School Librarianship
Your Next Chapter
The school library media center is a hub for technological information gathering and information processing as well as for literary enrichment. The school librarian is a critical resource person for teachers who look to the center for various types of instructional support, both in printed and in action-oriented visual formats.
ETSU's School Librarianship, M.Ed., program offers a natural and seamless transition from classroom teacher to librarian. Graduates from this program enjoy a rewarding career that allows them to apply all of their skills and knowledge.
Interested students should consider becoming a School Librarian if they:
- Enjoy helping others use new technology
- Like to work with a wide range of students
- Enjoy connecting students to literature
- Enjoy focusing on special projects
- Enjoy the challenges of an ever-changing field
Become Certified
The School Librarianship, M.Ed., prepares candidates to become certified as school library media specialists to serve in K-12 schools. The curriculum is aligned with the standards of the American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, and the State of Tennessee licensure standards.
Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
Professional Licensure Information: ETSU offers programs that meet Tennessee’s professional licensure or certification requirements; however, these may not meet the requirements in other states or territories. Students who plan to work outside of Tennessee should review ETSU's professional licensure information for details on whether this program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in your state.Preparing Education Leaders
Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose School Librarianship and complete the remainder of the form.


Cost
Credits to complete this program: 36 credit hours
| TN Residents | *eRate | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| $672 per credit hour | $835.50 per credit hour | $1,513 per credit hour |
| - The *eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses. - Additional fees may be required. - Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. - The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU?
School librarianship is a growing and rewarding career field in Tennessee, with licensed librarians serving in public schools and libraries, and job opportunities available across the state. If you’re a storyteller or someone who simply loves stories and understands their power to shape minds and communities, you’ll find this career deeply fulfilling. As a school librarian, you’ll have the chance to share your passion for reading in all its forms, from literature and informational texts to reading for fun, with K–12 students.
At ETSU, our School Librarianship program is built around the study and promotion of literature. You’ll gain the skills to inspire students and teachers alike, helping them explore the world of reading and learning. You’ll also learn how to guide students through today’s complex information landscape, find trustworthy sources, use information responsibly, and develop lifelong learning habits.
Additionally, expert faculty, including an award-winning children’s author who brings teaching experience from Pre-K through graduate school, offer students personalized mentorship and guidance throughout their enrollment in the program.
If you love teaching, organizing, creating, and helping others discover knowledge and resources, this program is a great next step in your journey!
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What accreditations apply to this program?
Our School Librarianship program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).
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Does a student’s undergraduate degree have to be related to this Program? What are the pre-requisites?
No, your degree does not have to be related to education. Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.
- Licensed teachers with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education should pursue the add-on endorsement program.
- Licensed teachers with a master’s degree in any field should pursue the graduate certificate program.
- Individuals with an unrelated bachelor’s or master’s degree who are seeking teaching licensure should pursue the initial licensure program.
For more details and help determining which path is right for you, please contact the Program Coordinator by submitting an inquiry form at the top of this page.
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What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or GRE scores of at least 151 in Verbal Reasoning, 153 in Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.5 in Analytical Writing.
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Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?
The coursework for the add-on endorsement and graduate certificate program is asynchronous.
The coursework for initial licensure program is mostly asynchronous, with the possibility of up to two synchronous courses during the culminating seminar. -
Does this program require a thesis?
No, a thesis is not required. An oral capstone presentation takes the place of this requirement.
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What is the time to completion?
Completion timelines are flexible and depend on both the program pathway (add-on endorsement, graduate certificate, or initial licensure) and each student’s work or life schedule. Most working professionals finish the master’s program in about 2 years, whereas students pursuing the add-on endorsement or graduate certificate typically finish within 1.5 to 2 years.
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How many spaces are available for each cohort?
This program does not operate on cohorts. Admissions are continuing, with students being admitted in the Fall, Spring, or Summer.
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Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?
Yes! The program is designed with working adults in mind. The department offers flexible advising and scheduling options to help you balance work and academics, including summer courses that make it easier to stay on track and lighten your course load during the academic year.
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Are scholarships available?
Yes! This program is housed in the ETSU Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, which offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing its academic programs.
Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.
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