University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a sizable, four-year university that offers undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral degrees. There are 3 separate yet accredited institutions: USF, USF Sarasota-Manatee, and USF St. Petersburg. Educating more than 49,000 students, USF is ranked 41st in the nation for research expenditures among all universities. USF is made up of 14 colleges, and over 180 undergraduate degrees. Founded in 1956, the current student to faculty ratio is 23 to 1, with the average class size being 33 students. USF is one of the highest-impact global research universities that is dedicated to the success of its students. The total student population is made up of students from 130 countries, coming out to about 10% of the total student population.
USF Sarasota-Manatee can offer a smaller, more personalized learning experience with over 40 academic programs in 4 main colleges. The campus sits in Sarasota's Cultural Corridor, making the scenic campus a staple for the area. USF St. Petersburg offers students a smaller, waterfront environment that is focused on community engagement. The waterfront campus offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in the 2 colleges that it is home to—Business and Education, and Arts and Sciences.
As a whole, the mission of USF is to deliver competitive degree programs, to generate knowledge, to ensure student success, and to foster intellectual development in a global environment. It is a global research university that is dedicated to the success of its students to be propelled into the world to become industry leaders.
Master of Arts in Library and Information Science
The intent of the School of Information Sciences is to educate students for their future careers and leadership roles in the library and information professions that will serve the needs of a society that is technologically and culturally diverse. It also aims to contribute to the wealth of the theoretical and applied knowledge within the discipline. It also aims to serve the current and emerging needs within the University, the profession, and the community. Students will complete a total of minimum 39 credit hours to be considered for completion of the program.
In order to be considered for this program, students must have completed the GRE with minimum scores of 550V, 450Q, but the Library and Information Science will waive that requirement if the student meets the following criteria: 3.5 GPA or higher in a master's program from an accredited university, 3.15 GPA or higher in upper level undergraduate work from an accredited university, or a doctoral degree from an accredited university. All students must then provide an academic writing sample, as well as 3 written letters of recommendation. To be complete this program, students must complete 18 credit hours of their core courses, 3 credit hours of a technology elective, and 18 credit hours of electives along with a comprehensive exam or portfolio. The student must maintain a B average or better, having no more than 2 grades below. The students will create an ongoing portfolio starting when they enter the program to create a timeline of sorts to submit prior to graduation.
