Certificates of Advanced Study
View a recorded webinar on the Certificate of Advanced Study in Library Science.
The School of Library and Information Science offers three Certificate of Advanced Study programs for librarians already in the field to update and upgrade their professional skills. The programs are tailored to those who hold a master's degree in library and information science and are interested in expanding their professional skills in select areas.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master's degree in library and information science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent degree from schools in other countries, in the case of international students);
Applicants should apply to the program at least two years after receipt of the master's degree, provided they have held a professional position during that time. If an individual has less than two years of work experience, s/he may submit a petition to the school explaining why an exception should be made.
Admission Procedures
Submit the following materials to the Division of Graduate Studies:
Application to the School of Library and Information Science Certificate of Advanced Study Program. By following this application link, you will be able to select the College of Communication and Information and the certificate program you wish to pursue.
Three letters of recommendation, Biographical Sketch form and statement of career goals.
Official transcripts, including one for the M.L.S. or M.L.I.S. degree. Only one copy of each transcript is required.
If at all possible, an interview prior to admission is desirable.
Program Components
For a Certificate of Advanced Study, students must complete 18 semester hours of coursework beyond that taken as part of a master's degree.
Credit hours for completion of the Certificate of Advanced Study may include post-master's course work, regularly offered master's level course work, and up to six (6) credit hours of graduate course work from other departments at Kent State University. Students are not permitted to apply transfer credits from courses taken at colleges or universities outside of Kent State to the Certificate of Advanced Study. At least half of the 18 semester hours required for the certificate must be taken in the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University
Program Guidesheets
Completion of the Program
Students admitted to the Certificate of Advanced Study Program must receive a grade of "B" or better in all courses.
Students must complete the Certificate of Advanced Study program and graduate within six calendar years of initial entrance into the program. One-year time extensions may be requested if necessary; however, in such cases, previously-completed courses may no longer count, and some course work may have to be repeated.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Advanced Study from the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University.