School of Information

Graduate Programs

College of Communication and Information

Website: https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu

Director: Charles C. Hinnant; Professors: G. Burnett, K. Burnett, Dennis, Everhart, Gross, Kazmer, Latham, Lustria, Mardis, Marty, Stvilia; Associate Professors: He, C. Hinnant, Metcalfe, Mon; Assistant Professors: Chatmon, Stahlman, Sullivan; Specialized Faculty: Baeg, Barrager, Gibradze, L. Hinnant, Jowett, Marks, Ngampornchai, Reist, Saludo, von Hollen; Professors Emeriti: Aaron, DePew, Hart, C. Jörgensen, McClure, Riccardi, Robbins, Wiegand

The School of Information (iSchool) at Florida State University is one of the top-ranked information and information technology programs in the nation and offers a myriad of opportunities to facilitate people's needs for credible information with complex and highly sophisticated technology. The multi- and inter-disciplinary domains represented by the information field 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, preserved, and analyzed. Information professions serve as a bridge between people, information, and technology, ensuring that information systems are designed to support and empower users; and that the information technology used is usable, useful, reliable, and robust. Information professionals ensure that people can access the credible information they want and need, while at the same time addressing issues such as security and privacy, intellectual property, and information policy.

Established in 1947 as a professional school, the iSchool offers graduate degree programs that provide professional development in information management, information technologies, and information services. The Master of Science in Information Technology degree program is ranked 5th nationally. The Master of Science in Information degree program is ranked 11th nationally, 1st ranked for School Library Media, and ranked 3rd for Youth Services among library and information science degree programs nationwide. The Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degree programs in Information are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA): https://ala.org. The iSchool also offers a combined bachelor's/master's pathway in Information Technology (BS/MS), the Specialist degree in Information, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Information, as well as graduate certificate programs in Information Architecture, Health Informatics, Information Leadership and Management, User Services, School Librarian Leadership, and Youth Services. The iSchool is a member of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T): https://asist.org; the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE): https://alise.org; and is a founding member of the iSchools movement: https://ischools.org.

The iSchool's exceptional faculty is highly visible in professional conferences, organizations, and societies; conducts groundbreaking research; and publishes in highly respected peer-reviewed publication venues. The overwhelming majority of the courses are taught by our faculty, and their professional and academic activities translate directly into a rich, intellectual environment that amply prepares students for future career options. Our graduates are well prepared to work across public and private sector environments from educational institutions, libraries, government, and non-profit agencies to businesses and in any organization that has a significant need to bring people, information, and technology together.

Synchronous Online Courses

Our online courses typically meet for a scheduled day/time in the evenings, during which students participate in webinar-style 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. Some courses use a variety of modes and students should check with the instructor for information about the mode of instruction for a particular course. Visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/online.

Professional Opportunities

In the master's degree programs, students will gain the theoretical foundation, knowledge, and skills necessary to function effectively in a variety of professional positions within the information fields, such as:

  • Library Director
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO)
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Information Technology Manager
  • Data Scientist
  • Digital Youth Specialist
  • Information Manager
  • Research Data Librarian
  • Scholarly Communication Librarian
  • Metadata Librarian
  • Health Informaticist
  • Digital Librarian
  • Information Literacy Librarian
  • Information Service Librarian
  • Computer Security Analyst
  • Systems Analyst
  • Systems Security Analyst
  • Web Developer/Administrator
  • Social Media Manager
  • Youth and/or School Librarian

Graduate Programs Available

  • Master of Science in Information
  • (This degree includes two majors: a major in Information, and a major in Information Science and Technology)
  • Master of Science in Information Technology
  • Master of Arts in Information
  • (The Master of Science in Information and Master of Arts in Information degree programs are offered in two types: the course-work only option and the thesis option; for details, see https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/grad-programs/master-of-science-in-information/#degree-requirements).
  • Specialist (Post-Master's) in Information
  • Juris Doctor / Master of Science in Information
  • Juris Doctor / Master of Science in Information Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information
  • Certificate Programs in:
  • Health Informatics
  • Information Architecture
  • Information Leadership and Management
  • School Librarian Leadership
  • User Services
  • Youth Services

Master of Science in Information

The Master of Science in Information degree, accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), requires successful completion of thirty-six semester hours of graduate coursework that can be earned online. Students may select from two majors: Information, or Information Science and Technology. Students electing the major in Information must take four core courses in the areas of information organization, policy, research methods, and management; at least one technology-focused course; and choose additional courses from one or more programs of study.

Current programs of study include:

  • Cultural Informatics
  • General Librarianship
  • Health Informatics
  • Information Organization
  • Leadership & Management
  • Public, Academic, and Special Libraries
  • User Services
  • School Libraries
  • Technology & Networking
  • Web Design
  • Youth Services

For more information about the MS program, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/grad-programs/master-of-science-in-information.

Master of Arts in Information

A Master of Arts in Information degree, accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), may be earned by students who complete the requirements for the Master of Science degree and six or more semester hours of graduate credit in one or more of the following fields: art; classical language, literature, and civilization; communication (not including speech correction); English; history; humanities; modern languages and linguistics; music; philosophy; religion; and theatre. In addition, they must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. For more information about the MA program requirements, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/grad-programs/master-of-arts-in-information.

Master of Science in Information Technology

The Master of Science in Information Technology degree requires successful completion of thirty-two semester hours of graduate coursework, which can be earned online. Students must take four core courses in the areas of management of information organizations, information behavior, information systems management, and usability analysis. Students choose additional courses either from one or more programs of study or by designing an individualized approach that best meets their career goals. Current programs of study include: large-scale data management, IT leadership and management, technology and networking, user-centered design, and Web design. Programs of study are tailored to professional needs in preparing students for diverse IT careers such as Web developer/administrator, information systems analyst, information security systems analyst, health IT systems specialist, data scientist, and social media manager. A combined bachelor's/master's pathway (BSIT/MSIT) combining a bachelor's degree in Information Technology with a master's degree in Information Technology is also available to eligible undergraduate students, offering them the opportunity to take up to twelve semester hours of graduate coursework, which may be counted toward both the BSIT and MSIT degrees. Information about the combined BSIT/MSIT pathway can be found at: https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/undergrad-programs/combined-bachelors-masters-program-in-information-technology.

