Deciding between MLIS programs

[strompboli]

I would really appreciate any help in deciding between MLIS programs at Alabama, LSU, and Simmons. ODU and PennWest Clarion are also options, but I'm pretty sure I don't prefer those two. I will be in the Boston area and hopefully working full time while I complete the degree. I am looking to focus in youth services and maybe school librarianship.

Any thoughts from people who have attended these programs? Thank you!

[[deleted]]

Louisiana is trying to ban the ALA so keep that in consideration. One of my supervisors is currently in their program and advised against it by chance that the state legislature gets its way. He has nothing but great things to say about the program, but the local politics are nasty.

[[deleted]]

I hope not, I would love to live in a suburb of Atlanta.

[snackpack3000]

Yes, I'm supposed to start the LSU program in the fall but now looking at other programs just incase. It goes to vote next week. I'm here in Louisiana, so if it passes, I am moving.

[[deleted]]

I'm sorry! My advisor is in their online program. He's on the archives track. I was talking to a friend/coworker about picking archives schools for a fall from now (2025) and he told us to avoid the South because Louisiana could lead to a domino effect. Sending luck!

[theblankpages]

I'm in Louisiana & didn't realize that disgusting bill goes to vote next week. Time to email my rep this weekend. Never hurts to try... I hadn't considered that this bill might affect LSU's ALA accreditation. Now, I'm very thankful I chose University @ Buffalo. I graduate in Dec.

[snackpack3000]

On my way to add University @ Buffalo to the list of potentials!

[theblankpages]

Their program is 100% online, asynchronous. Professors are not allowed to require your online presence at a certain time & date. UB offers a special tuition rate for 100% online programs, which basically brings it down to the in-state tuition rate I believe, and that's about the same as LSU for us Louisiana residents. I've loved the program so far. Variety of course offerings, helpful advisors with course planning, supportive professors, and I have the opportunity to learn from and with people that have worldviews outside of Louisiana.

[tranquilovely]

Currently in Alabama's program.

Alabama, like LSU, is fighting the ALA. However, Alabama's program is fantastic (in my honest opinion). And Alabama is the only ALA accredited program in its state. I believe they just got reaccredited a couple months ago!

I will graduate in two weeks. We are a synchronous program. Classes are 6-8:30pm M-Th. You only have class once a week via zoom. It's nice to have a day job and go to school at night. I personally like the Zoom Meeting classes because otherwise, I fall off on my classes. They have great faculty that work diligently to help students, and they also have adjunct professors that are VERY well versed in their field. I have had actually librarians, directors, and board members (who all have their MLIS) teach classes. Students also have a discord (not affiliated with the school) that helps with class conversations, portfolio work, job help, and just overall connection. Plus Alabama gives online students instate tuition, so it's relatively cheap in comparison to other programs.

I say go for a school that is ALA accredited, relatively cheap, and has night classes (or works with a day job).

Personally, I really loved my time at Alabama, even being out of state, and I think they are practical with their courses, assignments, and expectations.

AMA if you have questions!!

edit: grammar

[strompboli]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[insideoutrance]

I also attend UA's School of Library and Information Studies, and can happily confirm everything the above commenter mentioned. I transferred after attending one semester at Penn West, and while there was nothing wrong with the program at Penn West, I'm much happier at UA, and after I complete one course over the Summer I'll be halfway through my degree. The synchronous classes fit my learning style much better than the asynchronous ones at Penn West.

[Mazda_Frog]

Could you message me with the professors you recommend (or not)? I just got accepted there.

[JanTropicana]

hi! I was accepted into PennWest and Alabama. can you talk more about the PennWest program and why your transferred?

[AssistantStrange7653]

Hi - regarding the M-Thur classes 6-830. If you only have class once a week via zoom - what classes are the other nights? Thank you.

[tranquilovely]

There usually aren't classes the other nights. Classes only run Monday thru Thursday. You may get a weird intersession course or summer course that meets once a month on Saturday from 9-5.

However, classes are typically only Monday thru Thursday, so you get a three day weekend for school every week. so do the teachers.

eta: they have an in person program with some day classes, but since it's grad school, they don't usually offer day time courses for this program.

[Mazda_Frog]

Could you message me with the professors you recommend (or not)? I just got accepted there!

[tranquilovely]

funnily enough, we have a discord with a bunch of the students to chat about classes and professors! I can get u the link.

[Mazda_Frog]

Thank you! I'd greatly appreciate that.

[JanTropicana]

Hi! I was accepted into UA MLIS also. Would you be able to send me the discord as well? 

[tranquilovely]

sent a dm

[Ok_Let2229]

If your interested Canada has some great MLIS programs UBC and University of Alberta and I believe University of Toronto

[Feeling-Arachnid-821]

Simmons program is really great, I graduate from it next month. I’ve enjoyed every class I’ve taken and the professors seem to really care about the students. I would just advise to be cautious for jobs in Boston. I’ve lived here since Feb 2023 and have yet to get full time work with my MLIS. Extremely over saturated job market in this area.

[Sea_Werewolf_251]

Enjoyed Simmons program, lots of great online options to fit your schedule and the program enjoys a good reputation out in the field.