Requirements for Out-of-State Students without Teacher Certification

The Master’s degree in Library and Information Science is pursued in conjunction with State of Florida certification requirements. Additional courses in education are required for certification and it is recommended that these courses be taken during the summer, if possible. ALL EDUCATION COURSES REQUIRE PRE-APPROVAL by Dr. Everhart and are subject to the policies for Transfer Credit Approval.

Most states require students to submit a transcript with a “state-approved program stamp” in order obtain a teaching certificate. In order to receive this stamp on the transcript, students must complete all the requirements listed below, (including exams) even if they have no intention of ever being a school library media specialist in the state of Florida. Students who intend to pursue certification outside the state of Florida should also contact their own State Department of Education certification offices for any additional requirements before beginning the FSU program. It is the responsibility of the student to meet requirements of the state where they seek certification. The Florida State University College of Information makes no guarantees that completion of the school library media specialist certification program will be accepted in any other state but Florida.

Total hours required: 48 hours.

1. Library and Information Science Courses (39 credits)

• LIS 5271 – Research in Information Studies (3)
• LIS 5313 – Design and Production of Media Resources (3)
• LIS 5362 – Design and Production of Network Multimedia (3)
• LIS 5408 - Management of Information Organizations (3) (prerequisite LIS 5411)
• LIS 5411- Introduction to Information Policy (3)
• LIS 5512 – School Collection Development and Management (3)
• LIS 5524 – Instructional Role of the Information Specialist (3)
• LIS 5564 – Information Needs of Children (3)
• LIS 5565 – Information Needs of Young Adults (3)
• LIS 5603 - Introduction to Information Services (3)
• LIS 5703 – Information Organization (3)
• LIS 5945 - Internship in Information Studies (6) (Last semester)

EFFECTIVE FALL SEMESTER 2008. Please note that the changes are applicable only AS INDICATED BELOW and ONLY STARTING WITH FALL 2008:

• LIS 5271 OR LIS 5203
• LIS 5411 OR LIS 5916, Foundations of the Information Professions
• LIS 5408 (LIS 5411 will be eliminated as a prerequisite as of Fall 2008)
• LIS 5703

If you are graduating in the Summer 2008, you MUST complete the core courses as currently required – that is, LIS 5271, 5411, 5408, and 5703. You do not have the options listed above. Anyone graduating AFTER Summer 2008 is eligible to meet the revised core requirements.

If you have questions, please contact Susanne M. Houff, Graduate Coordinator.

2. Education Courses (9 credits)

• Educational Psychology: Developing Learners – (for example, FSU course, EDF 4210)
• Reading – (for example, FSU course, RED 5147)
• TSL 5325 - English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Instruction in the Content Areas (online FSU course)

FSU education courses are campus-based courses, not available online. It is recommended that students take equivalent education courses at a local community college or university (with prior approval.) Undergraduate courses are acceptable but must be at least one must be at the 4000 level. Online options are also available by contacting everhart@ci.fsu.edu.

Official transcripts of all completed education courses must be Mailed to Susanne Houff, FSU College of Information at PO BOX 3062100 Tallahassee FL, 32306-2100, to get the credits posted to your FSU transcript.

3. Teacher Certification Exams

The Florida Teacher Certification Exams are a prerequisite to graduation. Therefore they must be taken the semester prior to graduation so that scores can be secured in time. Submit documentation of passing scores on the following Florida Teacher Certification Exams:

1. Professional Education
2. General Knowledge
3. Subject Area – Educational Media Specialist

When you register for the exams, request that the results be sent to FSU. If you have already taken any exams, FAX a copy of the results to:

1. Stephen Mozier, FSU College of Education, at (850)644-6868.
2. Dr Linda Swaine, FSU College of Information, at (850)644-6253.

The Professional Education, Educational Media Specialist, and a portion of the General Knowledge Exam can be taken online at various test sites throughout Florida. The essay portion of the General Knowledge Exam must be taken at an official Florida examination center. It is possible to schedule the entire paper and pencil General Knowledge Exam in Florida and the Professional Education and Educational Media Specialist Exams at a computer testing location in Florida on subsequent days.

4. State Certification

After completion of all of the above requirements, application must be made to your State Department of Education for obtaining certification.