Introduction to the M.S. in School of Library Media Specialization

The 36-credit Master's degree in Library and Information Science/School Library Media is designed to prepare students to become librarians in K-12 schools and media centers. This program, accredited by the American Library Association, offers courses in a blended format, combining online and in-classroom studies. Additionally, it prepares students for Initial New York State Certification as a School Library Media Specialist.

Program Structure

Students can take classes at Long Island University's LIU Post campus in Brookville or at the Bobst Library at NYU in Manhattan. However, LIU Brentwood students are required to take at least one three-credit course at LIU Post or at Palmer Manhattan.

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to the M.S. in School of Library Media Specialization, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Application for Admission
• Official copies of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities attended
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent in a bachelor's program or in the last two years of the undergraduate program
• For applicants with an undergraduate average below 3.0, results of the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test taken in the last five years are required
  • If the test was taken prior to August 1, 2011, a combined verbal/quantitative score of 1000 is required
  • If the test was taken after August 1, 2011, a combined verbal/quantitative score of 300 or above is required using the revised scale
  • A MAT score of 412 or above is required
• Two professional and/or academic letters of recommendation
• A current résumé
• A written statement describing the applicant's motivation for seeking the degree, special areas of interest, and career objectives in the profession
• For applicants with degrees from outside the United States, official records of all post-secondary education must be translated by an approved organization
• For students for whom English is a second language, official score results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS are required
  • The required minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 79 Internet-based, 213 computer-based, or 550 paper-based
  • The required minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5

Limited Admission

Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria may be considered for admission as limited matriculants if they can demonstrate potential for success in the program and the field through an unusually high GRE or MAT score, extensive and successful experience in the field, outstanding letters of recommendation, or a personal interview.

Program Completion

Students enrolled in the Palmer School M.S. in Library and Information Science program at LIU Brentwood must complete 3 credits in residence at LIU Post in Brookville, New York.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance