Advanced Certificate

The Certificate in Advanced Library and Information Science (CALIS) is offered to students who complete a coherent program of specialized study and research beyond the Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc). Students work with an academic advisor to build a program of study that matches the student’s professional interests. Students can use the post-master’s certificate as continuing education, to explore a new area, or as preparation to change careers within librarianship, archival studies or other information professions. At the end of the CALIS program, students write and present a capstone paper.

No diploma is awarded, however a certificate of achievement is provided after successful completion of courses and the research project. The Certificate provides an opportunity for professional development, and to explore topics of interest in more depth.

Admissions Criteria
Scholastic Ability: Demonstrated above-average scholastic ability for successful post-graduate study, shown by a 3.30 Grade Point Average (GPA).

Professional Achievement or Promise: Demonstrated by professional contributions to the field as shown in a candidate’s resume/CV, and two letters of reference.

Motivation: Demonstrated by the applicant’s Statement of Objectives.

Qualified applicants are admitted to the program as a classified special non-degree graduate student. Enrollment is limited to those who already hold a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-Accredited Program in North America (or comparable foreign Master’s degree in LIS/IS).

Certificate Requirements
  1. Students work with an advisor to craft a program of study including at least 15 graduate credit hours related to LIS:
    • LIS 630 Community Engagement is the required core course.
    • In addition to LIS 630, at least 6 credit hours must be from LIS or ICS courses at the 600 or 700 level, excluding LIS 699 and LIS 700.
    • All courses need to be pre-approved by the advisor in order to count towards CALIS, and must be taken for a letter grade (with the exception of one practicum or internship, which are only available C/NC).
    • Students must earn a grade of 3.00 or higher in each course in order to count it toward CALIS completion
  2. Up to 6 credits taken as a UH Mānoa Post-baccalaureate Unclassified (PBU) student may be applied toward CALIS completion. To be addressed in first semester of admission.
  3. Credits earned from courses at other institutions may not be used toward CALIS completion.
  4. Students may retake up to two graduate LIS courses and have them count toward CALIS requirements if the courses were initially taken over 5 years ago, the course content is significantly changed, and the advisor approves.
  5. Students may not double-count CALIS credits toward another certificate or degree.
  6. Students may not take more than 3 credits of LIS 690 (Internship) or LIS 696 (Practicum) toward the 15 credit hour minimum.
  7. Students may not take more than 3 credits of LIS 699 (Directed Reading and/or Research) toward the 15 credit hour minimum.
  8. Students must write a capstone paper, and make a public presentation of their work. Specific requirements are negotiated between the student and advisor. This may be undertaken either as an LIS 699 (1-3 credit), or as part of a course which requires a capstone paper.
Enrollment Requirements
Once admitted, students are expected to remain enrolled each fall and spring semester until the requirements are completed. If it is necessary to withdraw temporarily, students must reapply for admission when returning, observing application deadlines. Credits over five years old are not applicable to the certificate requirements, thus the program must be completed in no more than five years.

Students must be enrolled in the program during the semester when the certificate is to be awarded. If the 15-credit requirement has been met and students are not taking additional courses during that semester, LIS 699 Directed Reading may be used to work on the capstone paper.

See also: