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What you will study

Whether you complete our K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate on its own or together with a graduate degree, UCM will help you develop a strong foundation in library science and information services that complements and builds upon your existing skills.

Core coursework includes:

• Foundations of Librarianship: This introductory class helps contextualize the rest of the program. Learn about the development of libraries as institutions and how today’s librarians serve patrons and modern society.
• Developing and Managing Collections: Study library policies, intellectual freedom and diversity in relation to the development and curation of library collections.
• Library Administration and Leadership: Examine the principles of leadership and administration as they apply to professional school librarians today.
• Organizing Information: Learn how school librarians organize, process and retrieve library information through precise cataloging and classification systems.

 

Unique learning opportunities in school librarianship

One of the best ways to build your librarianship skills is through hands-on learning. UCM’s K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate includes coursework with assignments that have practical applications in the professional world:

• Educational technology: Study with our renowned faculty who are experts in library science to learn how school librarians acquire, create and use information. You’ll receive training in the tools school librarians use to teach and assess learning, as well as to manage the library itself.
• Practical skills development: Expand your knowledge of daily practices for library leaders with hands-on assignments in budgeting, collection curation and special collections development.
• Management and leadership: Hone your leadership and administrative skills by learning how to manage libraries and staff members. You’ll also collaborate with schoolteachers on curriculum development and lesson planning and offer library research instruction for students.

 

What can you do with a graduate certificate in K–12 School Librarianship from UCM?

UCM’s K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate program is a pathway for Missouri teachers to earn library science certification, qualifying you for a wider range of job opportunities. You’ll also gain transferable skills, including how to effectively use today’s educational technology.

Most students who complete this graduate certificate go on to careers as a school librarian. The information management and leadership skills you’ll acquire from our graduate program will also make you more effective in your current classroom or administrative role.

Students who already have a master's degree in any field can also apply this graduate certificate to UCM's Ed.S. in Professional Leadership - Librarianship Option.

Librarianship careers

Use the interactive tool below to find out more about job outlooks, career growth, salary potential and more for professionals trained in library science and information services.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate

At the University of Central Missouri, we offer some of the nation’s best financial support for our students. Our financial advisors will help you find ways to pay for grad school, ensuring your goals are attainable — and affordable. UCM is proud to be recognized by LendEDU as a top-ranked university for low student debt.

We’ll help you choose the best financial aid resources for your needs, including scholarships, grants and loans to help you cover the cost of your K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for program-specific scholarships reserved for students in our Library Science and related programs.

Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .

 

Mission

The Library Science and Information Services program disseminates knowledge that transforms students into library leaders who possess the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in all types of libraries.

 

Vision

The Library Science and Information Services program aspires to provide transformational education by creating an inclusive learning community that connects learners worldwide with practitioners in their field of study.

 

Admission requirements

Acceptance into the certificate program requires:

• undergraduate degree in any area from an accredited institution
• 2.50 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
• completion of an online application through the Office of Graduate Studies