Literacy, MS (School Library)

Master of Science Degree in Literacy with an Endorsement in School Library

University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Blended
  • 36
    Credits
  • $351.00
    In-State
  • $457.00
    Out-of-State
  • Overview
  • Admissions and Requirements
  • Courses You’ll Take
  • Tuition & Fees

Program Overview

The blended Master of Science in Literacy with a School Library endorsement program prepares educational professionals with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to effectively integrate contemporary theories of literacy and library science with current pedagogical practice. 

Students gain the:

  • Ability to apply research in reading and writing to teaching and learning.
  • Skills for working with struggling readers and writers in PK-12 settings.
  • Leadership skills to work with students and their teachers in literacy environments.
  • Understanding of students' diversity as readers and writers.
  • Use of various types of literature to enhance students' skills as readers and writers.

Coursework for this nationally-recognized program builds competencies in:

  • Literacy
  • Library Science
  • Technology/Digital Resources
  • Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Today's school librarian works with many different groups within a school community by:

  • Facilitating access to information in a wide variety of formats.
  • Instructing students and teachers on how to acquire, evaluate and use a diverse array of technologies to facilitate inquiry processes.
  • Introducing children and young adults to literature and other resources in support of their personal and academic journeys. 

As a collaborator, change agent and leader, the school librarian develops, promotes and implements a program that will help prepare students to be effective users of ideas and information. 

Upon completion of the courses for this literacy degree, students will also have earned the credits necessary for both an endorsement in reading and an endorsement in school library.

Admissions and Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  1. A Bachelor's degree

  2. 3 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

  3. Completed coursework

    Candidates to a master's program are admitted provisionally until completion and successful evaluation of the selective retention materials. Selective retention replaces the admission exam. The deadline to submit Selective Retention forms to your adviser is during the term in which you will complete at least nine hours of courses with a TED prefix.

  4. Taken the TOEFL or IELTS

    (Only required if English is not your native language)

  5. Official transcripts from all previous schools

  6. Valid teaching certificate

NOTE: If you reside in state(s) KY contact a program adviser before applying.

To apply to this program:

  1. Complete and submit the online application for admissions
  2. Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee
  3. Submit separate application to academic department

