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Program-specific information

Sixth Year Profession Diploma Program


The Sixth Year Diploma Program is a post-master's education program that provides a choice of two specializations: Information Studies and Art of the Oral Tradition.

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.  

 

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.

Independent Studies and Field Projects

Electives in the Sixth Year program include Independent Studies and Field Projects. Each of these require advance planning with formal documentation and approval of the plan.

Independent Study and Field Project applications must be submitted in advance of registration. Check with the department office for latest deadlines. 

 

Sixth Year Diploma: Specialization in Information Studies

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 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, user services.

Cognate Area (9-15 credits in ILS 600 level courses)

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.

Sixth Year Diploma: Specialization in the Art of the Oral Tradition
 

The mission of the specialization in the Art of the Oral Tradition is to provide teachers, librarians, educators and other professionals with an advanced level of expertise in the art and application of the oral tradition. This sixth year program is designed to provide unique opportunities for students to focus on historic, sociological, anthropological, multicultural, and evolutionary aspects of the oral tradition. The refinement of the oral tradition as a transformational discipline will enable teachers and other professionals to more fully develop skills critical in today's multicultural environments. An MLS student may, with prior approval, apply one AOT course to her/his planned program.

Applicants to sixth year program in the Art of the Oral Tradition must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of at least 3.0. All requirements, including any transfer credit, must be completed within a period of six years immediately preceding the awarding of the sixth year diploma.

Credits accepted in transfer must be completed with a grade of "B" or higher and approved by the graduate program advisor. All credits for the sixth year must be taken after the master's degree was earned and within six years of the awarding of the diploma.

The sixth year postmaster program of study requires at least 30 graduate credits with a minimum of 15 credits in 600 level courses as approved by the department in which the student is enrolled.

Required Courses (6 credits)

Two library science courses are required of all students in this specialization:

  • AOT 670 - History and Development of the Oral Tradition
  • AOT 685 - Field Project  

 

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 Alumni Room of the University 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 2009-2010 Graduate Catalog