• SLIS Topics Courses -- offered under S604 and S635. SLIS offers a changing selection of special topics courses on professional issues.
• S601 or S603 courses with SLIS faculty (1-6 credit hours) -- course approval forms are required.