Jump to:

• Facilities
• Scholarships, Awards, and Financial Aid
• Requirements
• Master’s Degree Programs
• Doctor of Philosophy Program
• Study for International Students
• Certificate in Museum Studies

• Links to Other Pages

• Registrar Home Page
• Admissions
  • Prospective Students
  • U.S. Freshman
  • U.S. Transfer
  • U.S. Graduate
  • International
  • Returning Student
  • Special Student
  • Incoming Transient Student
• Finances
  • Student Financial Services
  • Financial Aid
  • Online Fee Payment
• FSYou (StudentsFirst)
  • FSYou (StudentsFirst)
  • Undergraduate Studies
  • Graduate Studies
  • Advising FAQ
  • Find Your Advisor
  • Academic Program Guide (Mapping)
• Bulletins
  • Undergraduate
    • Policies & Information
    • Colleges & Schools
    • Departments & Programs
    • Bulletin as a PDF
  • Graduate
    • Policies & Information
    • Colleges & Schools
    • Departments & Programs
    • Bulletin as a PDF
• Registration Guide
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
• Academic Calendar
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
• Registration Windows
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
• Exam Schedule
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
• Registration Tools
  • Check Stops
  • Course Lookup
  • Register Online
  • University Requirements
• Online Status Check
  • Current Class Schedule
  • Most Recent Grades
  • Check Requirements
  • Official Transcripts
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Update Address
  • FACTS
• Technology
  • Staff Administrative Applications
  • University Computing Services
  • Guide to Computing Resources
  • Student Secure Information Menu
  • Web Applications Guide
• Registrar's Forms
• Sitemap
•  

Florida State University Graduate Bulletin 2007-2009

College of Information

Dean: Larry Dennis; Associate Deans: Robert Brooks, Corinne Jorgensen

The multi- and inter-disciplinary domains represented in library and information studies offer some of the most diverse and rewarding professional opportunities available today. Powerful information technologies have fundamentally changed the nature of how information is produced, distributed, acquired, organized, stored, and preserved. We live in an increasingly interconnected information world, with technologies such as the Internet, personal computers, and wireless devices significantly changing how we connect people and information.

The College of Information offers myriad opportunities to blend concerns for people's need for information with complex and highly sophisticated technology. A critical function of the information professions is to serve as a bridge between people, information, and technology, ensuring that information systems are designed to foster and empower users, and that the information technology used is reliable, robust, affordable, and flexible. Information professionals ensure that people can access the information they want and need within the context and concerns of security and privacy, intellectual property, and information policy.

The College of Information at Florida State University is one of the top-ranked information studies programs in the nation. Its creative and innovative programs, based on well-established traditions, are dynamic and evolving within the ever changing global networked society.

Established in 1947 as a professional school, the College of Information now offers both undergraduate and graduate education. The master's degree program in library and information studies is accredited by the American Library Association, and the college is a member of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE). The college was authorized in 1968 to offer the doctor of philosophy degree and in January 1997 to offer the specialist degree.

The college's energetic faculty members are highly visible in professional organizations and societies, professional conferences, and publications, as well as in conducting significant research projects. This professional activity translates directly into a rich, intellectual environment that amply rewards students in their future career options. Our graduates are well-prepared to work in libraries, government agencies, corporations, and within any organization that has a significant need to bring people and information together.

Facilities

The College of Information resides in the Louis Shores Building, which houses classrooms, computer laboratories and administrative offices. The New Technology (NT) Laboratory includes small-scale Local Area Networks, experimental servers, digital video equipment, and other cutting-edge technology. It provides students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in network administration, UNIX server administration, multimedia resource production, and it is used for special independent and group projects under the supervision of faculty and staff. Made possible in part by a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, the Usability Center is a fully equipped usability laboratory for conducting, observing, recording and analyzing usability evaluations. The iSpace computer cluster and learning lab provides local and distance students with access to a modern Web development environment with scripting language and database access, media production facilities and a flexible virtual computer environment for experimenting with and using modern information technology tools. Also located in the Louis Shores Building is the Harold Goldstein Library, which houses professional materials and juvenile and young adult literature collections. The library provides students with a setting for internship and practicum experiences that focus on all aspects of library operations. The College provides wireless connections to the University's communication system.

