Maximizing Your Educational Technology Degree with a Library & Information Science Dual Option

A tall bookshelf filled with many books of various colors and sizes, with a ladder leaning against the shelves.

Pairing an online Master of Education in Educational Technology with an online Master of Library & Information Science (M.L.I.S.) in School Library Media K-12 creates a powerful combination for educators who want to design innovative learning environments and lead information-rich educational spaces. This dual pathway prepares you to support teaching and learning both inside and outside of the classroom—equipping you with instructional technology expertise and specialized training for school librarianship.

What This Dual Pathway Offers

The online M.Ed. in Educational Technology focuses on the use of digital tools and instructional design to enhance teaching and learning across educational settings. Students study how to integrate technologies meaningfully, evaluate learning tools, and design engaging, learner-centered experiences.

When you pair this with the online M.L.I.S. in School Library Media K-12, you gain complementary expertise in information organization, literacy promotion, digital resource management, and school library leadership. The School Library Media K-12 program prepares students to manage and innovate library programs that support curriculum, literacy, and information fluency for learners from kindergarten through high school.

Together, these degrees help you become a versatile leader who understands both technology integration and information access—an especially valuable combination in today’s schools, where digital learning and resource accessibility are paramount.

How to Integrate the Two Fields

Making the most of both degrees means intentionally weaving your learning goals together:

Connect coursework across programs

Choose capstone projects or applied assignments that bridge instructional technology with library media practice—such as designing a digital literacy initiative or developing a technology-enhanced information skills curriculum.

Develop a unified professional portfolio

Showcase work that demonstrates your ability to support both learning design and resource access. This portfolio becomes a powerful tool for job searches, presentations, and interviews.

Engage with both professional communities

Connect with associations such as the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to stay current with best practices and emerging trends.

Career Roles Opened by This Combination

Graduates with this dual expertise are well positioned for roles that bridge instruction, technology, literacy, and leadership, including:

  • Instructional Technology Specialist – leads technology integration and professional development
  • School Library Media Specialist (Library Director) – manages library programs, supports literacy, and fosters digital fluency
  • Educational Technology Coach – trains teachers to use learning technologies effectively
  • Digital Curriculum Developer – designs blended and digital learning resources
  • Information Literacy Coordinator – supports students and educators in research and digital literacy across grade levels

This dual preparation provides flexibility to work in both classroom-adjacent roles and library-centered positions, making you a strong candidate for leadership in schools, districts, and nonprofit education organizations.

Why This Dual Degree Matters Today

Schools increasingly need educators who can navigate both educational technology and information ecosystems. Technology-enhanced learning and strong library programs are key to preparing students for academic success, lifelong learning, and workforce readiness. With deep training in both fields, you can lead initiatives that improve student engagement, strengthen digital and information literacy, and support equitable access to educational resources.

About the M.Ed. in Educational Technology

Kent State’s online Master of Education in Educational Technology prepares educators and learning professionals to design, implement, and evaluate innovative, technology-enhanced learning environments. Students gain expertise in digital instructional design, educational software selection, data-informed decision-making, and strategies for enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. With a flexible online format and a focus on real-world application, the program supports working professionals as they integrate technology meaningfully into teaching and learning contexts.

About the M.L.I.S. in School Library Media K-12

Kent State’s online Master of Library & Information Science (M.L.I.S.) in School Library Media K-12 equips future school librarians with the skills to lead dynamic library programs that support curriculum, literacy, and information fluency across kindergarten through high school. The program emphasizes digital and information literacy, resource organization, ethical information practices, and collaborative instructional support. Designed for educators and information professionals, the online format allows working practitioners to expand their impact while advancing their credentials in library media leadership.

Ready to Expand Your Impact?

If you’re passionate about making learning more accessible, technology-rich, and information-driven, pursuing a dual pathway with Kent State’s online M.Ed. in Educational Technology and online M.L.I.S. in School Library Media K-12 can help you advance your career with purpose and flexibility.

Explore the Educational Technology M.Ed.

Explore the School Library Media K-12 M.L.I.S.

The editorial team at Kent State Online is composed of dedicated professionals with expertise in higher education, digital marketing, and content strategy. Our mission is to create insightful, engaging, and informative content that empowers prospective students to make informed decisions about advancing their education and careers.
Latest Blogs
Investing in a graduate degree can be one of the most effective ways to increase your earning potential, expand career opportunities, and prepare for leadership roles in a changing workforce. For working professionals balancing careers, family, and long-term goals, online graduate education offers a flexible pathway to career advancement without putting life on pause.
Many music educators begin their careers focused on the classroom, the rehearsal room, and the podium. But over time, experienced teachers often find themselves ready for something more: broader influence, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape music education beyond a single ensemble. For many, that next step comes through advanced study in music education.
In education, we often focus on what is taught and how it’s delivered. But Cultural Foundations asks a deeper question: why do our educational systems look the way they do—and who do they serve? At its core, Cultural Foundations is about understanding the social, historical, and cultural forces that shape learning environments, policies, and experiences across communities.
Explore Our Online Programs
Online Minors
Online Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Programs
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Center for Adult Veteran Services
Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are enrolled at Kent State University. We’re excited to have you join us, and our international admission team is here to help you every step of the way.
About Kent State Online
Online Support Center
At Kent State Online, you’re never on your own. Whether you’re learning from across Ohio or across the country, our team is here with personalized support and a strong commitment to helping you succeed.
Changing careers is no longer uncommon — it’s increasingly part of the modern professional journey. Whether motivated by evolving industries, changing interests, career advancement, or the desire for more meaningful work, many professionals are rethinking their next step and exploring graduate education as a pathway forward.
Deciding to go back to school is a big step — one that often comes after careful thought about career goals, family responsibilities, and long-term plans. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, change direction, or strengthen your professional credentials, applying to a university can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
Choosing a graduate program is a big decision — not just academically, but professionally and personally. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field, transition into a new career, or strengthen your leadership potential, the right graduate program should align with where you are now and where you want to go. For many people returning to school, this choice is about more than a degree. It’s about momentum, purpose, and long-term impact.