SIXTH YEAR DIPLOMA PROGRAM
The Sixth Year Diploma Program is a post-Master of Library Science degree program that provides a specialization in Information Studies.
Yan Quan Liu, Program Coordinator
Tel. (203) 392-5763
E-mail: liuy1@SouthernCT.edu
NOTE: The Department of Information and Library Science does not offer School Media Certification or Cross-Endorsement in its Sixth Year Certificate Programs. Students seeking School Media Certification should apply to the MLS w/School Media Program. Applicants already holding a Masters in Library Science may apply to the "Certification Only" program for School Library Media Certification.
Sixth Year Diploma: Specialization in Information Studies
Yan Quan Liu, Program Coordinator
Tel. (203) 392-5763.
E-mail: liuy1@SouthernCT.edu
The mission of the specialization in Information Studies is to provide an advanced
educational program leading to a sixth year professional diploma which meets the formal
continuing education and specialization needs of library and information professionals.
A master's degree in library science or information science is required for admission
to the Information Studies specialization.
A program will be individually planned with consideration of the student's educational
background, experience, and career objectives. Programs also will encourage interdisciplinary
course work, action research, and problem solving. The sixth year is a 30-credit program
in which a minimum of 15 graduate credits must be 600 level courses.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Two library science courses are required of all students in this specialization:
ILS 685 - Field Project - An action research project in which the student investigates
a significant problem in an institution and develops a strategy for change.
ILS 600 - Independent Study - For the advanced student with a background in library
science who wishes to explore in-depth a related topic outside the current courses
in the ILS curriculum.
Electives (9-15 credits in ILS 600-level courses) in an area of specialization of
the Sixth Year Library Information Studies
Students select an area of specialization from among several available, including:
management, technical services, and user services.
Cognate Area (9-15 credits)
A concentration of courses related to the area of specialization and to student career
goals is an integral part of a planned program. Areas of study include the sciences,
humanities, social sciences, curriculum and foundations, research, special librarianship,
and urban library studies. Up to 15 credits of 500 level courses may also be elected
when appropriate.
Program of Study
Before an accepted student can be matriculated into the Sixth Year Profession Diploma program, a Planned Program of Study must be completed and approved (signed) by the advisor, department chairperson, and Graduate School. Once the Planned Program is approved, any changed must be approved through the Change in Planned Program form.
- Sixth Year Diploma Planned Program (PDF file)
Independent Studies and Field Projects
Academic work in the Sixth Year program includes an Independent Study and a Field Project. Each of these require advance planning with formal documentation and approval of the plan.
- Independent Study (ILS 600) application
- Field Project (ILS 685) application
Independent Study and Field Project applications must be submitted in advance of registration. Check with the department office for latest deadlines.
See pages 160-165 of the 2013-2014 Graduate Catalog for a listing of 500 and 600 level ILS courses.
Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC)
The Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) "is a student organization that is committed to "advancing our agenda for excellence"
set by Southern Connecticut State University's School of Graduate Studies. It supports
activities that enhance the academic, social and cultural experience of Southern's
students through the distribution of the activity fees collected from full-time graduate
students. The funds support a variety of graduate student activities including student
research and conference attendance as well as university and departmental efforts
such as guest lecturers, club events, and special events. GSAC also functions as an
advocacy group, representing the needs of Southern's graduate student body."
"The Graduate Student Affairs Committee meets on the first Monday of every month
of the academic year with the exceptions of January and September. Meetings are held
from 3:00 to 4:30 PM in the Adanti Student Center. All graduate students and faculty
are welcome to attend. For more information please contact the GSAC Coordinator, Arlene
Lucibello at (203) 392-6165."
Updated from the 2013-2014 Graduate Catalog
Last updated: March 9, 2013