Scholarships, Awards, and Financial Aid

There are a number of financial aid sources which are administered by the college, as well as those sources administered by the University. Applications and criteria for selection may be obtained through the College's Web site or by writing, emailing or calling the college.

Graduate Assistantships. The college administers graduate research, service, and teaching assistantships that require work in the college assisting faculty in teaching and research, staffing the college's library and laboratories, or assisting in the college's teaching information technology infrastructure. Stipends for these awards vary depending upon the specific assignment. To be considered for these awards, students should complete the college's application for graduate assistantships available on the college's Web site at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Scholarships and Fellowships. The college administers a program of scholarships resulting from the generosity of alumni and other friends. To be considered for a scholarship, students must submit the college's application for scholarships. The application and information about specific scholarships and fellowships is provided on the college's Web site: http://www.ci.fsu.edu. In addition to these sources, prospective students should consult the Web site of the American Library Association, http://www.ala.org.

Stipulations for All Incoming Graduate Students

Laptop Computer Requirement for Main Campus Students. All main campus graduate students in the College of Information are required to provide their own laptop computer and appropriate software. Students not enrolled on the main campus may use a desktop or laptop computer. Specific information about technical requirements may be found on the college's Web site at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Synchronous Activities for Online Courses. Online courses typically meet for a scheduled day/time each week during which students participate in synchronous online activities. These scheduled days/times are published on the course schedule each semester. Adherence to this schedule may vary from course to course. Students should check with the instructor for information about the mode of instruction for a particular course.

Master's Degree Program

Students will gain the basic theoretical foundation, knowledge, and introductory skills necessary to function effectively in professional positions in the field of library and information studies.

 1. Students will interpret the role of the information profession and will be aware of its conceptual framework as a basis for their practice in a variety of information environments in a multicultural society

 2. Students will demonstrate a knowledge of the present and future roles and functions of information professionals in relation to the environments in which they operate

 3. Students will demonstrate a knowledge of the basic principles of professionalism to analyze critically their roles and establish future directions for the profession

 4. Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the functions and activities that commonly take place in the information field and will place these activities in a rational framework within the appropriate information environment

 5. Students will become acquainted with major information environments and recognize the similarities, differences, and interrelationships of these settings

 6. Students will gain knowledge of techniques and skills that underlie basic information activities, and, in selected areas, more advanced techniques

 7. Students will develop the ability to adapt to changing demands and opportunities for information provision in society, including the application of current techniques and technologies

 8. Students will begin to analyze, evaluate, and articulate a professional philosophy based on an integrated view of the role of the information profession in society and the role of the information professional in helping individuals and groups effectively fulfill their information needs.

Two types of programs are available at the master's level:

Master of Science Program. Requirements are outlined below under 'Degree Requirements.'

Master of Arts Program. In addition to the requirements outlined below under 'Degree Requirements,' see the 'Special Master of Arts Requirements' in the "Graduate Degree Requirements" chapter of this Graduate Bulletin.

