Licensure Only, Library Media Studies

• Prior master’s degree: This program is designed for those with a master’s degree.

• Program modality: The courses are offered entirely online in an asynchronous format. An in-person practicum in a Massachusetts school is required.

• Flexible pacing options: The program can be completed full-time or part-time, as best determined by the student and the course timing. Required courses are offered on a rotating schedule.

• Concurrent enrollment opportunities: Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Certificate in Digital Studies, and more.   

• Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants and scholarships. 

Our targeted 15-27-credit curriculum gives students the skills and confidence to be school library teachers. The curriculum includes seven (7) library science courses and a semester-long supervised practicum and seminar. Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken before admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of credits.

After students are admitted to the program, a meeting with the program coordinator will help define the plan of study and completion date, setting the student on a path to success. Of course, all plans of study are flexible as life changes occur. 

Practicum Requirements 

To complete the library media studies program, you must complete 75 observation hours through three courses: LBS 730, LBS 750 and LBS 815.

The practicum course LBS 900 N requires either 150 or 300 practicum hours. A practicum seminar, LBS 900 PS, is also required for the practicum course. The required hours are determined in consultation with the program coordinator and the McKeown School of Education Office of Licensure.

We offer the opportunity to obtain your initial license as a library teacher at all levels through endorsement by Salem State University’s Accreditation Office. Upon completing the program and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional license. This means that graduates of our program can complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework.

_{*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).}

School library jobs remain unfilled due to insufficient certified and qualified candidates. School librarianship always needs new and energetic candidates to help our children succeed in school and life. Our program graduates have a high employment rate, and many have multiple job options.

Many who hold professional library teacher licenses in Massachusetts have successfully obtained licensure in other states.