College of Education - M.A. in School and Public Librarianship
Admissions Requirements
All applicants are assessed using multiple measures to determine their likely academic success in graduate education and their potential professional competence in librarianship. Applicants for all courses of study, including the curriculum leading to certification as associate school library media specialist, must submit the following:
- Completed forms required by the Graduate School, which
include two recommendations, all college transcripts, and
a work history, plus any fees required by the Graduate
School. - Proof of a completed bachelor’s degree.
- Graduate Record Examination scores for all three tests
(Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical or Written) taken
within the last 5 years, OR proof of having successfully
completed a previous master's degree. - A writing sample of short essay answers (1-2 substantial
paragraphs each) to the following questions:- Please explain your principal objectives for enrolling in
graduate study. - Describe a difficult challenge you have faced as a
student and how you dealt with it. - Give an example of a goal you achieved that was
important to you and analyze how you achieved it. - What intellectual and personal qualities do you
have that will make you a successful school media
specialist or professional librarian?
- Please explain your principal objectives for enrolling in
Teacher Education Requirements for School Library Media Applicants
We welcome applications from teachers who have a New Jersey standard teaching certificate or its out-of-state equivalent. Applicants who have completed a teacher preparation program but do not have the standard teaching certificate may apply.
Applicants who do not have teacher preparation may also apply. However, the New Jersey Department of Education requires those interested in school librarianship who do not have a teaching certificate to take "college-level study" in five areas of teacher education: educational theory, student/learning development, curriculum design and integration, teaching methodology, and behavior management. If you are interested in this option, please contact the program advisor before you start taking courses in the program.
No Praxis examination is required for school media specialists in New Jersey.
Emergency certification as Associate School Library Media specialist is only available for those who have been admitted to a state-approved program and have taken a minimum of six credits in library and information studies. Emergency certification as School Library Media Specialist requires admission and twelve credits.
Public Librarian Applicants Do Not Need Teacher Certification
If you’re applying to the public library course of study intending to achieve certification as Professional Librarian--in order to work in New Jersey public libraries—you are NOT required to have teacher certification or take education courses.
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