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Master of Science or Endorsement – School Library (PK–12)
- Format: 100% Online with local field experiences
- Credit Hours: 30–36 Credit Hours
Become a certified PK-12 School Librarian
Build the skills to become a dynamic school library leader through UNO’s online School Library graduate program. As a specialist in this field, you will provide equitable access to literature, information, and technology, collaborating with fellow educational professionals to enhance student learning and academic achievement.
This program is specifically designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a certified PK-12 School Librarian in a school setting. Please note that it does not train candidates for work in public or academic library systems.
Want to know more or have questions? Contact program coordinator Courtney Pentland at cpentland@unomaha.edu.
Why Choose UNO School Library?
- Advance Your Career with Confidence: Your education is backed by the highest benchmarks in the field. Gain a qualification that is nationally recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) through the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and fully approved by the Nebraska Department of Education.
- Enjoy Flexible Learning: Balance your commitments with our 100% online coursework paired with two 8-hour field experiences, one elementary and one secondary, completed right in your area, allowing you to observe and learn from experienced local professionals.
- Connect with a Hybrid Remote Community: Build your professional learning network through interactive, synchronous class sessions held just four times a semester via Zoom.
- Learn from Expert Faculty & Practitioners: Study directly under world-class faculty and expert practitioners who are actively leading the field.
Program Pathways & Tracks
An active teaching certificate is your required first step to entering the program. From there, you can choose from two distinct graduate pathways tailored to your unique career and academic goals:
1. School Library Endorsement Only (30 Credit Hours)Designed for educators who already hold a master's degree or wish to focus solely on adding the PK-12 School Library endorsement to a current teaching certificate so you can direct a school library program. Check out a plan of study.
2. Master’s Degree with School Library Endorsement (36 Credit Hours)
Combine your school library endorsement with core graduate coursework to earn your Master of Science (M.S.) degree. This pathway requires just two additional courses (6 credit hours) beyond the standard endorsement.
- Available Degree Tracks: M.S. in Elementary Education or M.S. in Secondary Education.
- Dual Endorsement Potential: Earn your School Library endorsement while positioning yourself to easily add on the Instructional Technology Leadership (ITL) endorsement with strategic course selection.
Are you a paraprofessional or entering without a teaching certificate? UNO offers accelerated alternative pathways to teacher certification (such as the EACT program or the Para-to-Teacher program) to help you complete your prerequisite teaching certificate.
A Schedule Built for Working Teachers
Balance your graduate studies with your active teaching career through a predictable, flexible format.
- Fall & Spring: Classes meet via Zoom just once a month (4 times per term) on Saturdays or Sundays. Session times run 8:30 – 11:15 a.m. or 12:30 – 3:15 p.m.
- Summer (June or July): Classes meet via Zoom once a week for four weeks. June sessions run Thursday–Saturday; July sessions run Monday–Wednesday. Morning, afternoon, and evening slots are available.
- Between Sessions: Complete flexible assignments, readings, and tasks online at your own pace.
- Field Experiences: Complete your required two 8-hour field site experiences conveniently at local school libraries in your own area.
Program Structure
Your 30-credit-hour curriculum spans library science, literacy, resource management, and technology. You will engage with coursework that is frequently updated to reflect modern educational environments, including the integration of AI in PK-12 instructional practices.
- Customized Coursework: Tailor your path with your choice of one Foundational Pedagogy course and one Technology Concentration course.
- Hands-On Practicum: Gain real-world experience through two 8-hour field site placements completed at local school libraries under the mentorship of certified professionals.
Fast-Track Your Degree with Transfer Credits
You may be able to accelerate your endorsement if you have completed relevant coursework within the last 10 years (pending transcript review).
- Graduate Transfers: Transfer up to 3 or 4 graduate courses from other accredited institutions if they align with UNO requirements.
- UNO Undergraduate Credits: If you earned your undergraduate degree in Teacher Education from UNO, specific courses (such as Children's Literature, YA Literature, or Digital Citizenship) may satisfy certification requirements. Note: These credits will apply toward your state endorsement but do not count toward a master's degree total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program completely online?
Yes, the entire program can be completed online, with field experiences in your local area.
How long does it take to complete the program?
It depends on how many classes are taken each semester and if there are any credits available for transfer. It is recommended that candidates working full-time do not take more than 2 classes per semester. Candidates will meet with the Coordinator to discuss options for their plan of study.
When can I begin working as a school librarian?
It depends on which state you plan to work in. It is best to check with the local department of education for requirements.
In Nebraska, there are several options depending on district requirements. Some districts require a full endorsement while others require at least a provisional endorsement. Candidates can apply for a provisional endorsement after completing 15 credit hours.
In some cases, candidates can begin working while taking initial coursework through a waiver their district applies for with the Nebraska Department of Education. These candidates must take at least 6 credit hours (two classes) each academic year while working as the school librarian.
Do you accept out-of-state or international students?
Absolutely! We welcome educators from across the country and around the globe to our online classrooms—students have successfully completed this program while living as far away as Spain. Because licensure requirements are governed regionally, out-of-state and international candidates should verify specific certification pathways with their local Department of Education.
Find answers to more questions about UNO’s online School Library program.
Financial Aid & Funding Sources
- EETP Funding: The Educators’ Excellence Training Program (EETP) application opens April 15 and closes May 15. Candidates must be admitted and registered (or actively in the process) to apply for these state funds.
- UNO College & Department Scholarships: Internal scholarship opportunities are detailed and updated within the dedicated program Canvas space.
- Federal Financial Aid: Available to candidates enrolled in the full master’s degree track who maintain at least half-time enrollment (minimum of two classes per semester).
- Maverick Payment Plan: Students can elect to split their tuition into four manageable payments across the term with a $25 enrollment fee.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The graduate admissions process typically takes 2–3 weeks. Get started early to secure your spot for the upcoming term!
Contact Us
To ask specific questions or to schedule an initial meeting to map out your personalized plan of study, please reach out to Courtney Pentland, Coordinator for Graduate School Library and Instructional Technology Leadership Programs, at cpentland@unomaha.edu.