The College of Information features Web-based courses that permit graduate students to earn a master's or specialist degree without coming to campus. Additional information about this opportunity is available at: http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Degree Requirements

The master's degree requires thirty-six (36) semester hours of graduate course work. Students take four core courses covering the areas of information organization, policy, research methods, and management. For career planning purposes, courses are offered in three broad areas of concentration: Information Needs and Services, Youth Information Needs and Services, and Information Architecture and Technology. Additionally, students may select courses in one or more areas of specialization (some of which have required courses), or may plan an individualized program of study to best meet their career goals. The current areas of specialization include Leadership and Management, Reference and Instruction, Information Organization, School Media, Youth Services, Technology and Networking, and Web Design. Students may select more than one area of specialization, and additional specializations may become available in the future. Students should plan their course work with the counsel of their academic adviser.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the college is a two-step process involving submission of a Supplemental Application to the college and submission of an application for admission (including all required documents) to a graduate program at the University. Both applications may be obtained online at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

All applicants must meet the University's minimum standards for admission including:

 1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an approved college/university

 2. A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (4.0 = A) in the last two years of the baccalaureate degree (or of a 3.0 on a master's degree from an accredited university) or a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal/quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

and

 3. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 or higher on the paper exam, or 213 on the computer exam, or 80 on the Internet exam. The requirement may be waived with documentation of successful completion of at least one academic year of study in a country whose official language is English.

Note: All applicants must submit official GRE scores regardless of GPA.

Meeting the University's minimum required GPA or GRE scores does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission is competitive and applicants are evaluated on ALL parts of the application, including the college's Supplemental Application. Applicants must demonstrate academic ability, focus, interest, commitment and other evidence that they can succeed in our graduate program and contribute to the profession. The College of Information gives preference for admission to applicants who meet the minimum University requirements for both the GPA and the GRE.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for the master of science degree in library and information studies. There is a foreign language requirement for the master of arts degree.

Applicants may be required to furnish additional relevant information upon request.

School Library Media Specialist Certification Admission Requirements

Applicants for the master's degree who plan to seek school library media specialist certification must meet the University's and the college's standards for admission and acceptance. Students interested in school library media specialist certification should consult the college's Web site (http://www.ci.fsu.edu.I) for requirements. Students seeking certification must do so as part of a master's degree program in information studies.

International Internships

The college offers internship opportunities in conjunction with Florida State University International Programs. Internships are currently available in London and Florence.

Master's Degree Time Frame

The work for the master's degree must be completed within seven years from the time the student first registers for graduate credit. Graduate students must maintain an average of "B" (3.0) or better in all work taken at the graduate level. No course with a grade below "C" (2.0) will be credited toward a graduate degree, and no student is eligible for the conferral of a degree if the overall grade point average is less than a "B".

Students whose grades fall below "B" in any semester are placed on academic probation for the next term; academic dismissal may follow if the minimum (3.0) GPA is not achieved by the end of the next semester of enrollment.

Specialist Degree Program

The specialist degree program addresses the need of information professionals to become aware of new areas within the field and to improve skills and/or develop additional competencies. This program is based on the identified needs of the information professional and is planned cooperatively between students and faculty members. Students will acquire the knowledge and competencies to perform at higher levels within their area of professional interest. Students will develop the capabilities to assume leadership roles in the profession and society. Program objectives are:

 1. The student will achieve an in-depth knowledge of new developments and trends in library and information studies

 2. The student will gain an increased expertise in area(s) of specialization

 3. The student will gain increased insights into the importance of the information profession.

This degree requires thirty (30) semester hours beyond the master's degree. Students enrolled in the specialist program should consider their individual needs and professional development in the selection of courses either in the College of Information or in other departments. Each specialist candidate who has been accepted is required to plan a program with the major professor during the first semester of enrollment. All specialist students are required to complete a cumulative paper under the guidance of their major professor during the semester(s) prior to graduation. The cumulative paper may be completed for 3 or 6 semester hours over a period of one or two semesters.

For further information, consult the college's Web site: http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Each applicant will be considered individually. Admission will be based, generally, on previous academic performance, individual interest and need, and professional promise. Applicants must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study to the University. Minimum admission criteria include evidence of a master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 ; a minimum score of l000 on the combined verbal/quantitative portions of the GRE; and three letters of reference. In addition, applicants must submit a Supplemental Application to the college. Both applications are available online at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Specialist Degree Time Frame

The work for the specialist degree must be completed within seven years from the time the student is admitted to the specialist degree program. Graduate students must maintain an average of "B" (3.0) or better in all work taken at the graduate level. No course with a grade below "C" (2.0) will be credited toward a graduate degree, and no student is eligible for the conferral of a degree if the overall grade point average is less than a "B".

