Accreditation
The MLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of conditional accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2026.
ALA Contact Information:
American Library Association
50 E. Huron St.
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2795
Phone: 312-280-2432
Fax: 312-280-2433
accred@ala.org
MLIS Program Facts
One Year Retention Rate of Degree-Seeking MLIS Students
| YEAR | % RETENTION | NUMBER OF NEW STUDENTS ENROLLED FALL SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 76.3% | 38 |
| 2014 | 83.3% | 24 |
| 2015 | 93.1% | 29 |
| 2016 | 80% | 20 |
| 2017 | 71.4% | 28 |
| 2018 | 91.3% | 23 |
| 2019 | 78.1% | 32 |
| 2020 | 94.7% | 19 |
| 2021 | 78.3% | 23 |
Note: Only new degree-seeking graduate students (both full and part-time) are included above; non-degree and certificate/licensure students are excluded.
Source: 2022 Fall Census
Average Time to Degree
| SCHEDULE | YEARS |
|---|---|
| Full-time | 2.70 |
| Part-time | 3.26 |
| Overall | 2.89 |
Placements and Salaries
The MLIS program has taken part in the annual Library Journal Placements & Salaries report since 2012. View a summary report for 2012–2021 graduates.
Assessments
St. Catherine University requires each program to assess student learning outcomes and conduct Program evaluation.
MLIS Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Current Student Learning Outcomes in effect as of 2023-2024
MLIS Student ePortfolios
An electronic portfolio has been a non-credit degree requirement since fall 2011. The ePortfolio provides MLIS students with the opportunity to integrate learning across the entire MLIS program and to present their reflections on their achievements in the program. Learning artifacts included in the ePortfolio are completed as part of coursework, and co-curricular or professional activities.
Developing an ePortfolio encourages the student to take a systematic look at learning experiences through self-reflection, self-evaluation, and synthesis and integration of knowledge with real world applications. The ePortfolio process also nurtures lifelong learning skills to prepare students for future challenges facing information professionals.
Three MLIS faculty members serve as reviewers in the fall and spring semesters. The MLIS ePortfolios are graded as pass/fail.
SLMS Student ePortfolios
School Library Media Specialist (SLMS) students also are required to complete an electronic portfolio during their student teaching course LIS 7283/6 Clinical Experience/Student Teaching. The instructor for the clinical experience course reviews the SLMS ePortfolios and determines if they meet the criteria.
Program Self Study for ALA-COA Accreditation
The 2017 Self-Study for the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (ALA-COA) is available upon request. Email: imdept@stkate.edu.