Master of Arts in Education with an Emphasis in School Library Media

General Description:

This area of emphasis is designed to prepare school library media specialists to function in an information-rich learning environment and to provide leadership in information literacy and development of research skills. The seven core courses cover library administration, selection and management of resources and instructional practices. The final course, Library Practice, allows students to apply program competencies in actual school libraries.

Course Information:

Core Requirements:

CI 623 Instructional Models and Assessment Techniques
CIEC 534 Applications Software in the Classroom Curriculum Area
EDF 612 Educational Evaluation
EDF 616 Advanced Studies in Human Development
EDF 621 Educational Research and Writing

Area of Emphasis:

ITL 501 Libraries & the Learning Process
A study of the role of the school library in the instruction and learning process with focus is on the implementation of learning objectives through direct instruction, collaboration with teachers, and curriculum support.

ITL 502 Library Materials for Adolescents
Course addresses the selection and promotion of library materials for adolescents in support of a school curriculum and issues of diversity and balance in the school library collection.

ITL 515 Reference & Bibliography
Study of the basic reference sources for elementary and secondary school libraries. Emphasis is on material selection, the reference interview, search strategies, and the impact of new technologies.

ITL 622 Cataloging & Classification
Fundamentals of cataloging and classification, applying AACR2, the Dewey Decimal system, and related aids to the organization of library materials will be covered as well as implications of new technology for technical services.

ITL 625 Library Organization & Administration
Principals of administration for school library media centers, including planning, budgeting, collection development and access, and program evaluation are addressed.

ITL 631 Technology & the Library
Course provides an introduction to the function and management of technology, application of computer technology to library tasks and technology as an education tool.

CIRG 613 Children’s Literature
An examination of teaching methods and of children’s literature that are conductive to promoting permanent interest and skills in reading.

ITL 650 Library Practice
Experience in the application of techniques of library service, adapted as far as possible to the student’s needs. This course must be taken after all other program courses have been completed.

Total Credit Hours for School Library Media Certification: 24
Total Credit Hours for Core Requirements: 15
Total Credit Hours for Degree: 39

Note: Students have other options for completing course requirements. For example, EDF 625 Qualitative Research in Education can be taken instead of EDF 621. However, courses listed above are those that are entirely online. Other options are traditional classroom courses or WebCT courses with several on-campus meetings. Contact Dr. Seymour if you would like information about other course options.

Certification Reciprocity: Certification is awarded by the state of West Virginia. This certification is currently reciprocated by all states except the following: IA, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, UT, VA, WI, and WY. Since state certification requirements change, it is important that students outside of West Virginia confirm with their state certification office that Marshall’s program will be accepted. School Library Program Website: Additional details about the certification program are available at http://www.marshall.edu/library/slm/default.asp

Review course offerings by semester

back to top

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of Praxis Exam in Library Media
• Successful completion of Comprehensive Examination

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements to the elementary or secondary MA programs are:

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5

• A test score from either the Miller Analogies Test (scaled score of 380 or higher) or Graduate Record Exam (combined score of 800 on verbal and quantitative sections).

• A completed application form

• Official transcripts from previously attended colleges

Access admission information and download the application for admission

back to top

Cost:

Access information regarding tuition and fees for online courses.

back to top

Additional Resources:

• Graduate School of Education and Professional Development

• MU Online

back to top

Contact Information:

Dr. Celene Seymour
Associate Dean of Libraries & School Library Program Coordinator
Marshall University Graduate College
100 Angus Peyton Drive
South Charleston, WV 25303
304/746-8901 or Seymour@marshall.edu

back to top