School Library Media K-12
School Library Media K-12 Program Overview
The Master of Library and Information Science degree in School Library Media K-12 prepares students to apply for multi-age licensure in school library media. The program curriculum is based on both practice and theory and includes library science and educational technology courses. The theoretical content is aligned with the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians national standards, and the Ohio state standards for school libraries.
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. Students are given opportunities to apply their learning in practical environments through a culminating experience and other options. Graduates are prepared to work in all types of libraries.
Students wishing to apply for the K-12 School Library Media program whose teaching credentials are outside of Ohio should contact the Ohio Board of Education for information on how to obtain their Ohio teaching certification. This does not include students who are concurrently working on their initial Ohio teaching licensure at the time they apply for the K-12 School Library Media program through iSchool. Students not wanting Ohio licensure but wanting licensure in their own state should consult their own state requirements for reciprocity.
Dual Degree: Students also have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology and the MLIS degree in School Library Media K-12. The M.Ed./MLIS dual degree program leads to multi-age initial licensure in school library media. This program prepares students to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries. The program of study includes professional educational requirements, along with library science and educational technology courses.
Accreditation: This program is accredited by the American Library Association and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Program Structure
MLIS in School Library Media K-12
- 37 minimum credit hours
- Graduate in as few as 3 semesters
- Appropriate technology and computer literacy skills are essential for each School of Information course. In order to be successful in the program, all incoming students must meet the School of Information computer competencies, as well as its minimum computer hardware, software, and internet access requirements, before the first day of class. For details, students should consult the school’s website
- An electronic portfolio is required to obtain licensure in K-12 School Library Media
MLIS in School Library Media K-12 and M.Ed. in Educational Technology Dual Degree
- 57 minimum credit hours
- About 18 courses
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State’s website for professional licensure disclosure.
School Library Media K-12 Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA1 on a 4.000 point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Personal statement if total GPA is below 3.0 in highest completed degree1; the statement must address the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study, in addition to recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program. Starting with the spring 2024 admission term, a personal statement will no longer be required.
- GRE scores if total GPA is below 3.0 in highest completed degree1 Starting with the spring 2024 admission term, the GRE will no longer be required.
- Résumé or curriculum vita
- Student Profile form
- Application Essay
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 82 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score
1In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at the relevant level (baccalaureate or master’s) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.
MLIS in School Library Media K-12 and M.Ed. in Educational Technology Dual Degree Admission Requirements
- If seeking the dual degree, each program makes an independent admission decision based on their admission policies and procedures. Check with each program for admission requirements and with the Division of Graduate Studies to have your application materials applied to both admission applications
For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education website.
School Library Media K-12 Courses
Courses for the online MLIS in School Library Media K-12 cover a range of topics relevant for those who wish to pursue multi-age initial licensure in school library media in the state of Ohio. Students will take core courses covering the information organization, information ecology, school library management, information literacy, cataloging and engaging learners of different ages. They will also select 6 credit hours of elective courses and they will complete a 1-credit master’s portfolio.
View MLIS in School Library Media K-12 Course Requirements
Dual Degree Courses
Students pursuing the M.Ed./MLIS dual degree will complete 57 total credit hours of coursework designed to augment their course of study with a focus on media technologies in a library setting. Students will study instructional strategies, literacy education, information organization, school library management, cataloging, engagement strategies for multiple age groups, technology trends in education, technological change and other topics, and they will complete a 6-credit culminating requirement in a supervised educational library or information center.
School Library Media K-12 Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $725 | $2,175 | $26,800 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $735 | $2,205 | $27,200 |
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
*Out-of-state/International tuition includes a surcharge of $10 per credit hour for all students enrolled in an online program.
Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog
