Graduation Requirements
Turn the page to a rewarding new career in as little as 18 months.
Many students complete the program in 18-24 months, but you may adjust your schedule to suit your needs. A total of 36 hours of coursework are required for an "add-on" Master's, 41 hours for an "Initial Licensure" Masters or a "Job-Embedded" Masters, and 24 hours for certification, along with the completion of the assessments below.
Portfolio
This program is a non-thesis offering, meaning that you are not required to write a master’s thesis. Instead, for add-on licensure and certificate students, your capstone project will be the presentation of a portfolio—a compilation of assignments you have completed during the program.
For these candidates, the portfolio will be presented during MEDA 5926 or 5929 (Practicum I or II) in School Librarianship. The Portfolio will be compiled digitally.
Candidates will present artifacts that demonstrate competency in the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Initial Preparation Standards. Click here for more information. Standards.
Initial Licensure students will complete a robust residency requirement as their capstone project.
Practicum
ADD-ON and CERTIFICATE: The last 6 hours of each option is the practicum—MEDA 5926 and 5929. Spread over two semesters, the Practicum is the final culminating experience of the program. The Practicum involves performing the duties and tasks of a school librarian and is an opportunity to apply your coursework knowledge. You will practice 200 hours under a certified school librarian (must have at least three years of experience). You will complete 100 hours at the elementary level and 100 hours at the secondary level.
INITIAL: You will complete a Pre-Residency, MEDA 5401, (1 credit hour) and three hours of Practicum I - MEDA 5720 - at the 9-12 level. Then, you will complete a 15-week Residency in School Librarianship at the K-8 level (6 hours - MEDA 5960), during which you will be observed under the TN TEAM rubric on four occasions).
JOB-EMBEDDED: You will complete the requirements found in "INITIAL" above, but such
requirements can be completed in a flexible manner (for example, one credit of 5720
one semester, two credits the next) dependent upon your full-time job requirements,
busy semesters, etc. However, all such credits shall be taken under the auspices
of MEDA 5590.
Concerned about the logistics? Don't worry. ETSU's School Librarianship Program has
been designed to accommodate busy professionals who may already be working full time.
Most of our candidates do teach currently or work full time. To accumulate practicum
hours, many of our candidates work after school, on breaks, etc. We can discuss your
options in more detail based on your situation. Please note that the Practicum is
not offered during the summer term due to the lack of school openings.