Courses You’ll Take

Core Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
TED 8650Children's Literature and Education3
Explores story, poetry, drama, and informational materials for children. Examines current issues, recent materials, and the theoretical and research base of this field to develop meaningful and creative learning, literacy, and library experiences for children. Literacy resources and activities for students from preschool through grade six.
TED 9140Assessment & Instruction Secondary Readers3
(formerly TED 9120) The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of theory and research as it relates to assessment and evaluation of reading difficulties among middle and high school students. Included in this course is knowledge about the role and responsibility of the reading specialist as it relates to coaching, mentoring, supervision, and evaluation of a reading program. Application of this information is demonstrated through a practicum experience with middle and high school students. Prereq: TED 9100, TED 9110, TED 9130
TED 9100Theories & Processes of Reading3
This course develops a framework about the theories, processes, and related research associated with literacy. The content looks across grade levels and student populations, and across social and cultural contexts in an examination of factors that impact theories and processes of literacy. Prereq: Graduate status
TED 9180Seminar in Research in Reading3
This course reviews and critically examines current research studies in literacy from the perspectives of knowledge about literacy processes, classroom practice, and research design. Teacher candidates apply these issues in an action research project they design and implement. Prereq: TED 9100, TED 8010
TED 8010Introduction to Research3
This course will introduce advanced degree candidates to (1) an understanding of the scientific method as applied to behavioral research, (2) assessment, evaluation, descriptive, causal-comparative, experimental and historical data gathering procedures and analytical strategies, (3) sampling theory, techniques, distribution and hypothesis testing, (4) specific designs, methods, and tools of research, (5) search and retrieval of published research, both American and international (global), in the library and over the Internet, (6) critical evaluation of research studies, (7) basic statistics, both descriptive and inferential, and (8) preparation of a research proposal containing three chapters: Problem, Review of Related Research (from an international global perspective with particular sensitivity toward multicultural issues), and Methodology. Prereq: Graduate standing.
TED 9110Principles & Practices for Teaching Reading3
This graduate course for both elementary and secondary teachers is open to any candidate who has graduate standing in education. The purpose of the course is to develop a broad understanding of the reading process as well as materials and instructional strategies that support students who are emerging, developing, and maturing as readers in all areas of the curriculum.
TED 8716Reference Resources and Services3
Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the theories, concepts and activities integral to reference resources and services in 21st Century libraries and information agencies. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of effective search strategies and efficient use of both print and digital resources, design and promote information literacy instruction that is developmentally appropriate, and understand the legal and ethical responsibilities integral to positive and proactive reference services for patrons and diverse learners.
TED 8520Capstone Practicum3
This three credit hour supervised practicum is designed to give librarians an overview of the public services, technical services, and leadership and management of libraries and information agencies. Prereq: Minimum 24 hours of library science coursework and permission of advisor. (Application deadline February 1 for Fall practicum; October 1 for Spring practicum)
TED 8746Cataloging and Classification3
Candidates will demonstrate a basic understanding of the theories, concepts and activities of descriptive and subject cataloging and classification procedures of books in 21st Century libraries and information agencies using the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition, the Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal.
TED 8006Special Methods in School Library Media3
This course is designed to provide experiences for school professionals to be orchestrators of the learning environment by enhancing the knowledge, skills, competencies, and dispositions necessary to create effective learning environments in their specific content area specialization. Content of the course is determined by the discipline area.
TED 8596Teaching & Learning in Digital Environments3
This course introduces technology and technical literacies required of educators and information specialists in 21st Century libraries and classrooms. Course topics include information literacy, instructional design in digital environments, Web page design and construction, social networking and learning, and academic integrity.
TED 9130Applications of Literacy Evaluation & Instruction3
This course is designed for graduate candidates enrolled in the Reading Masters or endorsement program. The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of theory and research as it relates to assessment and evaluation of reading difficulties. Application of this knowledge is applied through a practicum experience with elementary students in which candidates integrate issues and practices related to assessment and evaluation of reading disabilities. Prereq: TED 9100 and TED 9110
TED 8766Managing Collections in Libraries & Information Agencies3
Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the theories, concepts and activities integral to proactive collection management in 21st Century libraries and information agencies. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of community analysis, collection analysis, and the ability to conduct critical evaluations of a diverse array of information resources.
TED 8806Leadership & Management in Libraries & Information Agencies3
Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the theories, concepts and activities integral to leading and managing 21st Century libraries and information agencies. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of leadership principles and management strategies that engage policies and procedures that support the personal, academic and professional needs for patrons and diverse learners.
TED 4660Young Adult Literature and Education3
Explores story, poetry, drama, and informational materials for young adults. Examines current issues, recent materials, and the theoretical and research base of this field to develop meaningful and creative learning, literacy, and library experiences. Literacy resources and activities for students in middle and high school.

Tuition & Fees

Nebraska Residents

Per Credit Hour

Tuition
$351.00
Fees
$52.25
Total
$403.25

3 Credit Hours

Tuition
$1053.00
Fees
$156.75
Total
$1209.75

Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour

Tuition
$457.00
Fees
$52.25
Total
$509.25

3 Credit Hours

Tuition
$1371.00
Fees
$156.75
Total
$1527.75
About Faculty

University of Nebraska online courses are taught by expert faculty who embody the qualities resulting from research experience and professional/field experience. Students learn from faculty with a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are published researchers in their fields. NU faculty who teach online do so in a way that optimizes learning within the online modality and because technology enables students to access education they may otherwise may not be able to pursue.

Application Deadlines
  • Fall SemesterAug 25
  • Spring SemesterDec 01
  • Summer SessionsMay 01