The Master of Library and Information Science (MLS) with a concentration in School Librarianship is designed to prepare qualified professionals to teach, research, analyze, produce, and supervise the teaching/learning process of a school's library media program. In addition to the ALA-accreditation of the MLS degree, this concentration is approved and registered by the New York State Department of Education for the certification of school library media specialists (K-12). In order to qualify for NYSED certification, students must also satisfy prerequisite coursework in pedagogy as well as the liberal arts and sciences (i.e., general education). Librarians possessing the MLS or MS degree from a ALA-accredited institution who wish to become certified in school media must be accepted into the Advanced Certificate Program and meet all coursework, examination, and fieldwork/internship requirements.Assessment of Pre-requisitesAt the time of application to the Master of Library and Information Science or Advanced Certificate programs, all undergraduate and any previous graduate coursework will be assessed to determine whether the requirements for the pedagogical and/or general education cores have been satisfied. Applicants should provide bulletin descriptions for all education courses. Students will be advised as to the number of prerequisites that must be completed in order to be in compliance with NYSED regulations. These pre-requisites may be completed concurrently with MLS or Advanced Certificate coursework. In cases where a course partially fulfills the requirements, additional coursework will be assessed. The following represents the minimum pre-requisite coursework required for certification. For a more detailed overview of the pre-requisites click here.Pedagogical Core
General Education Core