Library Media and Information Technology, M.S.

OSRHE Program Code: 129
CIP Code: 250101

Major Code: 3300

(33 Semester Hours)

Purpose

The mission of the Library Media program is to prepare candidates for the changing role of the school librarian in a global and technological society. They are prepared to provide leadership in the total education program, participate as active partners in the teaching/learning process, connect learners with ideas and information, and prepare students for life-long learning. They know how to instill a love of reading and can develop opportunities for their students to be effective managers of information.

Specialty Accreditation

NSU’s educator preparation programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), www.caepnet.org, (1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023, 202-223-0077), and the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (840 Research Parkway, Suite 455, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-522-5399), www.ok.gov/oeqa

Credential Requirements

If seeking Oklahoma certification as a School Library Media Specialist, it is desirable for candidate to hold a standard teaching certificate or teaching license or be eligible for an alternative certification program with a plan of study for certification on file with NSU’s Teacher Certification office. All candidates seeking certification need to take the state certification test for school librarians at the completion of the program. There are fees associated with certification testing whic is administered by an outside agency under contract with the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountabilty. If seeking certification in any state other than Oklahoma, it is recommended that individuals contact the appropriate State Department for guidelines so they can be built into the program. Candidates should be able to show proficiency in computer technology.

Admission

For admission to the Master of Science Degree in Library Media and Information Technology, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
2. An approved Application for Graduate Admission;
3. Scores no more than five years old on either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
4. Have an earned undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 based on a 4.0 system for the last 60 hours of coursework attempted at either the undergraduate or graduate level; or attain a scale score of 383 on the Miller Analogies Test; or attain a score of 900 (verbal plus quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination.

If seeking Oklahoma certification as a School Library Media Specialist, candidates must have a current Oklahoma teaching certificate. Those who do not have teaching certification must pass the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET) and the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE). To earn a certification as a Library Media Specialist, candidates must take the state certification test for school librarians (038) at the completion of the program. If seeking certification in any state other than Oklahoma, it is recommended that individuals contact the appropriate State Department for guidelines so requirements can be built into the program. 

Advisement

Upon admittance to the Graduate College an advisor is assigned to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the faculty member and make an appointment for advisement and to develop a degree plan. The advisor develops the plan of study in conference with the student, assists in the selection of classes each semester, and counsels the student as needed.

Capstone Experience

Candidates in the Master of Science in Library Media and Information Technology program are required to develop portfolios. Candidates will create potential artifacts during each graduate library media course. During LIBM 5901/02, artifacts are revisited, and rationale statements are drafted as candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the AASL standards develops. A portfolio presentation before an audience of faculty and peers is required at completion of the Capstone experience.