For more information about the MSIT program, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/grad-programs/master-of-science-in-information-technology.

Admission Requirements – Master of Science and Master of Arts Programs

In order to be considered for admission to the MS or MA program, a student must present:

  • Proof of completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all upper-division undergraduate coursework toward a bachelor's degree, or an earned minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on a completed master's degree; and
  • Official test results from a nationally standardized Graduate Admissions Entrance Exam, such as the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The GRE is preferred. The graduate admission exam requirement can be waived for applicants meeting specific criteria: a completed Master's, JD, MD, or PhD degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally accredited institution; two years of professional experience working in the information or information technology field and a 3.0 or higher upper-division undergraduate GPA from a regionally accredited institution; or FSU undergraduate students with an upper-division information technology GPA of 3.2 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher.
  • Additional supporting application materials: résumé, application fee, FSU Graduate Application, and a statement of purpose.

Additionally, students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Information Technology degree must also provide proof of completion of twelve credit hours of technology-related coursework or two years of information technology-related work experience. A student who does not have this IT background is encouraged to consider completing the graduate Certificate in Information Architecture as a non-degree seeking student prior to applying to the MSIT to meet this requirement. Up to 12 approved semester hours taken as a non-degree seeking student may be transferred toward degree completion requirements upon formal admission to a master's or specialist degree program.

English Language Proficiency: Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. International graduate applicants seeking teaching assistantships are also required to pass a test of spoken English. This test requirement may be waived for applicants who have received a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or other institution where English is the required language of instruction.

Meeting the University's minimum required GPA or graduate school exam scores does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission is competitive and applicants must demonstrate academic ability, focus, interest, commitment, maturity, and other evidence that they can succeed in our graduate program and contribute to the profession. The School of Information gives preference for admission to applicants who meet the minimum University requirements for both the GPA and the Graduate Admissions Entrance Exam. For more information about master's degree admission requirements, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/graduate.

Specialist (Post-Master's) in Information

The Specialist degree is a post-master's degree designed for students who are interested in gaining knowledge in new areas within the information field. The focus of the program is to improve and/or develop new skills and professional competencies. Students in this degree program plan their specific program of study cooperatively with faculty advisors who will help tailor the program to meet the student's professional needs. The Specialist degree requires successful completion of thirty semester hours beyond the MS/MA degree and an optional culminating paper or project upon completion of coursework. For more information about the specialist program, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/grad-programs/specialist-in-information.

Admission Requirements – Specialist Degree

Admission to the Specialist in Information is highly competitive. The decision is made based on a holistic review of the application, including:

  • Work experience
  • Prior academic experience
  • Graduate Admissions Entrance Examination scores (GRE, MAT, LSAT, or GMAT) OR approved waiver. To request a waiver, complete the online Entrance Exam Waiver Request Form. Entrance exam can be waived for master's and specialist applicants who meet ONE of the following criteria: A completed Master's, JD, MD, or PhD degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally accredited institution;
  • Two years of professional experience working in the information or information technology field and a 3.0 or higher upper-division undergraduate GPA from a regionally accredited institution; or FSU undergraduate students with an upper-division information technology GPA of 3.2 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher.
  • English Language Proficiency exam (TOEFL, IBT, or IELTS—required of international applicants ONLY). Note: If you have received a bachelor's degree or master's degree from a U.S. institution or other institution where English is the required language of instruction, this test requirement may be waived. For more information about specialist degree admission requirements, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/graduate.

Timeline for Completion of Graduate Degrees – MS, MA, and Specialist

The work for the master's or specialist degree must be completed within seven years from the time the student first registers for graduate credit. Graduate students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better in all work taken at the graduate level. No course with a grade below “C–” (C minus) 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 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Students whose grade point average falls below 3.0 in any semester are placed on academic probation for the next term; academic dismissal will occur if the minimum 3.0 grade point average is not achieved by the end of the next semester of enrollment. If the student does not complete the work required for the degree within seven years of initial registration and the School does not choose to approve an Extension of Time (EOT), the student may no longer be enrolled in either the program or at Florida State University.

Juris Doctor/Master of Science Joint Graduate Pathways

The JD/MSI and JD/MSIT Joint Graduate Pathways lead to both a Juris Doctor degree from the FSU College of Law and a Master of Science in Information (MSI) or Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree from the School of Information. Graduates of these programs are particularly suited to work in law libraries and other organizations involved with the creation, organization, and dissemination of legal information and the management and implementation of legal information technology systems. Students in the Joint Graduate Pathway receive academic advising from both the College of Law and the School of Information.

For the JD/MSI degree, nine semester hours of graduate coursework in Information are credited toward the hours normally required for the Juris Doctor degree and six hours of Law courses are credited toward the thirty-six hours required for the Master of Science degree. This saves the joint-degree student fifteen semester hours of coursework that would otherwise be required to complete both degrees separately. For the JD/MSIT degree, nine semester hours of graduate coursework in Information Technology are credited toward the hours normally required for the Juris Doctor degree and two hours of Law courses are credited toward the thirty-two hours required for the Master of Science degree. This saves the joint-degree student eleven semester hours of coursework that would otherwise be required to complete both degrees separately.

Students wishing to enroll in the JD/MS Joint Graduate Pathways program must submit Dual Enrollment Request forms prior to completing twelve hours in the second degree program and before reaching their final semester and applying for graduation. All coursework for both degrees must be completed within a five-year period and both degrees are awarded at the same time. With the exception of the shared credit semester hours described above, students are expected to fulfill all requirements for both degrees.

