School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

Program Description

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.

Admissions

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
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale ¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vita
• Student profile form²
• Application essay, see guidelines below
• Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
• Three letters of recommendation³ (starting with spring 2026 admission term, two letters of recommendation will be required)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:⁴
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 DET score

Starting with spring 2026 admission term, the following minimum scores will be required:

• Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
• Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
• Minimum 65 PTE score
• Minimum 120 DET 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.

²

The student profile form is embedded in the online application.

³

References should be able to attest that the applicant possesses the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from the workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead.

⁴

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Guidelines for the Essay

The application essay showcases an applicant's readiness for graduate-level writing. Applicants should discuss the following questions based on their exploration of the Kent State iSchool website, as well as their own reflection on their academic abilities, experiences and personal qualities. Applicants are welcome to add comments from supplemental research and readings (cite in American Psychological Association [APA] style), observations and experience.

The essay should be fewer than 1,000 words and formatted in APA style. Any content that is not the applicant's own original thoughts must be properly attributed.

The School of Information values highly interdisciplinary synergy with regard to faculty research and teaching, its students and its contributions to the library and information science profession. Applicants should answer the following questions in their essay:

• What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
• What are your aspirations in the field of library and information science?
• What will you contribute to the Kent State iSchool community and to the field as a whole?

Application Deadlines

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

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers 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 K-12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Accreditation

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).