The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT) and the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs offer an integrated program in which students may obtain both an Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from SISLT and a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree.

Application Procedure

Applicants to the Dual Degree Program must submit formal applications for admission to the MPA Program and to SISLT accompanied by a statement requesting permission to pursue the Dual Degree Program. Students must meet the requirements for admission to both programs. Students who are accepted to one program but not the other will not be eligible for the joint degree.

Degree Requirement Summary

The program is designed for students eligible as “mid-career” students in the Master of Public Affairs Program. The program outlined here meets requirements for the dual degree with 36 credit hours in required courses (18 from Public Affairs and 19 from LIS), and 12 credit hours in elective courses chosen between the two programs, for a total of 51 credit hours. For those early career students interested in the dual degree, additional coursework will include an internship and capstone course (3 credits each) for a program total of 57 credits. The detailed program of study in the library and information science is also subject to approval by the student’s SISLT advisor.

Curriculum

The curriculum has been designed so that public affairs and essentials in SISLT are addressed, followed by specialized courses in the upper levels. Students may take the required classes in either degree first, followed by the specialized/elective courses.

Master of Public Affairs Required Courses

18 required hours:

• PUB_AF 8110 Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Management
• PUB_AF 8170 Public Policy Processes & Strategies
• PUB_AF 8180 Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs I
• PUB_AF 8181 Research Methods and Inquiry in Public Affairs II
• PUB_AF 8210 Public Service and Democracy
• PUB_AF 8520 Human Resources Management and Development in Public and Nonprofit Sector

Information Sciences and Learning Technologies

18 required hours:

• 7301 Introduction to Information Technology (3) OR 9410 Emerging Technologies in Libraries (3)
• 7305 Foundations of Library and Information Science (3)
• 7302 Organization of Information (3) OR 7312 Principles of Cataloging and Classification (3)
• 7313 Managing Collections and Access (3)
• 7314 Reference Sources and Services (3)
• 7315 Management of Information Agencies (3)
• 9499 LIS Portfolio (1)

Electives:

Select 2 additional courses from each program:
Public Affairs:

• PUB_AF 8720: Budgeting and Financial Management in the Nonprofit Sector
• PUB_AF 8510: Public Budgeting and Taxation
• PUB_AF 8540 Local Government Management (3)
• PUB_AF 8530 Strategic Management of Public Service Organizations
• PUB_AF 8830 Grantwriting I

Library Science:

• IS_LT 9408 Information Policy (3)
• IS_LT 9013 Public Library Administration (3)
• IS_LT 9012 Public Library Community Partnerships (3)
• IS_LT 9453 Planning & Evaluation of Information Services (3)
• IS_LT 9443 The Academic Library OR
• IS_LT 9444 The Public Library

Graduation Requirements:

LIS:

All students are required to complete the graduate examination. In SISLT, this is the ePortfolio, a one-credit hour class taken during the final semester of classes (Spring/Fall; not offered during summer). The MLIS does not require a practicum experience, but it is highly recommended. Dual degree students may complete their practicum in a library or a nonprofit/governmental organization.

MPA:

Early career students are required to complete an internship and capstone class (3 CrH each). Midcareer students are not required to take the internship and capstone. Please consult the MPA program to determine your eligibility.

Policies:

1. Students whose prior background does not allow them to undertake the program specified above may be admitted contingent on their completing additional courses for which they may not receive graduate credit.
2. Dual degree candidates who subsequently decide to pursue only the MLIS or the MPA degree must complete the degree program in its entirety and subject to the same rules and requirements as students not pursuing a dual degree.
3. The listing of courses does not constitute a binding commitment that the courses will be offered during the student’s course of study or that the graduation requirements will remain unchanged.
4. Students in the dual-degree program are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to all students at the School of Public Affairs and the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies. The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies and the School of Public Affairs reserve the right to limit participation in the program, including dismissal. Those interested are encouraged to submit a request for permission to participate in the program, along with applications for admission, at the earliest possible time.