For more information about the JD/MS Joint Graduate Pathways, visit https://law.fsu.edu/academics/academic-programs/joint-graduate-pathways.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information

The Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) is a research degree awarded as the result of independent and comprehensive scholarship in a particular area. Students become familiar with a wide range of research methods and develop a background in social science and information theory and phenomena, culminating in the completion of an original piece of research. The goal of the PhD program is to produce astute and creative, highly qualified researchers for academic, corporate, nonprofit, or governmental settings. The goals of the doctoral program are to prepare graduates who:

  1. Are familiar with standard techniques of information research;
  2. Have mastered definite fields of knowledge so that they are familiar not only with what has been done in their specific fields but also with the potential and opportunity for further advances;
  3. Have demonstrated capacity to do original and independent scholarly investigation or creative work in their selected fields.

Each student's program is planned individually, in concert with his/her Major Professor (MP) and Supervisory Committee (SC). Together they must formulate a comprehensive program of study that will ensure a mastery of major areas of interest.

Applicants generally will hold a master's or equivalent degree. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of doctoral activity in information, applications from prospective students representing a wide range of fields are encouraged.

Admission Requirements – PhD Program

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 the information field. Among the factors considered are the following:

  • Academic records of previous undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
  • Quality and quantity of prior work experience;
  • Three or more references provided by the applicants to attest to their experience and their ability to complete advanced study and research successfully;
  • A personal statement covering their career objectives, describing their research interests, as well as the specific qualifications of the applicant to pursue doctoral work;
  • A recent research paper or writing sample;
  • A current curriculum vitae or résumé;
  • A digital video of the applicant detailing the applicant's background information and accomplishments, why the applicant is interested in the FSU School of Information, research areas of interest, the faculty with whom the applicant would like to work, and goals after completing the PhD.

Admission to the PhD program requires approval of both the University and the School of Information. To be considered for admission, students must present:

  • Proof of Completion of a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all upper-division undergraduate coursework toward a bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a completed master's degree

English Language Proficiency: Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. This test requirement may be waived for applicants who have received a bachelor's degree or master's degree from a U.S. institution or other institution where English is the required language of instruction. The minimum scores required for admission to the School of Information are:

  • Paper based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 600 total / 61 writing
  • Internet based TOEFL (IBT): 100 total / 24 writing
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery: (MELAB): 84 total

International graduate applicants seeking teaching assistantships are required to pass a test of spoken English.

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

All credentials for evaluation for entry must be received by Florida State University by January 15. For more information about the PhD degree program, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/graduate/phd.

Certificate Programs

The School of Information offers graduate-level certificate programs that can be earned online. For more information about certificate programs, please visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics.

Health Informatics Certificate

This certificate program prepares information and technology professionals to be managers and leaders in health information technology by educating students in health information, health technologies, and management of information and technology systems and services. This program offers training in areas including electronic health records systems and eHealth approaches for health promotion and patient self-management.

Information Architecture Certificate

This certificate program prepares information and technology professionals to design, build, and manage a Website as an information system. This program offers opportunities to enhance skills in areas of Web design, Web applications, administration, and usability, building on students' existing knowledge of Web technologies.

Information Leadership and Management Certificate

This certificate program prepares information and technology professionals to be managers and leaders in their respective fields by enhancing their understanding of the unique challenges facing their profession now and in the future. This certificate program offers training in leadership, management, policy, strategy development, decision-making, customer service, team building, negotiating, and budget and finance.

User Services Certificate

This certificate program prepares information professionals to assume the role of an information, research, and instructional specialist in order to provide assistance to patrons. The certificate program offers training in 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.

School Librarian Leadership Certificate

This certificate program prepares school librarians to be leaders by strengthening skills in technology integration, instructional collaboration, and information leadership. The certificate program offers training in skills to positively impact learning, collaborate with educators to effectively use library resources tailored to the learning needs of learners, and effectively select and integrate various technologies into the instructional program of the school.

Youth Services Certificate

This certificate program prepares information professionals to be successful youth services specialists. This program offers training in resources, services, and evaluation focused on the information needs and interests of children and youth.

Scholarships, Assistantships, and Fellowships

The School of Information provides several internal opportunities for financial assistance based on a variety of factors. For more information, visit our Website at https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/financial.

Innovation Hub

The School of Information is a founding partner in the Innovation Hub (The Hub) located on the first floor of the Louis Shores Building. The Hub is a technology innovation collaboration space designed to support design thinking with the latest technologies, a Digital Fablab, Virtual Reality Lab, Hackerspace, and more. For more information, visit https://innovation.fsu.edu/.

Student Organizations and Honor Societies

Students have the opportunity to become involved with organizations that engage professional interests, build relationships, expand networking opportunities, and continue learning outside the classroom. For more information, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/people/students.

The American Library Association Student Chapter

As one of sixty active student chapter groups, the award-winning FSU iSchool American Library Association (ALA) student chapter seeks to promote the growth of its members in accordance with ALA standards. Founded in 1988, the student chapter was the 14th to be officially recognized by the ALA. By becoming a member of the ALA, FSU students gain access to lower membership rates, career opportunities, discounts, national conferences, job listings, newsletters, and invaluable networking opportunities, among other benefits. Student members of the ALA can also apply for the Student-to-Staff position with the ALA annual conference. Those chosen as a representative will receive free conference registration and housing in exchange for four hours of volunteer work per day. Students also have the opportunity to join the Florida Library Association at a discounted price when joining the ALA. The ALA student chapter also provides access to leaders in the library community by bringing esteemed speakers to our meetings. The FSU ALA student chapter has earned national honors as Student Chapter of the Year and runner-up for Student Chapter of the Year. For more information, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/people/students/grad.

Beta Phi Mu Honor Society

Beta Phi Mu was founded in 1948 by a group of leading librarians and library educators to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students. The motto, “Aliis inserviendo consumor,” meaning “Consumed in the service of others,” was selected by the founders based on the concept of dedication of librarians and other information professionals to the service of others. The Gamma Chapter, at Florida State University, was founded in 1957 and is the second oldest continually existent Beta Phi Mu chapter. Eligibility for membership in Beta Phi Mu is by invitation of the faculty from an American Library Association accredited professional degree program.

Institutes and Centers

The School of Information offers a variety of research labs, institutes, and centers, including the eHealth Lab and the iSensor Lab, as well as the Information Institute and the Institute for Digital Information and Scientific Communication. For more information about the School of Information's research institutes and centers, visit https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/research/institutes.

Information Use Management and Policy Institute (Information Institute)

The Information Use Management and Policy Institute (Information Institute) was founded in the summer of 1999 by Dr. Charles R. McClure. The Institute, directed by Dr. Marcia A. Mardis, is dedicated to serving the university community through encouraging the growth and development of faculty resources, student opportunities, and staff enrichment options.

The Institute conducts research that focuses on the information user and the interaction of the user with information products, services, policies, technologies, and organizations. The Institute also conducts information policy research on current issues at every level of government related to public access, privacy, records management, and use of information in electronic forms. Particular emphasis is placed on the planning and evaluation of networked and other information services through analyzing and evaluating the impact of systems from a policy and user perspective.

Institute for Digital Information and Scientific Communication (iDigInfo)

The mission of the Institute for Digital Information and Scientific Communication (iDigInfo) is to advance the science of information analysis and organization, improve the research capabilities of research disciplines, and engage students in research and communication activities.

By employing their unique focus on user information seeking needs, iDigInfo works to be the top international source of information management and analysis activities, especially in the area of the capture and analysis of scientific inference and the information that supports it. Dr. Austin Mast is the Director of iDigInfo.

Definition of Prefix

IDC—Interdisciplinary Computing

LIS—Library and Information Studies

Graduate Courses

IDC 5015. Teaching Interdisciplinary Computing (2–3). This course offers teaching assistants and future educators techniques for the effective teaching of computing concepts and skills. Focus is placed on general college-level teaching skills and on the unique challenges of teaching computer skills to students from multiple disciplines, who are not necessarily technically inclined.

IDC 5606. Cyber Defense Operations and Incident Response (3). Prerequisites: LIS 4774 or LIS 5775 or instructor permission. This course provides students with practical experience on computer incident handling, diagnostic reporting, incident response, and cyber defense operations. Students gain experience in forming effective, cohesive, and efficient cyber defense teams. Students are grouped into teams to configure and secure various types of information systems (e.g., Redhat, Debian, Windows, etc.).

LIS 5008. Online Searching (3). This course covers advanced methods and strategies to search for reliable information and valuable resources such as specialized databases, library catalogs, search engines, the Deep Web, and Open Education Resources. Students also learn how to effectively evaluate, manage, and present search results. Knowledge and skills learned from this course are readily transferrable.

LIS 5020. Foundations of the Information Professions (3). This course provides background information about the information profession and aims to facilitate optimal information management. Topics include librarianship, the disciplines of library-information science (LIS) and of information technology (IT), the organizations and institutions of the information-provision environment, as well as the applications of technology to information provision.

LIS 5025. Educational Concepts and Strategies for School Librarians (3). This course introduces future school librarians to the educational concepts and strategies necessary to function successfully in schools. It examines basic language and concepts of human growth and development, teaching and learning, classroom management, individual differences, standards and observations, as well as contemporary issues related to the field. Relationships with other members of the learning community are examined.

LIS 5028. Writing for the Information Professions (3). This course offers practical hands-on experience with forms and practices of technical and professional writing, including documentation, correspondence, audience analysis, writing for social media, evaluation, and review. This course also emphasizes clear, concise, and effective writing in information technology settings, both within organizations, and for other uses.

LIS 5105. Communities of Practice (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5603. Examines historical, contemporary, and emerging communication patterns and knowledge generation and use in the research, scholarly, and professional communities. Studies the development of communities of practice, their literature structures and communication networks, and information behaviors.

LIS 5203. Information Behavior (3). In this course, students learn how studying information behaviors of users is an essential initial step of information system design of any kind. This course provides students with an overview that emphasizes the user's perspective in the analysis of information needs and preferences, including the fundamentals necessary for the study and understanding of human information behaviors of a variety of users and user groups.

LIS 5241. International and Comparative Information Service (3). This course examines the important role information plays in the lives of individuals around the world. The course focuses on analysis of information management and access at the national or country level in the context of international globalization. Students develop the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to analyze and compare the social, cultural, economic and political factors that affect access to information and information service provisions.

LIS 5255. Information, Technology, and Older Adults (3). This course examines the information and technology needs, uses, and seeking of older adults, with attention to aging in society, successful longevity, lifelong learning, health information, information service provision and evaluation, technology and interface design, technology affordances, and information use environments of older adults.

LIS 5260. Information Science (3). A basic introduction to the interdisciplinary field of information science, including its goals, methods, and applications in information providing/information managing environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding the broad spectrum of topics within information studies.

LIS 5263. Theory of Information Retrieval (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5703 or instructor permission. This course introduces students to theories, models, and systems of information retrieval (IR), including the models of representation for data/information/knowledge and user needs/queries; the models and mechanisms of information relevance establishment, information filtering and personalization; and the models and measures for IR system performance evaluation.

LIS 5270. Evaluating Networked Information Services and Systems (3). This course introduces the importance and applications of evaluating networked information services and systems. It examines a number of research methods and specific data collection techniques to assess their quality and impact, emphasizing assessment in public and governmental sectors. Descriptions of the development of performance measures are also discussed.

LIS 5271. Research in Information Studies (3). This is an introductory course in applied research methods in the social sciences with a particular emphasis on information studies. It provides an overview of the basic issues and methods that information professionals consider when collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data regarding information programs and services..

LIS 5273. Practical Library and Information Science Exploration (3). This course blends library and information science theory with practical library experience and application. Students explore alternative approaches to a variety of challenges related to the management of information centers and interact with a variety of working information professionals.

LIS 5275. Usability Analysis (3). This course provides a comprehensive overview of usability analysis and its role in user-centered design. The course is designed to familiarize students with the concepts and procedures necessary to incorporate usability analysis into the information systems design process. At the end of the course, students possess both the resources and skills necessary to conduct usability analyses and evaluate information systems from a user-centered design perspective.

LIS 5313. Digital Media: Concepts and Production (3). This course provides a conceptual and practical introduction to creating and using digital-media resources to support learning and collaboration in information professions. Students regularly engage in media analysis and media production activities that incorporate digital image, sound, and video elements; utilize web-based collaborative tools; and apply knowledge of fair use, copyright, and copyleft to multimedia.

