FAQ

A: The MLS degree should be completed five years from the first course taken. This can be accomplished if a student takes one course each fall and spring and one summer course one time. On the average, most students finish the program in three to four years because they take more than one course per semester as they progress or take more than one summer course. The Certificate program should be completed three years from the first course taken. MLS students can earn the Certificate en route to completing their degree.

A: Eleven graduate courses are necessary to complete the MLS degree and five to complete the Certificate program. Five of the eleven MLS courses MUST be in the MLS curriculum; students can take as many additional courses in MLS as they wish or take graduate level courses in other departments. Three of the five Certificate courses are required and the remaining two are electives that must be approved by an advisor.

A: No. The five required MLS courses include a thesis option (3 seminars, 2 thesis). However, students can take two additional courses in the MLS curriculum to complete the course work instead of doing a thesis. Example: Three 610s, one 620 and one 630 OR one 610, three 620s and one 630 OR one 610, one 620, and three 630s. If a student stays in the MLS curriculum for the complete program, this usually falls into place. However, if other graduate courses are included, care should be taken to make sure all the five MLS courses are covered.

A: Yes. Courses can be taken in any department that has graduate level selections AND the student has any prerequisite the course requires (or has talked with the professor).

A: Fall and spring courses are usually taught 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. one night a week. Summer school classes are taught twice a week 5:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Occasionally we have courses that are taught more often in shorter time spans, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Most classes are taught at Triad Center, 7900 Triad Center Road, Greensboro (airport area).

A: Yes. Eleven hours from any accredited college or university can be transferred. A word of caution: If a student transfers in courses already taken before acceptance into the MLS or Certificate Programs, the five year time line starts with the first course counted.

A: Yes. A prospective student can take up to three courses before applying or being accepted into the program. Caution: The application process should be initiated before the beginning of the third course to allow time for all paperwork to be completed.

A: UNCG Faculty, many with Teaching Excellence Awards.

A: No. In lieu of an entrance exam, we request an essay. (See Admissions and Tuition)

A: The Certificate program prepares you for positions in government, non-profit, or corporate venues that involve global awareness and decision-making.

More questions? Contact Julee Johnson: jcjohnso@uncg.edu or 315-7748.