School Library and Information Studies (MS)

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Master of Science

Major Credits

34

Total Credits

34

Locations

Online

Career Cluster

Education and Training

Apply

Program Requirements

Common Core

Learners will develop expertise using technology tools to address individual student needs. In this course, learners will explore the assumptions, biases and limitations of integrating technology tools, and the implications of those for teaching and student learning. Through the use of technology integration frameworks, learners will evaluate implications of both access and opportunity of using technology teaching, learning, and assessment. This course will also explore ways in which technology can both be an avenue towards social justice in education and how technology can exacerbate inequities.

Prerequisites: none

This course will examine, acquire, evaluate and use reference media sources to meet the information needs of a media center's clientele. Participants will examine and review bibliographic resources and their relationship to instruction and instructional in-service. Emphasis will be placed on reading, discussing, selecting, and evaluating resources in the context of curricular issues, cooperative endeavors with other libraries and trends in the information and reference services field.

Prerequisites: none

Students will learn and practice selecting, evaluating, and using print, audiovisual and electronic media for children in grades K-6. Participants will learn to identify and discuss a variety of genre; using reviewing sources and selection tools; identify major children's book awards; research authors and books; become knowledgeable about current issues such as censorship; locate and prepare a multiple format mediaography of children's materials and demonstrate curricular uses of this media.

Prerequisites: none

KSP 630 (3) Materials for Young AdultsThis course covers developmentally appropriate library and information services for young adults, ages 11-18 with an emphasis on literature and the uses of literature in schools and libraries. The course includes material on non-book services, programming, and other services specific to this age group.

Prerequisites: none

The course will examine the role of the school librarian in the literacy development process. This process includes the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media. The roles of the school librarian as teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator will be addressed.

Prerequisites: none

Learners will examine existing systems for equity of access, use, distribution, and infrastructure and the implications this has for learning communities. Learners will research, design, and create technology plans using data, processes, and procedures to address inequities.

Prerequisites: none

This 80+ hour field experience will provide opportunities for practicing teachers with a current MN Teaching license to put theory into practice in a K-12 environment. During field experiences candidates will become familiar with specific school-related issues, technologies, strategies to assist students in learning and apply strategies to help students study and learn within the classroom environment.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on the examination of the learner¿s role as a teacher leader scholar in our diverse and evolving society. Learners analyze professional teaching, technology and social justice standards, and current educational trends and research to identify a problem of practice in education to target improvements. Learners collect data and information as evidence of the nature and scope of the problem and develop a plan for personal and/or professional growth to address the problem.

Prerequisites: none

With a focus on digital literacy and digital equity, learners will critically analyze and evaluate educational technology frameworks, models, and research to support teaching and learning. Learners will learn how to use technology integration frameworks to guide decision-making about and evaluate use of technology. Learners consider teaching contexts to apply effective uses of technology to support students¿ learning needs with alignment to standards, learning goals, teaching strategies, and assessments.

Prerequisites: none

* Note: Students are recommended for licensure when all requirements for licensure have been fulfilled. Upon successful completion of the coursework and the practicum, candidates must take and pass the MTLE content examinations before applying and being recommended for a Minnesota Library Media License and Keyboarding and other related technology.

Research/Methods Course(s)

The research process is one that is complicated, and nonlinear, and very often difficult for students to understand and see its strengths and weaknesses. This course will introduce students to research methodologies as applied to research and evaluation. The course will focus on developing skills and applying different methodologies in a research plan.

Prerequisites: none

Designed to provide a learning experience in utilizing techniques and procedures in scholarly writing.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Candidate will need to take the reading course if not waived with prior approval or choose one elective with approval from your advisor.

This course addresses literacy and differentiated instruction for diverse learners in an inclusive classroom. Students will build on existing knowledge for lesson planning, curriculum and assessment to address learner differences.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Candidates have two options:
  1. Complete the required course work and be recommended for MN Library Media Specialist Licensure. If you intend to pursue Option 1) MN Library Media Specialist licensure, please know that you need a valid MN teaching license in another content area. 
  2. Complete the full sequence of graduate courses recommended for MN Licensure and earn a master's degree in School Library and Information Studies (MS). 

Admissions Standards

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer start. Applications are reviewed as they are completed. To complete the online application, you will need to submit the following:

  • Resume or vita
  • Official transcripts for institutions that you’ve attended (if unofficial, the official version needs to be provided by graduation)

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university is required. Students with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above will be most competitive for admission to the program.

Letters of recommendation focusing on your academic potential and your promise to become an educational leader are encouraged.

Progression Standards

Students must make adequate yearly progress toward degree completion and must know the universisty's Graduate College policies and course requirements and adhere to time limits for program completion. Students are strongly encouraged to complete in two to three years and inform their advisor if they are unable to enroll in classes during a given academic year. 

Completion/ Graduation Standards

Students are recommended for licensure when all requirements for licensure have been fulfilled. Candidate will need to take the reading course that meets the state requirements in order to be recommended for licensure.

Students must successfully complete KSP 609 Research Methods before enrolling in KSP 610 Scholarly Writing to earn the MS degree. During these two courses, students will research the literature and complete a capstone project of their choice to showcase their expertise. Students are encouraged to enroll in KSP 610 in their final semester to support the graduation paperwork process. If this course needs to be taken before the final semester be sure to maintain regular contact with your advisor to ensure all paperwork is filed in a timely manner.