LIS 5316. Information Graphics (3). The theory and use of graphical presentation of sound and text in both paper and electronically displayed information. Includes critical evaluation, semiotics and cognitive theory.

LIS 5341. Data Organization (3). In this course, students learn core concepts associated with electronic data, both structured and unstructured, and its representation, relationships, organization, and use. Students learn about knowledge structures and standards used to represent data and ensure interoperability and scalability. This course complements database management to prepare students to engage in effective data analytics and science.

LIS 5362. Design and Production of Networked Multimedia (3). This course introduces students to the design, creation and management of standards-based, ADA-compliant websites, frameworks, and applications. The course emphasizes principles of user accessibility and user-centered design, as is a focus on the implementation of modern web standards and coding. Students learn how to apply these principles to design, and produce and manage websites, tools and applications using a variety of development and management tools.

LIS 5364. Web Site Development and Administration (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5362. This course introduces topics concerning client- and server-side programming including data interfacing and security; acquiring domain names and Web hosting agencies; data types and operators; building functions and control structures; manipulating data in arrays and strings; accessing files and directories; connecting to and manipulating data resources; managing state information; object-oriented design; debugging and error handling.

LIS 5367. Advanced Web Applications (3). Prerequisites: LIS 5362 and LIS 5364. This course guides students through planning, coding and testing a complete web application. Students build upon their acquired knowledge of the web and application as well as continued exposure to user-centered design principles. The course provides hands-on experience and includes discussion and exploration of practical implications of emerging trends in web design and development.

LIS 5385. Social Computing and Collaboration Technologies (3). This course explores the tools, techniques, and challenges of implementing and managing social and collaboration technologies within and beyond the workplace. Students examine the context of ICTs that organizations use to facilitate communication and collaboration, extend their mission, and engage with audiences via social media. Students actively design solutions to social computing challenges that build on a foundation in ICT skills and knowledge, while allowing students to gain valuable leadership, communication, and organizational skills. The course also explores issues and concerns that may influence the individual and organizational adoption of social computing and collaboration tools.

LIS 5403. Human Resource Management for Information Professionals (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5408. This course explores human resource (HR) concepts, and issues and challenges confronting HR managers working in 21st century information provision environments (IPE). Students learn strategies for effectively managing and implementing HRM policies and programs to facilitate optimal human resource management in the IPE. Students both analyze and synthesize information and demonstrate application of the learning concepts.

LIS 5405. Leadership in Technology (3). This course introduces students to the leadership concepts necessary to build successful information technology infrastructures in a variety of contexts. Through the course, students develop an understanding of IT leadership careers, the roles and responsibilities of IT leaders, evidence-based methods for developing leadership strategies, and how to lead innovative and entrepreneurial technology development in fast-paced environments. The course challenges students to engage in active planning of their careers through the development of leadership vision statements and personal action plans.

LIS 5408. Management of Information Organizations (3). This course introduces management of information organizations within a variety of organizational contexts. The course is designed to develop a conceptual framework for integrating fundamental management concepts, principles, policies, theories, and practices into an effective personal management process that relates to information organizations of the 21st century. Students acquire strategies for developing cohesive, productive management teams through experiential learning.

LIS 5411. Introduction to Information Policy (3). This course examines selected fundamental policy questions regarding information and communications, with special attention to intricate policy issues such as information ownership rights, privacy rights, and public access to information. The course examines such issues by focusing on the underlying constitutional principles, laws and regulations, statutes, and government policies that impact such issues. Specific attention is given to federal policies within the United States but state and local policies are examined as needed. Specific course topics include universal service, information equity, privacy, intellectual property, censorship, e-government, and information management. The course focuses on providing information professionals with a fundamental understanding of the importance and impact of information policy.

LIS 5413. Seminar in Information Policy (3). An analysis of both existing and possible public policies toward the production, dissemination, recording, and ownership of information. The economic, political, and social aspects of policy analysis will be introduced and applied to specific information policy issues.

LIS 5416. Introduction to Legal Informatics (3). This course is an introduction to the role of information technology in the creation, management, and retrieval of legal information in the legal work environment, such as the law office and the law library. It examines the use of information technology in judicial administration and other legal contexts, it introduces the student to various definitions of legal informatics, while also exploring the detailed structure of legal-information database retrieval systems such as LEXIS and Westlaw, as well as other methods of storage and automatic retrieval of law sources.

LIS 5417. Introduction to Legal Resources (3). This course introduces students to legal resources and their use for legal research. Upon completion of this course, the student understands how legal information is organized and structured and is able to retrieve laws and regulations from many sources. This course enables a student to function effectively as an information management professional in any type of legal setting, including a law library.

LIS 5418. Introduction to Health Informatics (3). This survey course evaluates medical informatics from a stakeholder perspective. Beginning with a brief overview of the US health care system, the focus then shifts to understanding to what extent health information needs are met using technology for users such as providers of health care services, clinician educators, consumers, and caregivers.

LIS 5419. Consumer Health Informatics (3). This course explores how information and communication technologies can be used to empower health consumers and improve their medical outcomes. Students examine different eHealth approaches for health promotion, disease prevention, and for supporting patient self-management. Students discuss issues and concerns influencing adoption of these technologies at different levels. The course emphasizes a multi-disciplinary and user-centered approach for designing eHealth interventions using theories and principles from communication, information science, human-computer interaction, medicine, psychology, and public health.

LIS 5426. Grant Writing, Evaluation, and Administration (3). Basic skills in planning, evaluation, and financial management are developed, as well as application of these aspects to the overall management task in the information organization.

LIS 5441. Leadership in Reading (3). This course focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for informational professionals to provide collaborative leadership in reading across the K-12 spectrum. Special emphasis is placed on how reading for achievement and reading motivation can successfully be reconciled as essential components of information literacy.

