School of Library and Information Studies > Dual MLS / MS Degree FAQ
Dual MLS / MS Degree Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much longer is the dual degree program over the traditional MLS?
A. The MLS requires 36 hours but the dual degree requires 45 hours.
Q. What are the additional benefits of choosing the dual master's program over the MLS?
A. Graduates of the dual master's program will receive two degrees: Master of Science in Health Studies and Master of Library Science. The master's degrees make the graduates attractive to careers in the library science and health studies field. They will also possess specialized combinations of expertise, which can be an advantage in a versatile job market.
Q. What is the difference between a full-time and part-time student?
A. A graduate student is considered full-time if he/she takes 9 or more credit hours per semester in the fall or spring, while a part-time student takes less than 9 credit hours per semester in the fall or spring. During the summer sessions, a full-time graduate student is one who takes 6 or more credit hours; a part-time student takes less than 6 credit hours.
Q. How long will it take to do the dual degree program?
A. It depends if you are a student part-time or full-time, for each student is different. See sample charts of a full-time student and a part-time students degree plan both starting out in Fall 2003. The sample is based on courses according to the course rotation plan of the School of Library and Information Sciences and the Department of Health Studies. However, courses may change due to insufficient enrollment, budgeting, or other factors. Please consult with your advisor in making out your degree plan. For a copy of the course rotation plan to please visit http://www.twu.edu/hs/hs/gradcourserotation.htm (Health Studies) and http://www.twu.edu/cope/slis/courses/rotation.htm (School of Library Science and Information Studies).
Full Time Student |
Fall
|
Spring
|
Summer
|
Fall
|
Spring
|
Summer |
LS 5813
Information Professions |
LS 5143
Technical Services |
HS 5413 Current Issues |
HS 6453 Strategies
Health ED |
HS 5353 Epidemiology |
LS 5973
Professional Paper |
LS 5013
Info. Storage Retrieval |
HS 5483
Program Evaluation |
HS 5563 Consumer Health |
HS 5423
Ethnic and Cultural Issues |
LS 5843
Practicum |
|
HS 5023
Research Methods |
LS 5253
Electronic
Info Resources |
|
HS 5383
Program Development |
LS 5513
Online Information
Retrieval |
|
Part Time Student |
Fall
|
Spring |
Summer
|
Fall
|
Spring |
Summer |
Fall
|
Spring |
LS 5813
Information
Professions |
HS 5353
Epidem-
iology |
LS 5013 Information
Stor/Retr. |
LS 5363
Health Sciences |
HS 5483 Program Evaluation |
LS 5513 Online Information |
HS 5423 Ethnic & Cultural |
LS 5973 Professional Paper |
HS 5023
Research
Methods |
LS 5143 Technical
Services |
HS 5413
Current
Issues |
HS 6453 Strategies Health Ed |
LS 5253
Electronic Info. Resources |
HS 5003
Practicum |
HS 5383 Program Develop
ment |
|
Q. Are there any scholarships, financial aid offered by the school?
A. Please visit TWU's Financial Aid Office for applications, general information, and scholarships/grants available for graduate students. The School of Library and Information Studies offers competitive scholarships and grants. Please pay attention to all the requirements of the scholarship, especially the application deadlines.
Q. How much does the education cost at TWU?
A. TWU is a public university; therefore, its tuition is much lower than private universities. The cost of education at Texas Woman's University differs significantly among students. The financial requirements should be studied carefully so that the student knows before enrollment each semester exactly how expenses are going to be paid. By assessing estimated costs and estimated resources, a student can determine well in advance the possible need for financial assistance. The primary responsibility for meeting the cost of higher education lies with the student and his/her family.
An estimated cost for a full-time student is available at
Q. I am a returning, older (non-traditional) student. Can I do this at my age?
A. At TWU, our graduate students come in all ages, from those who recently graduated from college to those who are entering school after 20-30 year absence to those embarking on their third or fourth career. The Student Support Services, the faculty and staff, and affiliated staff strive to make each student welcome and to help each student successfully graduate from TWU. Our low student-teacher ratio means students receive personal attention from their professors.
Q. What are the pros and cons of distance education versus face-to-face classes? What type of classes is for me?
A. Each student learns and has different learning habits. Some students prefer face-to-face classes because they say the class meetings keep them more focused, they like the ability to connect with the professors and their classmates visually, and they are comfortable with that format. Others prefer the online classes because of the lack of time and physical restrictions: they are able to do their homework at 5 a.m. in their pajamas in Mexico. Other factors such as employment, familial obligations/pressures, and distance may determine the format of classes you chose. For example, if you work full-time in New Mexico, you are more likely to choose online classes compared to someone who moved to Denton to get their degree.
Distance education classes offer greater flexibility in classroom structure and format, however, due dates still apply as for face-to-face classes. Also distance education students should be highly motivated because it is very easy to forget or put off homework assignments. The type of classes for each student varies. You should ask yourself to determine the type of classes for you:
Where will I be based when I enter the program? Do I prefer face-to-face or online classes? Can I afford to move to Denton for school? Do I plan to attend school full or part time?
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