Library Science, School Media Coordinator/School Librarian Concentration, MLS

Program Overview

The School Media Coordinator/School Librarian concentration (Library Science MLS) teaches students to develop and implement plans to ensure effective management of the school media center as an integral part of the educational program and effectively coordinate the identification, evaluation, selection, organization and preservation of instructional resources.

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Students must also meet these two graduate education requirements:

One course dealing with an understanding of the learner and the learning process (such as EDGR 5100); LSIS 5614 can be used as a substitute
One course that extends an understanding of the basic education philosophies and the school curriculum (such as EDCI 5400); LSIS 5134 can be used as a substitute

Program Objectives

Objectives for the school media coordinator concentration provide experiences through the curriculum that enable the graduate to:

Develop and implement plans to ensure effective management of the school media center as an integral part of the educational program
Provide a variety of services that extend and reinforce the instructional program of the school
Coordinate effectively the identification, evaluation, selection, organization and preservation of instructional resources
Be an effective manager
Demonstrate professional integrity through ethical behavior
Demonstrate evidence of professional growth and development

NC Department of Public Instruction Media Coordinator Licensure

The following information pertains to additional requirements for North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Media Coordinator Licensure.

Note: If you already hold a license in another area from the NC Department of Public Instruction (obtained with an undergraduate education degree) you do not have to take the undergraduate education courses below.

Undergraduate Education Requirements

Take one undergraduate-level course from an accredited education program/school related to the foundations of education. Examples of courses that meet this requirement include the following:

Introduction to Educational Psychology
Diversity, Pedagogy and Social Change
Foundations of Education

Take one undergraduate-level course from an accredited education program/school related to measurement and evaluation (assessment) of learning. Examples of courses that meet this requirement include the following:

Assessment of Learning
Foundations in Literacy Assessment
Introduction to Statistical Methods in Education
Literacy Assessment and Intervention

Additionally, the following should be noted:

Students must pass the PRAXIS Exam: Media Coordinator Specialty Area.
To apply for licensure (after you have completed the MLS and additional requirements above), apply through the NCCU School of Education Licensure Office. The NCCU interim licensure officer is Laura Millsaps.
Use the application form as a cover sheet.
There is one form in the packet that the program coordinator has to sign for you. Please complete the SOE Verification form and fax it to the office at 919-530-6402 to be verified, signed, and faxed to the School of Education or back to the student. Note: there is an NCDPI licensure application fee that is collected by the SOE along with your licensure packet.

Foreign Language Requirement

The School of Library and Information Sciences is committed to its mission to prepare professionals to become leaders who can advance the library and information sciences in a diverse and global society. SLIS previously required its graduates to meet foreign language standards or equivalent standards. Currently, there is no foreign language requirement for students in the Master of Library Science or Master of Information Science programs.

Students who need a foreign language for their future careers are able to take courses at the North Carolina Central University Modern Foreign Language Department. No courses taken for this purpose may be counted for course credit toward a master’s degree in library science or information science or related certificates.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for all applicants are as follows:

Online graduate admission application
$50 non-refundable application fee
GPA/grades: Cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (“A”= 4.0) on all undergraduate work (exceptions to the 2.75 GPA requirement may be made for applicants with relevant professional experience)
Official transcripts: Official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (must be received in sealed university envelopes)
Letters of recommendation: At least two relevant professional or academic letters of recommendation (access forms through the online application; recommenders need to upload letters of recommendation)
Statement of purpose: This statement should be approximately 700–800 words (2–3 pages) long. Please discuss the following in the statement:
- How your personal, academic and work experiences have influenced you to apply for this program
- What your professional objectives are and how you want to arrive at them
- How you hope to contribute to positive change in the field, especially in light of the School’s mission “to prepare professionals to become leaders who can advance the library and information sciences in a diverse and global society"
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): should include work experience related to the library and information professions, as well as other types of employment experience, and volunteer or community activities; should be less than 2 pages long
The GRE is not required (submitted scores are not considered)

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

Application Deadline Dates

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1

International Applicants

Fall: April 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: no admission

Contact Us

Graduate Contact Form

How to Apply

All individuals who would like to apply to an NC Central graduate program (except the law program) must apply using the correct online graduate admission application.

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