LIS 5442. Information Leadership (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5408 (C– or better). This course analyzes evidence-based concepts in order to develop a personalized understanding of 21st century leadership. The course focuses on the development of leadership capacity for information professionals, including how to think reflectively as well as strategically, ethically influence others, design and maintain functional organizations, capitalize on a swiftly changing technological environment, and finally to demonstrate vision.

LIS 5472. Digital Libraries (3). Pre- or corequisite: LIS 5703. This course addresses conceptual, practical, and technical issues, problems and approaches to digital libraries. The course offers a comprehensive overview of design issues, management and evaluation, such as project management, collection development, digitization, metadata, applications, access and user interfaces. The practical experience of building a digital library provides an opportunity to develop useful skills for dealing with real-life issues in digital library projects.

LIS 5474. Business Information and Competitive Intelligence (3). This course introduces students to business information and competitive intelligence for information and technology professions, covering techniques for locating business and competitive intelligence information, and how to analyze, interpret and report the results of business and competitive intelligence research.

LIS 5484. Introduction to Data Networks for Information Professionals (3). This course discusses networking and telecommunications technologies, and management of modern data networks, with emphasis on the building blocks of local and wide area networks. Subjects covered include networking architectures, topologies, models, layers, protocols, IP sub netting, equipment, operating systems, security and various tools and utilities. Also covered are economic and policy issues inherent to telecommunications, and management skills that the professional in this field need to master.

LIS 5485. Introduction to Information Technologies (3). This course introduces students to Information Technology (IT) on a theoretical and practical level. The course reviews the underlying concepts of IT as embodied in operating systems, hardware, application software, Website creation, and networks. It ensures that all students have mastered minimum skill and knowledge sets and are prepared to carry out assignments requiring IT skills through the program.

LIS 5486. Managing Makerspaces for Technology Innovation (3). This course introduces students to skills, technologies, principles, and issues involved in managing makerspaces and fab labs for emerging technologies – an area of growing demand for information and technology fields. Students focus on technology leadership, management, and instructional and design aspects of operating makerspaces that support hands-on technology learning and use.

LIS 5487. Information Systems Management (3). This course covers how information systems and information technologies impact the organizational enterprise. This course employs a socio-technical approach to help students understand the interactions between information systems and organizational performance. This course highlights how information systems impact the operations and outcomes of complex organizations. The use of current technologies such as cloud computing, mobile technologies, big data technologies, and social media are examined in order to illuminate how new and emerging technologies may assist managers achieve organizational objectives.

LIS 5489. Network Administration (3). This course focuses on the planning, design, configuration, operation, and management of computer networks containing data communication devices, servers, workstations, and networked applications and support systems. The course introduces students to administrative techniques inherent to basic operating systems, and also to enterprise management systems required by larger organizations. Students examine and discuss issues of scalability, performance management, and integration of internal resources with external resources such as cloud-based systems.

LIS 5511. Collection Development & Management (3). This course is an introduction to the national, state, and local environments, principles, policies and practices that facilitate or inhibit the selection, evaluation, acquisition, access to, maintenance, and evaluation of resources for a library and their use and usefulness.

LIS 5512. School Collection Development and Management (3). This course provides an understanding of the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to manage human resources and provide effective leadership in a school library media program. Covers collection development and management in school libraries. Required for school media certification. Students should take this course the semester before taking the State of Florida media-specialist exam.

LIS 5513. Preservation of Information Materials (3). Introduction to the problems, solutions, management, and ethics of the preservation of library, archive, media, and information center materials.

LIS 5524. Instructional Role of the Informational Professional (3). This course focuses on three concepts: merging instruction theory with practice; learning how to create an instruction program; and learning how to become a successful instructor in information settings. Students develop a conceptual framework for information user education, which includes an overview of learning theory, teaching methods, and instructional design. Students learn how to create, teach, evaluate, and manage an instruction program.

LIS 5528. Storytelling for Information Professionals (3). This course provides instruction for the practice and application of the oral tradition of storytelling. The overall intent of the course is to facilitate the oral tradition of storytelling within library and information studies (LIS).

LIS 5564. Information Needs of Children (3). Materials for children in relation to their needs, interests and abilities. Evaluation and use of print and audiovisual materials.

LIS 5565. Information Needs of Young Adults (3). This course is an overview of the characteristics and the information needs of young adults and the resources and strategies that may assist adults and youth in meeting these needs. Developmental stages of young adults are taken into consideration in understanding their information needs. This course focuses on fiction and nonfiction materials published specifically for ages 12–18 (grades 6–12, or middle and high school), but from time to time incorporates resources designed for younger children and for adults that are also appropriate for young adults.

LIS 5566. Diverse Resources for Children and Young Adults (3). This course focuses on evaluating both United States and international literature and information resources for children and young adults from the perspective of diversity. Students explore various diversity issues, including race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, ability, religion, and the immigrant experience. Students employ strategies for using literature and information resources to meet the developmental, informational, and recreational needs of children and young adults in relation to these issues. Discussion includes various resource formats, selection criteria, and promotional strategies.

LIS 5567. International Literature for Children and Young Adults (3). This course provides students an opportunity to explore literature for children and young adults originating in a nation other than the United States. The course draws examples from literary awards for each continent, discusses unique issues of evaluation and provides a comparative view of themes across cultures to increase global understanding, and describes strategies for promoting and using international literature for youth with children, young adults, and adults.

LIS 5576. Information Needs of Adults (3). This course examines the nature and societal aspects of adult information needs, sources, and uses. The focus of the course is on fiction and non-fiction genres; formal, popular, and alternative information sources; and the cultural values of entertainment and information, as well as the relationship between the two. The course also examines print, electronic, and mass-media sources and uses within their social contexts.

LIS 5577. Graphic Novels in Libraries (3). This course is a survey of graphic novels, including manga and manhwa, for readers of all ages, but focuses primarily on materials for young adults and adults. Students examine issues related to evaluation, collection development, organization, promotion, readers' advisory, programming, intellectual freedom, and the use of graphic novels in schools and college classrooms.

LIS 5590. Museum Informatics (3). This course provides an introduction to museum informatics, the study of the sociotechnical interactions that occur between people, information, and technology in museums and other cultural heritage organizations. Students explore the changing nature of information technology in museums, and examine how technical innovations are influencing the social worlds of museums, museum professionals, and museum visitors.

LIS 5602. Marketing of Library and Information Services (3). This course provides students with the concepts, techniques, and illustrative examples needed to develop first-rate marketing skills. These skills facilitate strategic planning that is cost effective and customer-centered in its approach.

LIS 5603. Introduction to Information Services (3). This course introduces reference/information work using print and online sources; the course also explores current trends, professional topics, and issues relevant to information-providing agencies in traditional and online environments.

LIS 5631. Health Information Sources (3). This course provides an overview of health information resources used in different contexts including clinical care, research and continuing medical education, as well as patient health care and health promotion and communication. Students evaluate and explore a variety of medical and consumer health information sources. The course discusses issues, trends, and policies related to the retrieval and use of health information including the different stakeholders that shape these (e.g., local, state and national organizations and professional associations). Course material is intended for those interested in professions that require the use and/or provision of medical and consumer health information sources in a variety of settings including bio-medical research, continuing medical education, clinical care and patient education.

LIS 5661. Government Information (3). The course provides an introduction to government information sources and research, with focus on U.S. government information. Students learn about the structure of government and the dissemination of government information resources to the public, including techniques for locating and using government information sources.

LIS 5703. Information Organization (3). This course establishes the conceptual and practical framework for organizing and retrieving information, including the study of systems, their objectives and structures, formats, standards, and vocabularies. The course also covers the information object and its relationship to organizing systems and to other information objects.

LIS 5711. Cataloging and Classification (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5703. This course is an examination of problems of entry, description, and subject analysis including the Library of Congress classification. Covers analysis and evaluation of problems relating to the organization, operation, and management of a cataloging department.

LIS 5736. Indexing and Abstracting (3). This course takes a practical approach to indexing and abstracting. The course covers manual and automatic processes and methods of abstracting and indexing, database organization and design. The course places emphasis on subject access, indexing, and abstracting in an online environment with attention to production rules, standards, and file organization.

LIS 5751. Computers as Persuasive Technology (3). This course explores the design and use of digital technologies for the purpose of influencing individuals' attitudes or behaviors in a number of contexts (i.e., e-commerce, social marketing, education, health, etc.). This course emphasizes a user-centered approach that draws on theories and methods from multiple disciplines including psychology, human behavior studies, communication and human-computer interaction to inform the design of persuasive experiences delivered through interactive technologies and applications.

LIS 5765. Data Mining and Analytics (3). Prerequisite: Completion of at least one database course at the undergraduate or graduate level: LIS 2780, LIS 3781, LIS 3784, or LIS 5782. This course provides an intro to data analytics, which uses statistical and quantitative analysis, predictive and exploratory models to drive decisions and actions from data. Students learn basic concepts and algorithms for data exploration, data cleaning, predictive modeling, clustering, and text mining. Students also learn how to use tools to evaluate data models and interpret the results.

LIS 5771. Information and Image Management (3). The scope and problems of the administrative management of records. Emphasis on the importance of managing and controlling records from the time of their creation until their vital disposition.

LIS 5775. Organizational Information Security (3). Prerequisite: Master of Science in Information Technology students only; or instructor permission. This course looks at management issues and practical implications related to securing organizational information systems. This course focuses on the IT security threat environment, cryptography, securing networks, access controls, firewalls, host hardening, application security, data protections, and incident response. A clear theoretical understanding supports a large practical component. Students learn to audit and troubleshoot information systems, and use contemporary security software.

LIS 5782. Database Management Systems (3). This course is an introductory database course appropriate for students who have basic knowledge about information organization. Although several database models are briefly presented, the course focuses on the relational model, the basis for most currently installed production database management systems (DBMS). The course covers the principles of database design and implementation including relational concepts, data modeling, conceptual and logical database design, use of SQL as a data-manipulation language, and current issues in database administration.

LIS 5786. Introduction to Information Architecture (3). This course provides an overview of the information architecture design process, from assessing user needs, through organizing information resources, to documenting the design of information systems and spaces. Students learn how to design information systems that support specific information needs, taking into account the social and organizational contexts of their users from an information architecture perspective.

LIS 5787. Fundamentals of Metadata Theory and Practice (3). Prerequisite: LIS 5703 or instructor permission. This course introduces students to the basic theories and principles of metadata design and creation using ER modeling, XML and RDF. The course reviews major conceptual frameworks, ontologies and metadata schemas used in libraries, archives, museums, and digital data repositories. Real-life scenarios and collections are used to highlight and gain understanding of the issues related to metadata creation, aggregation, and reuse.

LIS 5788. Health Information Systems and Management (3). This is an introductory course in Health Information Systems for managing information and information resources within a wide variety of healthcare organizations. The course is designed to help students develop a conceptual framework for integrating fundamental concepts, principles, policies, standards, and practices related to healthcare organizations of the 21st century. Additionally, students acquire strategies for developing cohesive, productive HIT management teams through experiential learning.

LIS 5900r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only). This course uses guided studies for individual professional and subject needs. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

LIS 5916r. Issues in Information Studies (3). This course directly investigates selected problems, issues, and trends in information studies, with an emphasis on research. Topics may vary between offerings. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

LIS 5945r. Internship (0–12). (S/U grade only). This course is an opportunity to learn how library and/or information studies principles and techniques are applied in a professional setting. A minimum of forty-five (45) hours on the job per semester hour earned is required. May be repeated within the same term to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

LIS 5971r. Thesis (2–6). (S/U grade only). This course may be taken for credit for a maximum of six (6) semester hours. Thesis must be completed for a total of either three or six credits.

LIS 6024. Seminar in Theory and Foundations of Information Sciences (3). This course is a critical examination of the theoretical and foundational literature of information sciences. Readings in seminal works provide a rich background and context for analyzing and understanding current problems and future trends in LIS and developing research and applications to solve fundamental problems.