Students whose grades fall below "B" in any semester are placed on academic probation for the next term; academic dismissal may follow if the minimum (3.0) GPA is not achieved by the end of the next semester in which they enroll.

Juris Doctor/Master of Science Degree

The Juris Doctor/MS joint degree program leads to both a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from the FSU College of Law and a Master of Science Degree from the College of Information. Graduates of this program will be particularly suited to work in law libraries and other organizations involved with the creation and dissemination of legal information. Students in the joint degree program will receive academic advising from both the College of Law and the College of Information.

Nine (9) semester hours of graduate course work in Information Studies are credited toward the hours normally required for the Juris Doctor Degree, and nine (9) hours of Law courses are credited toward the thirty-six (36) hours required for the MS degree. This saves the joint degree student eighteen (18) semester hours of course work that would otherwise be required to complete both degrees separately.

All course work for both degrees must be completed within a five-year period and both degrees will be awarded at the same time. With the exception of the eighteen (18) special semester hours described above, students are expected to fulfill all requirements for both degrees.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) is a research degree awarded as the result of independent and comprehensive scholarship in a particular area. The student will become familiar with a wide range of research methods and will develop a background in social science and information theory and phenomena, culminated by completion of an original piece of research. The goal of the Ph.D. program is to produce highly qualified researchers for academic, corporate, nonprofit, or governmental settings.

The objectives of the doctoral program are:

 1. To produce highly qualified researchers

 2. To prepare graduates with sufficient skills and knowledge to be successful critical scholars, who are familiar with standard techniques of library and information science research, and who are aware of the multiplicity of problems in the information field to which these research techniques may be applied

Each student's program is planned individually in concert with members of his/her Academic Program Committee (APC). Together they must formulate a comprehensive program of study that will ensure a mastery of major and minor areas of interest.

Admission Requirements

Applicants generally will hold a Master's degree (or its equivalent). Applications from prospective students representing a wide range of fields are encouraged due to the interdisciplinary nature of doctoral activity. A student must first meet the minimum requirements for admission to Florida State University Graduate School as stated in the Graduate Bulletin.

Admission to the PhD program is highly selective, based upon the assessment of a number of factors which, when taken together, provide evidence that the applicant possesses superior scholastic ability, has the potential for success in a rigorous graduate program of research study, and will perform well within the broad context of information studies. Among the factors considered are the following:

 1. Academic records of previous undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies

 2. Performance on the general aptitude sections of the GRE

 3. Quality and quantity of prior work experience

 4. Three or more references provided by the applicants to attest to their experience and their ability to complete advanced study and research successfully

 5. A personal statement that gives career objectives and describes the research interests and the specific qualifications of the applicant to pursue doctoral work

and

 6. A recent research paper or writing sample

Additional information concerning application materials is available on the college's Web site at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Statistics is important for success in the doctoral program; students admitted to the program must complete at least one graduate course or demonstrate equivalent competencies at the beginning of their course work.

Completed applications are evaluated by the doctoral program team, which looks at the totality of the qualifications possessed by the applicants. Every effort is made to select those individuals who, in the opinion of the committee, have the potential to succeed in the program.

All credentials for evaluation for entry must be received by Florida State University by February 1st; applicants for financial aid should submit well before this, preferably by early November. To be considered for all available financial assistance and to take advantage of the optimal sequence of courses, prospective students are permitted to enroll during the fall semester only. Students whose records indicate a need to do additional preparatory work may be counseled to enroll earlier.

