School Library Studies (MA)

Teacher Librarian Master's and Endorsement Program

Preparing teacher librarians to serve as leaders in technology and literacy, teachers of digital citizenship, media specialists and advocates for lifelong readers.

Program graduate Joanna Freking smiling inside her school library
Program graduate Joanna Freking smiling inside her school library

Features

Entirely Online | 33 Credits | 2 Years
  • Mentored by faculty with K-12 teaching experience, you will find a K-12 connection infused throughout all courses
  • Courses prepare you to teach technology and literacy and lead school-wide learning, through co-planning, co-teaching, and providing print and digital resources to students and teachers
  • This program is for those looking to become K-12 teacher librarians and/or qualify for one or more of the Iowa teacher librarian endorsements:
    • K-8 Elementary School Teacher Librarian – #108
    • 5-12 Secondary School Teacher Librarian – #109
    • K-12 School Teacher Librarian – #174

Here to Help

As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.

Joan Bessman Taylor headshot

Joan Bessman Taylor

Program Coordinator

Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction
joan.taylor@uni.edu
319-273-2192

Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson

Enrollment Contact

jamie.anderson@uni.edu
319-273-7206

 

Students only interested in the Iowa School Librarian endorsements should contact the department at librarystudies@uni.edu for advisement.

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Delivered Entirely Online

All coursework is offered online. Most courses meet once a week in the evening via Zoom interactive video conferencing and are supported using Blackboard, a learning management system. View the course sequences below:

 ‌Fall 2022 Cohort  ‌Fall 2023 Cohort

Smiling student with laptop looking at camera
Our graduates are prepared to become:
  • Teacher librarians
  • Teacher leaders
  • Technology integrationists
  • Instructional coaches
  • Curriculum directors
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
Individualized Support Services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
  • Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
  • Access to student accessibility services and staff
  • Technical support assistance
Smiling students sitting outside with staff member
Delivered Entirely Online

All coursework is offered online. Most courses meet once a week in the evening via Zoom interactive video conferencing and are supported using Blackboard, a learning management system. View the course sequences below:

 ‌Fall 2022 Cohort  ‌Fall 2023 Cohort

Smiling student with laptop looking at camera
Our graduates are prepared to become:
  • Teacher librarians
  • Teacher leaders
  • Technology integrationists
  • Instructional coaches
  • Curriculum directors
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
Individualized Support Services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
  • Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
  • Access to student accessibility services and staff
  • Technical support assistance
Smiling students sitting outside with staff member

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, students must have:

  • An applicant statement (limit 500 words) in response to a question about teacher librarianship. The question can be found in the online application and the statement should be uploaded as a PDF (the statement will be waived for applicants with a prior master's degree).
  • 3.0 GPA in a completed degree program
  • Teaching license or completion of teacher education coursework
  • Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Financial aid and scholarships are available for both part-time and full-time graduate students in the online School Library Studies program. To get started, contact the UNI Financial Aid Office for information and for assistance with filing out the FAFSA. Graduate students enrolled in 5 or more credits per semester can qualify for some forms of federal financial aid.

Teach Iowa Scholars and Teacher Loan Forgiveness 
Since teacher librarian is one of the Iowa Teacher Shortage Areas designated annually by the Iowa Department of Education, students who earn a degree in School Library Studies may be eligible for forgivable loans or grants through both state and federal programs. This program provides for educators teaching in shortage areas and/or low-income schools. These programs are administered by outside agencies, but it is recommended that you first consult with the UNI Financial Aid office about these options.

TEACH Grant
The federal program provides grants to students earning degrees in shortage areas including teacher librarianship. Eligible graduate students must contact the UNI Financial Aid office to request to have the TEACH Grant added to their financial aid offer.

Scholarships

College of Education (COE) Scholarships
The Be Well School Library Studies Endowed Scholarship and the Rigmor Madsen Scholarship Endowment Fund give funding to students in School Library Studies, with the Rigmor Madsen scholarship giving priority to a non-traditional female student. Applications are due by April 1.

The COE Dean offers Dean’s Graduate Scholarships of $1500 to multiple students.  Apply for the COE Dean's scholarship here.

PACE Scholarship
UNI teaching alumni who are pursuing an online graduate program can apply for a $2,000 PACE scholarship.  Submit your PACE scholarship application online.

Next Steps


Express Interest

Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!


Apply for Scholarships

Check out the scholarships (listed above) being offered by the College of Education and Online & Distance Education to qualified students. Call 319-273-7206 or email online@uni.edu with any questions or if you need assistance!


Submit your application

Review the admission requirements and submit your application today!

 

Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.