LIS 6027. Statistics and Data Analysis for Information Studies (3). This course is an introduction to statistical analysis for students pursuing a doctorate in information studies. The course provides a foundation in statistical techniques that are often used in information studies and prepares students for more advanced statistics courses. The course also covers descriptive statistics, probability distributions, inference, hypothesis testing, correlation, simple regression, multiple regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA. Students become proficient using statistical software applications to analyze data sets in order to research questions.

LIS 6040. Teaching in Information Studies (3). (S/U grade only). This course introduces future Teaching Assistants to the basic skills they need to succeed as a TA, including an introduction to multiple teaching and learning styles, course building and management, using technology in the classroom, developing rubrics, leading the classroom, and assessing student work.

LIS 6106. Information Systems Research in Organizations and Society (3). This seminar provides students with a broad range of topics, theoretical perspectives and foundational concepts concerning information systems (IS) research in organizations and society. To facilitate rigorous IS research, the course covers topic areas such as adoption of digital media and systems, computer-mediated communication and collaboration, social networks, knowledge management, IT-enabled organizational change, inter-organizational relationship, community and open innovation.

LIS 6205. Seminar in Information Behavior (3). This course prepares doctoral students to do research focusing on an aspect of information behavior through the examination of the art of discovering issues in Information Behavior. The seminar introduces a range of techniques applied to the analysis of information behavior, with a focus on ethnographic methodologies. The course provides an overview of information behavior and the fundamentals to a broad approach emphasizing a unifying structure to understand information, information needs, information seeking, and information behavior.

LIS 6269. Seminar in Information Science (3). The course introduces students to the core research and practice areas of Information Science (IS). The course emphasizes group reading, discussion and collaborative critical analysis of the methods, findings, and impacts of assigned readings.

LIS 6272. Qualitative Research in Information Studies (3). This course covers a variety of qualitative research methods that may be used in library and information science. It explores general, epistemological, and ethical issues with qualitative research; methods of data collection; techniques for data analysis; and evaluation of qualitative research. It includes readings, short- and long-form writing, in-class discussions, and practical exercises in qualitative research.

LIS 6278. Seminar in Theory Development (3–5). This course requires students to discuss and critique the structural components and research processes related to the origination, construction, and evolution of theory. The seminar will provide students with an awareness of the historical and social conditions that influence a tradition of ideas.

LIS 6279. Research in Information Studies (3). This course surveys the research methods commonly used in information studies. Students learn to design, evaluate, and present research. Focus is on the preparation of designs for conducting individual research leading to a dissertation research project.

LIS 6289. Seminar in Education for Information Studies (3). This course, within the framework of University and professional education, is an examination of the aims, structures, and issues related to education for information issues. Includes curricular content and design, faculty, students and finance and administration.

LIS 6662. Seminar in Information Policy (3). Identifies/analyzes selected issues related to government information policies, and considers policy alternatives to better access state/federal information. Examines research methodologies to investigate information policies.

LIS 6759. Seminar in Intellectual Access (3). This course introduces students to the core research and practice areas, the basic concepts, principles, methods and tools of knowledge organization and representation. The course emphasizes group reading, discussion and collaborative critical analysis of the methods, findings, and impacts of assigned readings.

LIS 6909r. Directed Individual Study (1–9). (S/U grade only). In this course, doctoral students may take up to nine (9) credit hours in a semester and up to twelve (12) credit hours total. Specific activities will vary based on the contract negotiated between the student and the instructor and will reflect the student's need to acquire skills and gain experience in specific topic areas. Directed Individual Study is not available as an alternative version of a course otherwise offered on a regular basis by College.

LIS 6911r. Research Collaboration (1–5). (S/U grade only). Prerequisite: LIS 6279. This course provides students with experience in conducting research under the guidance of faculty. The student participates in the supervising faculty member's research program and can be involved in theory building, literature reviews, research design, data collection, data analysis and report writing. May be repeated to a maximum of five semester hours.

LIS 6919r. Issues in Information Studies (1–3). This course is a directed and supervised detailed investigation of selected problems, issues, and trends in the various areas of information studies including, cataloging and classification; work with the disadvantaged; children and youth services; academic, public, school, and special libraries; administration; and information science. Each offering is different because of the currency, and thus, the changing nature of the subject matter. May be repeated within the same term to a maximum of fifteen (15) semester hours.

LIS 6936r. Proseminar in IS Research and Teaching (1). (S/U grade only). This course introduces students to research and teaching within the field of Information Studies (IS), as well as orienting students to current issues relevant to preparing for teaching and research careers. The course emphasizes reading, discussion and collaborative critical analysis of the methods, findings, and impacts of assigned readings, and presentations by students and invited speakers. May be repeated a maximum of four (4) credit hours.

LIS 6939. Seminar in Experimental and Survey Research Design (3). Prerequisites: LIS 6279 or a similar research-methods course and instructor approval. This seminar course introduces students to concepts/principles related to design of research using experimental and survey methodologies and techniques. Students focus on methodological/design issues in planning experiments, quasi-experiments, and survey research rather than on analyzing the data with various statistics.

LIS 6965r. Preliminary Exam Preparation (1–9). (S/U grade only). Prerequisite: Completion of the 27 hours of required doctoral coursework; approval of Major Professor and Supervisory Committee. This preliminary exam is the milestone that determines a student's readiness to advance to candidacy. May be repeated to a maximum of twenty-four (24) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

LIS 6980r. Dissertation (2–12). (S/U grade only). Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral candidacy. In this course, dissertation credits are to be arranged in consultation with major professor. A maximum of twelve semester hours may be taken in any given semester. University regulations require that a minimum of twenty-four hours of dissertation credit (LIS 6980) be earned between the time the student is admitted to candidacy and the date the degree is awarded. The candidate must register for a minimum of two (2) credit hours each semester. The number of credit hours taken each semester should represent the proportion of time devoted to the dissertation, whether on or off campus.

LIS 8964r. Doctoral Preliminary Examination (0). (P/F grade only.) This course may be taken up to two times; repeatable within the same term.

LIS 8976r. Master's Thesis Defense (0). (P/F grade only.)

LIS 8985r. Dissertation Defense Examination (0). (P/F grade only.)