Clarion University's Master of Science in Library Science program has been reaccredited by the American Library Association for seven years, the longest period of accreditation issued by the association.
The process leading to accreditation involved two years of self-study, including surveys of students, alumni, employers of alumni, and other stakeholders in the MSLS program. The result was the production of 100-plus page Program Presentation which served as the basis for a visit to the department in September 2010 by a six-member External Review Panel representing the ALA Committee on Accreditation. The committee's decision was based on the panel's report, the department's Program Presentation, and a presentation before the committee in San Diego by Dr. John Groves, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services, and Dr. Krueger, chair of the library science department.
Only 57 programs throughout the United States and Canada have ALA accreditation.
Clarion MSLS graduates have a strong track record of success in the profession, and are employed in libraries and other information institutions around the globe. While the department maintains a traditional classroom environment on campus, the majority of its approximately 400 graduate students study online.
The MSLS is a 36-credit program, which can be completed in one calendar year by students attending full time, although the majority of Clarion's online students are working adults who attend as part time students. In addition to the MSLS program, the department also offers a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in library science, a fully online Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in library science, and a post-master's certificate of advanced studies.
A recent survey of accredited graduate library science programs ranked Clarion's as the fourth largest program in the nation.
The department has been continuously accredited by ALA since 1974-75, when it achieved initial accreditation while under the administration of Elizabeth Rupert, former dean of the College of Library Science.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.