• Masters Degree in General Program Of Study Add 9 hours of "Core" courses.

  To complete the Masters degree add the following "core" courses required of all Masters Degree students. One week on campus Summer semester or two weekends on campus Fall or Spring semester is required with the balance of each course online.

  • SLIS 5000 (1 hour)   Intro to Info Profession
  • SLIS 5200 (4 hours) Intro to Info Organization
  • SLIS 5600 (4 hours) Intro to Info and Acc Ret Ser

  Add one Elective to complete 36 hours

Recommended sequence for "core":

Core courses should be taken the first available semester it can be arranged. This is typically in the Summer for certification students who are currently teaching.

• I already have a Masters, why get this one?

  While there are a great many NCATE accredited programs, there are only about 50 ALA accredited programs in the country. If you ever want to work in a library type other than k-12 schools, your degree must be ALA accredited.

  If you already have a Masters, you may not be required to take entrance exams even if you never took them for your first Masters. We recommend you apply for the Masters (rather than certification only) and take certification course work first. It allows you to decide later and still have the opportunity to complete this Masters without loss of credit hours.

  UNT allows you to transfer only 12 hours of "certification only" course work into the Masters. If you start out in the Masters, it costs you nothing more, gives you flexibility later to complete it if you choose. You may do certification first and then walk away without completing the Masters without penalty. If you complete your application for "certification only", you lose any hours taken beyond 12 if you decide later to complete the Masters. So check the box for "Masters" on the application!

Admissions Process (see checklist for additional details)

1. Complete application to Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. Even if you pursue "certification only" you apply as masters degree student.

• If you do not already have a Masters degree, submit GRE or MAT or GMAT scores.
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Application Fee.

2. Complete Application to School of Lib & Info Sciences. Mail to SLIS at address on application.

• Submit a Statement of Purpose and Goals. Mail this with application to SLIS.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.
• Wait for admission confirmation from BOTH the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies AND the School of Lib & Info Sciences.

Advising Process Online

• Before your first course, take the Technology Knowledge and Skills Entry-Level Requirements Survey.
• Complete the online advising memo form.
  • Your Program of Study is the General Program of Study.
  • Your POS advisor is Toby Faber.

What courses get you started?

• SLIS 5420 Literature for Youth (3 hours)
• SLIS 5400 Information Resources Development (3 hours)

 If you are in-state it is section 001, if out-of-state it is section 005. Day/Time/Location is online.  (We recommend only one course your first semester while working full time).

Registration Process Online

• Go to My UNT to register.
  • help with "My UNT".
  • Figure estimated costs.

Beginning Class

• On the first day of the semester go to the WebVista homepage. After logging in you will see the courses in which you are registered. Begin the course immediately. If you registered late, it may take 24 hours to add you into the course.
  • Your login name and password is your Enterprise University ID (EUID).
     
  • Do I have to attend class at a specific time?
    Online classes follow a regular semester schedule, just like traditional classes. You will have deadlines and assignments in a traditional manner. However, you may accomplish those assignments on your own timetable within the timeframe established by the course. Each class is managed differently by the professor in charge. Sometimes guest speakers may be present in chat areas of the courses at a specific time. Class members working on a group project may decide to convene at a specific time in the chat room. Generally speaking, the time of day that you access and interact with course materials is your own choice.
     
  • How can I get class information ahead of time?
    The UNT eCampus lists all the colleges and schools providing online courses for the current and upcoming semesters.  Under the "Courses" heading, choose the semester about which you wish information. Then select the School of Library and Information Sciences. Course listings usually include textbooks, course description, course requirements, etc.
     
  • Is a teaching CERTIFICATE required to take School Library classes?
    No, a certificate is not required to take the classes. Classroom teaching experience is required to actually receive School Library Certification in Texas. Other States vary in their requirements.
     
  • Is teaching EXPERIENCE required to take School Library classes?
    No, teaching experience is not required to take School Library classes. But 2 years of teaching experience in an accredited school are required to receive School Library Certification in Texas. Other States vary in their requirements.
     
  • How do I get a deficiency plan in Texas?
    You may apply for an official deficiency plan after you pass the 12th class day of any certification required course and are fully admitted to SLIS.  Most districts require a deficiency plan to grant you emergency certification.
     
  • How do I get emergency certification?
    This is granted by the District, not through UNT. The District usually requires at least six credit hours completed and an official deficiency plan showing you are enrolled in a certification program. You can apply for a deficiency plan through UNT after you pass the 12th class day of your first semester of certification course work. You must be fully admitted to SLIS.
     
  • How do I apply for certification from the State of Texas?
    The UNT Certification office has an online site to assist you with this process. Applying direct to TEA may delay or negate your effort to receive your certificate.
     
  • Is there anything I can work on prior to starting classes?
    SLIS 5720 requires you complete the A-V checklist and you are encouraged to begin this with your mentor ahead of time.  The A-V checklist for SLIS 5720 may be found here.
     
  • Is there scholarship money?

    The University Financial Aid Office has many sources of scholarship money. In addition, these organizations provide scholarships for those seeking to become school librarians:

    American Library Association
    American Association of School Librarians
    Association for Library Service to Children
    Texas Library Association
    Texas Association of School Librarians

    Consult professional organizations within your state for other opportunities.

Student Comments:

The decision to enter this program has been one of the best decisions I have made professionally.  The classes have prepared me to be a thinking librarian who collaborates and works to stay on the cutting edge in the field.  I now have my dream job.

Kristin McBride
Cleburne, TX

[This] is a great program and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable.  They will encourage you and respond quickly.

Janis Blackwell
Electra, TX

Having the courses available online makes it possible for anyone who lives just about anywhere the opportunity to become a certified librarian. 

Mary Custer
Dallas, TX

Without the online program, I would not have been able to complete my certification. I learned more about being a librarian than I thought possible.  Kudos to all the teachers, professors, instructors and TA's.

Melanie McMeans
Lytle, TX

The online classes are wonderful and convenient. I learned more because participation is required. You just can't sit back, listen to the lecture, and take the exam. This is far better because more is intellectually demanded from the student. The fact that I don't have to ride to UNT at a set time allows me to save on fuel and to do course work around my schedule.

George Canning
Ft. Worth, TX

I loved this online school library certification program.  It took me a little over a year to finish it.  I learned so much that, since I'm half way finished with my Master's degree, I'm going to keep going for my Masters after I take a one semester break.  Thanks for your support.

Cynthia Sine
Coppell, TX

School library certification advisors:

Barbara Schultz-Jones, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

Barbara Stein Martin, Ph.D.
Hazel Harvey Peace Professor

Masters Program Advisor:
Toby Faber, ABD

1-877-ASKSLIS, extension 8331
slislr@unt.edu

The UNT School of Library and Information Sciences Master's Degree is accredited by the American Library Association.  

It is policy of the University of North Texas and the School of Library and Information Sciences not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era status in their educational programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. Questions or complaints should be directed to the Equal Opportunity Office, (940) 565-2456. TDD access is available through Relay Texas at (800) 735-2989 (TDD callers).