School Library Media Specialist, Graduate Certificate - Initial Certification

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For further information: LibraryScienceGrad@southernct.edu

Dr. Gayle Bogel, Coordinator of School Media Program. Email: bogelg1@southernct.edu

Application Deadline

Rolling admissions.

OVERVIEW

The Graduate Certificate prepares candidates to receive their initial teaching certification with the 062 school library media endorsement. Students may pursue dual enrollment in this certificate as well as the Master of Library and Information Science degree. Please contact the graduate coordinator for further information.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

a) Preparation and submission of the Online Graduate Application

b) Submission of the required documentation

Complete applications must include the following materials:

  1. Graduate School Application
  2. $50.00 non-refundable application fee
  3. Official academic transcripts for all college-level programs the applicant has ever attempted and/or completed, with at least one transcript showing an undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency in the United States. For students with degrees obtained outside the United States, equivalence must be established by the World Education Services, Josef Silny & Associates Evaluators, Inc., Global Credential Evaluators, Inc., or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. These are independent evaluation services recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
  4. For applicants whose native language is not English, TOEFL scores. The Graduate School sets the minimum score needed on the TOEFL exam.
  5. Two letters of recommendation written by individuals in a position to describe and evaluate the applicant’s commitment and potential for academic success at the graduate level. The letters should also address the applicant’s potential ability to make meaningful professional contributions.
  6. A written statement (400-500 words) describing why the applicant is interested in the chosen program of study, expected contributions, and anticipated areas of professional practice.
  7. A current resume.

c) Review of the application file by the Department’s Graduate Admissions Committee

Complete application files will be reviewed by the Coordinator of the School Library Program and an admissions interview will be scheduled.   The file will then be reviewed by the Department Graduate Admissions Committee. The Committee’s membership consists of three full-time faculty.

d) The determination of the applicant’s qualifications and dispositional suitability for admission into the program

In making its determination and subsequent recommendation, the Department Graduate Admissions Committee will give consideration to the applicant’s entire record. Please see section on requirements for information on conditional acceptance.

e) The Department’s recommendation to the Dean's office at the College of Education

Once the Department Graduate Admissions Committee makes a determination on the applicant’s suitability for the intended program of studies, a recommendation will be made to the Dean's office at the College of Education for its final review.

Course Listing - 45 Credits

As sequencing changes, it is highly recommended that students meet with their program advisor to finalize a list of requirements for graduation. 

All ILS content courses are offered online, and the required ILS internship is flexibly scheduled around work and family commitments.  The professional education courses for initial teacher certification may be offered online or on ground, and the semester of student teaching is on ground.

ILS 581 School Media Practice is a 12 week student teaching sequence in a placement determined by the Office of Educational Services at the College of Education.

ILS 502 - Fundamentals of Library and Information Science - 3 credits
ILS 505 - Information Resources Organization and Management -  3 credits
ILS 507 - Information Science and Technology - 3 credits      
ILS 508 - User Services - 3 credits
ILS 545 - Administration and Design of School Library Media Centers - 3 credits
ILS 582 - Library Science Internship - 3 credits
ILS 516 - Literacy, Literature, and Reading for School and Public Libraries - 3 credits
ILS 547 - Integrating Technology and Media in K-12 Curriculum - 3 credits
ILS 571 - Methods for School Library Media Centers - 3 credits
ILS 581 - School Media Practice - 6 credits
ILS 587 - Seminar: SLMS Field Placements for Teacher Certification - 3 credits
EDF 520 - Child in American Culture - 3 credits
SED 481 or 482 - Teaching Exceptional Children: Elementary or Secondary - 3 credits
EDU 316 - Child Development & Psychology for Educators - 3 credits

Additional Non-Credit Program Requirements:
Online Module 1: Behavioral Difficulties (Social and Emotional Development)
Online Module 2: Dyslexia
Online Module 3: Health and Mental Health Examination