School library media

Program description

The school library media programs prepare candidates to meet the requirements for licensure as a school library media specialist (eligible for Georgia S-5 certification). Candidates learn to establish information-rich learning environments to help students become effective creators, critical users and communicators of ideas and information. School media specialists serve to meet both literacy and technology needs for educational clientele, students, teachers, and administrators. The program is designed around the following core areas: (1) instructional design and integration of information technologies within the curriculum; (2) needs assessment, evaluation, and selection of diverse literature, media and information services; (3) understanding and utilization of existing and emerging information technology; (4) social, ethical, and legal implications of information technology; (5) management of library media program-services and facilities; (6) theories and accepted principles of standard systems of cataloging, process, and classification and (7) research and library applications in the curriculum.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program in school library media is designed for individuals holding a bachelor's degree who wish to obtain initial certification as a school library media specialist (eligible for Georgia S-5 certification). Certification in this field is for grades Pre-K through 12. The M.A.T. provides professional and pedagogical studies that develop proficiency in the knowledge, skills, and habits of beginning media specialists.

The M.Ed. in school library media prepares P-12 educators with the courses necessary to meet the requirements for licensure as a school library media specialist (eligible for Georgia S-5 certification).

General Admission Requirements

   Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree
• Minimum score of 800 (regular admission) or 700 (provisional admission) on the general portion (quantitative and verbal) of the Revised Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with "writing assessment" component; minimum score of 3.5 required on GRE writing component 
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

   Master of Education (M.Ed.)

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree 
• A clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores)
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

Career opportunities
Successful completion of the M.A.T. program and passing scores on the appropriate Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) basic skills and content tests allow the candidate to be recommended to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for S-5 certification.
Upon successful completion of the M.Ed. program, the candidate may apply to upgrade certification to the S-5 level.

Faculty
Dr. Paulina Kuforiji is the program Coordinator. Her office is in Jordan Hall, Room 338. She can be contacted at 706-565-7807 or kuforiji_paulina@colstate.edu.

Program requirements: M.A.T           M.Ed.