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Can I earn my M.L.I.S. degree online?
Yes! All classes for the M.L.I.S. program at USC are offered online and asynchronously.
What will orientation look like for M.L.I.S. students?
Orientation information will be online, just like the rest of the program! When the time comes for you to complete orientation tasks, you will be added to an Organization in Blackboard called "iSchool Orientation Portal." You will receive instructions via email about how to navigate the orientation tab.
Where do I locate information about the iSchool?
The best information about the iSchool (School of Information Science) can be found at the iSchool website or via Blackboard > Organizations > iSchool Graduate Students. You can also contact your advisor with questions. Advisors can be found be searching the iSchool Faculty and Staff Directory.
What is a reasonable course load for someone who works full-time?
Two classes per semester is generally a manageable courseload when working full-time. Make sure to check requirements for financial aid, which may specify a minimum course load each semester. Some classes may also be offered as 8-week courses, making it manageable to complete three courses per semester, if scheduling lines up!
What type of financial aid is available for graduate students?
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at USC Columbia handles all financial aid, even for graduate students. Graduate students often have access to federal loans, and sometimes receive departmental scholarships. Please note that you must enroll in at least 6 degree-applicable credit hours per semester to receive federal aid. For more detailed financial aid information, you can visit the Financial Aid webpage.
I have been out of school for a while and I feel nervous! What should I keep in mind?
It is totally okay to feel nervous, but remember that you are here because the Admissions Team believes in you! This program is very diverse in age and professional experience. If you need some pointers on what is expected from you, I highly suggest reading the syllabi your instructors create and asking them any follow-up questions you may have. We are expected to put in real effort and do our best work, but our professors want us to succeed.
I'm having issues with Blackboard, Self-Service Carolina, or other software/technology. How can I get help?
Contact the IT Service Desk. Everyone wants to help you, but only IT can do this part! You can call them at 803-777-1800 or you can see their other contact information by clicking here.
I need academic support; where can I go?
Everyone needs a little support! Please visit the Graduate Student Support webpage to get in touch with some folks who want to help. You can even sign up to be a part of an accountability group!
Where can I locate portfolio information?
Specific information on portfolios (and sample portfolios) can be found on Blackboard > Organizations > iSchool Graduate Students > Program Guidance and Requirements. You can also visit the Portfolio Information page on the LISSA website.
I am ready to start networking; any advice?
Some of the biggest organizations that LIS students might want to consider joining are the American Library Association (ALA), the Society of American Archivists (SAA), and the American Association of School Libraries (AASL), depending on your LIS focus. You should also consider joining regional associations relevant to your geographic area. Other organizations of interest can be found on LISSA's Professional Associations page. Conferences are also a great way to network within the field. You can view our Conferences page for a list of notable annual events to look forward to.
How do I join the USC iSchool Job Listserv to for job postings and related announcements?
By subscribing to this Listserv, you’ll receive job postings and related announcements directly in your inbox. You’ll also have the opportunity to share job opportunities with the listserv, connecting with fellow students, recent graduates, alumni, and members of the iSchool community nationwide.
As a current student, you can subscribe now using your USC email address (see instructions below).
After graduation, you’ll be able to update your subscription with a personal email address to continue receiving postings as an alum.
To post job opportunities, you must be subscribed to the listserv (posting instructions below).
Internship opportunities will still be shared through the current student listserv, in which you are already subscribed.
Instructions to Subscribe to the USC iSchool Job Listserv:
Open a new email message.
In the “To” field, enter: LISTSERV@LISTSERV.SC.EDU
In the Subject line, type: Subscribe to USC iSchool Job Listserv
In the body of the email, type the following on one line: SUBSCRIBE ISCHOOL_JOBS Firstname Lastname (For example: SUBSCRIBE ISCHOOL_JOBS Jane Doe)
Send the email.
You will receive a confirmation message from the listserv once you’ve been successfully added. Please note that email confirmation is required to activate your account. This message will also provide details about list settings and options. Once subscribed, you’ll automatically receive all job postings and related announcements in your inbox.
Instructions to Post to the iSchool Job Listserv (You must be subscribed in order to post.)
Open a new email message.
In the “To” field, enter: ISCHOOL_JOBS@LISTSERV.SC.EDU
In the Subject line, type a brief description of what you're sharing such as "Public Librarian Job Announcement."
In the body of the email, include the content you would like to share with listserv subscribers. You are also welcome to include attachments. For example, you might write:“Please see the job announcement below for a full-time Public Librarian position at the ___ Public Library System. If interested, follow the application instructions provided or reach out via email with any questions.”
Send the email.
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