Library Media Certificate

Program Objectives

This program is geared toward licensed teachers who want to obtain the school library media endorsement. This endorsement can only be added to an existing teaching license.

We have received official approval from accreditation officials in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Many other states accept our program as well. Contact your state's Department of Education to ensure that the program is accepted. Our education programs are accredited by the Montana Board of Public Education. We participate in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification's (NASDTEC) Interstate Contract.

Additionally, the Library Media program offers an option to earn a Master's degree (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction. The Master's portion involves completion of 9 additional credits past the 21 required by the Library Media Certificate program, and these courses are also offered online. A student must apply to the full MEd program separate from the Library Media Certificate program. See Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - Professional Educator Option.

Program Flow

Following admission, the student should register for the course(s) offered in the upcoming semester. Two to three  courses are typically offered each semester.

This is a fully online program. Therefore, students must have reliable Internet access. Students also need:

  1. Basic understanding of word processing and email applications
  2. Familiarity with spreadsheet and database applications and software
  3. Basic knowledge of the Web, search engines, and experience using different browsers and online databases
  4. Experience with software downloads and multimedia plug-ins
  5. Access to a school library and/or learners in the PK-12 setting

Program of Study

EDCI 522Information Literacy Instruction3
EDCI 546Administration of the School Library3
EDCI 547Inquiry Based Learning for School Librarians3
EDCI 548Collection Development for School Libraries3
EDCI 549Reading Promotion in the School Library3
EDCI 598Internship (One credit per first three semesters)3
EDCI 550School Library Ethics & Advocacy3
Total Credits21

Contact Information

Dr. Deborah Rinio, Program Leader
and Assistant Teaching Professor
Phone: 406-994-6898
Email: deborah.rinio@montana.edu

Application Process for the Library Media Certificate Program

Prior to applying for the Library Media Certificate program applicants must hold a valid teaching license.  

Applicants are required to complete the online application and submit the following documentation via the Graduate School Online Application System

  1. Completed Graduate School Application
  2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants must provide official transcripts directly from each university attended.  Official transcripts must verify all bachelor's degree coursework as well as a confirmation of a bachelor's degree. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. Official electronic transcripts may be emailed directly from the Institution to edgrad@montana.edu or gradschool@montana.edu. Also they may be mailed to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Montana State University, 59717. Transcripts from a degree awarded through MSU do not need to be provided. NOTE: We require an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0) scale.  Applicants with post-baccalaureate experience must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.0. Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. 
  3. Personal Statement: You will be required to upload two personal statements during the online application process. 
    1. Personal Statement One: ​A 500-word personal statement describing your previous teaching experience and motivation to become a school librarian; explain how you came to this decision.
    2. Personal Statement Two: Applicants must hold a valid teaching license in the United States or its territories.  You will be asked to upload a short statement which provides the following (1) The state you are licensed in, (2) The type of license you retain, (3) The number of years teaching experience at the time of application, and (4) Whether you have been hired into a position that requires a provisional or emergency library endorsement (yes or no).
  4. Current Resume/Curriculum vitae
  5. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html.

Application Deadlines

Below is the deadline by which all application materials for the Library Media Certificate program must be submitted via the online application system. 

  • Summer Semester: April 1
  • Fall Semester: April 1 
  • Spring Semester: November 1

*A second review for Fall applicants will occur on July 15th. If you are a Fall applicant and cannot submit your complete application (including all required materials) by April 1st, you may submit by July 15th and will be considered in the second review, if space is still available.

Admission Process

Complete applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Once a decision has been made the application will be forwarded to The Graduate School for final administrative processing.  Please note that the application review process will begin at the close of the application deadline and not before.

For answers to questions on this or any program at the Department of Education, contact the Graduate Program Assistant at Phone: 406-994-6786 or edgrad@montana.edu.  If you are ready to apply, do so through the Graduate School Online Application System.