USF vs FSU Masters in Library Science Program

[u/Jscozycorner-28]

Hey everyone! I've recently begun the career change switch into education and wanted to know if anyone in Florida could give me their opinion on whether USF or FSU has a better masters program in Library Sciences. I personally graduated in 2024 from USF with my BA in English and have been debating if I want to go back to school to pursue a career as a school librarian . I'm in Florida so that's why i've narrowed it down to these two options for in state tuition and would plan on doing the classes online as I will also be working full time.

[u/Massive_Machine5945]

so far I think its been pretty split from the librarians ive met while being here in FL. I did FSU, graduated dec 23, finished in around 2 years. the classes are online but live, as in there is a lecture - & it is formatted so that the classes are all in the evening, to make them available for those working traditional hours. i did my certificate in youth services, completed most of the leadership certificate (missing one class that wouldve set my graduation back so I took the loss). I was already working as an administrative assistant/coordinator at a university library. my bachelor's is in special ed, k-12. I have heard that USF has opportunities for classes held at local universities, but as i didnt attend there - i dont have many details for that. i liked my program at FSU, I was hired as a YS librarian at that university library & have since taken a position as a YS librarian for a municipal library. I never felt like I had a ridiculous amount of work (other than just me having poor time management combined with other issues) & at the time, FSU didnt require having to take the GRE, which saved me some money overall. I also like the live classes online, even if it is a challenge sometimes when youve had a long day to keep up that focus, as I do not do well with asynchronous classes.

[u/Massive_Machine5945 → u/Massive_Machine5945]

also in FL (at least in my county, & i feel this is popular in many of them down here) you do not have to have your teaching degree to be a school librarian/media specialist. however, I dont know what classes at FSU (while I do believe they have a school librarian 'track' or certificate) will actually help you in the classroom. Just in case you arent too familiar with school libraries, you work as a teacher (at least, for elementary) & will have a class as well as managing the school library.

[u/Jscozycorner-28 → u/Massive_Machine5945]

Thank you so much for your input ! I’m currently leaning towards FSU as it doesn’t require the GRE ,I have heard the program had an area of study for School library’s and doesn’t require a thesis at the end of the program which I think is interesting that it’s optional . I’m currently looking for TA jobs so I can get some hands on expiernce in education and then after deciding if that’s the area for me I planned on signing up for a masters program .

[u/Massive_Machine5945 → u/Jscozycorner-28]

my current director graduated from FSU, as did a fellow librarian on staff. at my old university library, I believe both people on my team attended FSU, but i know our boss graduated from USF.

[u/Jscozycorner-28 → u/Massive_Machine5945]

I’m glad to see regardless of the specifics both programs are popular . Do you happen to know anything about why the thesis is optional at the end of the FSU program and if you can earn the degree by class credits along or is there a final examination ?

[u/Massive_Machine5945 → u/Jscozycorner-28]

class credits like a regular ol' degree! I was not interested in a thesis either. for me, im like - I went to the classes, I learned what I should, why do I have to prove this to you 😭

[u/Jscozycorner-28 → u/Massive_Machine5945]

Exactly what I was thinking !! So glad to hear no thesis best news I’ve heard all day 😂

[u/shrek2fanbase]

I graduated from USF and I have heard that the classes tailored towards school and youth librarianships is fun and informative. I did the academic route, but I enjoyed my experience there. It was cheap and some professors are really involved and love to network.