School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

Full Description

The School Library Media Licensure non-degree program is intended for students who already hold a teaching license and are interested in working in school libraries. The curriculum comprises coursework in library science, educational technology, management, cataloging and literature. A required practicum provides students the opportunity to apply principles learned in graduate study to real-world experiences and to network with professionals in the field.

This program is one of the three pathways available at Kent State University for students who are interested in obtaining multi-age licensure in school library media through the Ohio Department of Education. The other two pathways are the M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12 and the dual M.L.I.S. degree with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Starting with the spring 2024 admission term, a minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale will be required ¹
• Official transcript(s)
• GRE scores if total GPA is below 3.0 in highest completed degree¹ (Starting with the spring 2024 admission term, the GRE will no longer be required)
• Current résumé or curriculum vita
• Student Profile Form
• Application essay
• Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score
  • Minimum 74 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 Duolingo English score

¹

In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master's) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice in a school library context.
2. Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the school librarianship field.
3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians and the educational environments they work in within the global society.
4. Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a school librarianship context
5. Identify needs and connect kindergarten-to-grade-12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Licensure Information

In Ohio, an individual must have attained a currently valid standard Ohio teaching license in order to add the multi-age supplemental library media licensure as an endorsement area. Out of state applicants should verify licensure reciprocity and library media licensure requirements with their state education agencies. Students are responsible for completing licensure paperwork requirements through the Kent State University College of Education, Health and Human Services near the end of or at the conclusion of the program. Exam administered by the Evaluations Systems Group of Pearson is required for licensure.

Applicants interested in obtaining school library media licensure or certification outside the state of Ohio should refer to the requirements established by their state education agencies.

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

The School Library Media Licensure non-degree program is accredited by the American Library Association and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).