The Master of Education in Library Media and Information Specialist at SAU is designed to equip educators with the expertise to manage modern school library programs. This program bridges the gap between traditional literacy and 21st-century digital information management, meeting the requirements for Library Media Certification/Licensure in Arkansas.
Program Duration and Start Dates
- Duration: Typically completed in 2 years (based on 2 classes per semester, including summer).
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
- Fall Deadline: July 20
- Spring Deadline: December 1
- Summer Deadline: April 1 (Summer I) / June 1 (Summer II)
Why Choose SAU for your M.Ed.?
- National Affordability: Consistently ranked among the most affordable graduate programs in the U.S.
- Licensure Focused: Specifically curated to meet Arkansas Department of Education standards for K-12 Library Media Specialists.
- Flexibility: Designed for working teachers, allowing for 100% online coursework that fits a professional schedule.
- Out-of-State Waivers: Students from TX, LA, MS, OK, MO, and TN may qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers.
Skills You Will Gain
- Digital Citizenship: Leading school-wide initiatives on technology ethics and safety.
- Collection Development: Selecting and managing diverse physical and digital resources.
- Instructional Design: Collaborating with teachers to integrate media resources into K-12 curricula.
- Information Access: Mastering metadata, database management, and research retrieval.
- Leadership: Managing budgets, facilities, and media program evaluations.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
You will learn from practitioner-focused faculty, including Program Director Katy Nix, who provide personalized advising and degree planning. Our digital learning environment uses advanced management systems to facilitate collaborative research, multimedia projects, and interactive discussions.
Curriculum
Core Courses (24 hours)
- LMIS 6013 – Management and Evaluation of Media Programs
- LMIS 6023 – Information Access
- LMIS 6033 – Collection Management and Development
- LMIS 6043 – Integration of Library Resources into the Curriculum
- LMIS 6053 – Instructional Design and Production
- LMIS 6073 – Introduction to Librarianship
- LMIS 6083 – Library Materials for Children and Young Adults
- LMIS 6203 – Practicum in K-12 Library Media
Professional Education Courses (6 hours)
Select 6 hours from the following:
- EDUC 5203 – Strategies for Content Area Reading
- EDUC 6003 – Educational Research
- EDUC 6043 – Current Issues and Trends in Education
- EDUC 6063 – Applications of Technology in Education
- EDUC 6403 – School Law
- EDUC 6853 – Multimedia for Educators
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.5+).
Prerequisites
- Current Teaching License: Applicants must hold a valid standard teaching license.
- Bachelor’s Degree: An earned degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this program transition into high-impact roles within educational settings:
- School Librarian / Media Specialist (K-12)
- Instructional Technology Coordinator
- Digital Resource Specialist
- District Media Supervisor
Return on Investment (ROI): By combining one of the lowest tuition rates in the region with the qualifications for specialized licensure, SAU graduates often see an immediate salary increase (depending on district pay scales) without the burden of high student debt.
