Online MLS Programs

I’m currently enrolled in Drexel’s on-line MLIS and have found it to be truly advantageous to my lifestyle.  My wife and I had roots in the Berkshires (Massachusetts) and thus didn’t want to uproot our lives for me to enroll in an MLS program.  Since beginning the program, I’ve been able to continue working, and then when my first child was born, continue the program as a stay-at-home dad.  

I’ve taken both library-specific courses as well as a few coding (Javascript and web design) courses through Drexel.  I really appreciate the on-line style of learning when it came to the coding classes.  If I had a question at 11 P.M. at night, I can post it to the board, and by the following morning have some tips either from the professor or fellow students.  A face-to-face class would require me to ask in class, but if I implemented the advice received, and then immediately encountered another problem I’d have to e-mail the professor and wait for a response, or attend during office hours.  The on-line forum allowed discussions both from student to professor as well as student to student.  I found some of my best learning was done when helping answer another student’s questions, as it forced me to flesh out the idea.

Finally, Drexel’s on-line program is completely asynchronous, and requires no visit to campus.  I’ve never had to go to Philadelphia during either the application process, or for any classes, and I can do my work at any time that fits my schedule.  It truly has been a fantastic program, and I highly recommend on-line programs.