Prospective doctoral students are encouraged to consult the college's Guidelines for Doctoral Students for further information, available on the college's Web site at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Study for International Students

The College of Information welcomes applications from qualified international students and is pleased to have many distinguished information professionals from other countries among its alumni. The college customarily has international students in residence from a variety of countries. The college has a number of faculty with international experience and interests and believes that it offers a hospitable and productive environment for study by international students.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Florida State University requires that all international students meet the following requirements. The student must provide evidence of:

 1. A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an approved college or university

 2. Good standing in the institution of higher education last attended

 3. A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (where A = 4.0) earned as an upper-division undergraduate student or equivalent, determined by the University's Office of Admissions, or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the general (aptitude) test of the GRE

and

 4. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 or higher on the paper exam, or 213 on the computer exam, or 80 on the Internet exam. The requirement may be waived with documentation of successful completion of at least one academic year of study in a country whose official language is English.

Note: All students must submit official GRE scores regardless of GPA.

In addition to these University requirements, international students must meet the specific requirements of the College of Information for the program in which they wish to enroll. The college reserves the right to set admission standards higher than the University's minimum requirements.

Because of the detailed information and the special processing required for admission of an international student, prospective students must complete their application at least six months prior to the fall term in which they wish to enroll.

International students are urged to contact both the College of Information and the University's Office of Admissions as soon as possible after deciding to pursue graduate study at FSU in order to obtain full information about requirements for admission.

Financial Aid for International Students

The College of Information does not have scholarships which can be awarded to international students. The college does have a small number of assistantships for which international students may apply.

Certificate Programs

The College of Information offers a variety of certificate programs for people who want to increase their professional knowledge and skills but do not wish to pursue a graduate degree. Certificates are available in these areas of specialization: leadership and management, museum studies, reference services, school library media leadership, Web design, and youth services. Students are required to complete twelve (12) semester hours of course work selected from a list of courses approved for the certificate. Additional information is available through the college's Web site at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Students will be assigned a faculty adviser upon entering the program and will work with the faculty adviser to develop a plan of study tailored to their professional goals.

Students wishing to enroll in a certificate program must apply to Florida State University as a special student and meet additional requirements of the College of Information. Details about the college's requirements for admission are available at http://www.ci.fsu.edu.

Certificate in Leadership and Management

This certificate program is designed to prepare students for leadership and management of information organizations, such as libraries, government agencies, archives, and museums, in the 21st century. Courses will focus on knowledge and skills in the areas of leadership, management, policy, strategy development, decision-making, customer service, team building, negotiating, and budget and finance.

Certificate in Museum Studies

The college participates in the Museum Studies Certificate Program, in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance, and the College of Human Sciences. The interdisciplinary program combines courses from the College of Information with courses focused on specific museum topics. Additional information about the certificate program is available on the college's Web site at http://www.ci.fsu.edu and on the Museum Studies Web site at http://www.fsu.edu/~ms/.

Certificate in Reference Services

This certificate program provides training in reference services including searching, selecting and using information resources in a wide range of forms and formats, understanding information needs, and communicating and working effectively with diverse populations.

Certificate in School Library Media Leadership

This certificate focuses on leadership for future or current school library media specialists. It centers on tenets of National Board Certification, which is a voluntary process to recognize and reward organizational leadership established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, a non-profit, non-partisan organization. All courses are designed to increase the knowledge and critical thinking skills associated with organizational leadership. These skills include decision-making, directing others, team building, taking initiative, persuading, presenting, educating, confronting and negotiating.

Certificate in Web Design

This certificate program provides opportunities to build skills in areas of Web design, Web applications, administration, and usability so that certificate holders can enhance their existing knowledge of Web technologies with needed capabilities.

Certificate in Youth Services

The certificate in youth services is intended for people who are working in libraries and who wish to gain additional training in youth services but who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree. Students will gain skills in identifying appropriate information resources for youth, understanding the key developmental stages of youth, developing programs and services for youth, and evaluating resources, programs, and services for youth.