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M.S. in Libraries, Informatics and Technology in Education (LITE)


Library Media Education

The Master of Science in Libraries, Informatics and Technology in Education (LITE)  prepares persons for service as library media specialists, training development specialists, educational technology specialists, and information service specialists in schools, colleges, public libraries, and private organizations.

Students who seek teacher certification in the school library media or educational technology must follow the requirements for teacher certification. Both may be used for the Kentucky Rank II or Rank I salary levels.

Admission to the program does not require prior teacher certification, and students may complete the program without seeking any teacher certification.

All applications must meet the following admission requirements:

  • A minimum 2.75 GPA in their last 30 hours of coursework or an earned master's degree
  • Submission of an application portfolio that includes:
    • A letter of application with information about the applicant's academic and career background, professional goals and interests, and other information relevant to the applicant's potential for success in the program
    • A current resume or vitae
    • Two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or college/university faculty members who can provide information about the applicant's potential for success in the MS in LITE program
    • Minimum 3-page original writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's analytical writing ability. 

Students who seek advanced teacher certification must follow the requirements for the program; submit a graduate application to The Graduate School; official transcripts of all college work; and a copy of their teaching certificate.

The admission decision by program faculty is based on a review of the full set of admission documents. Applicants should strive to provide evidence of potential for completion of the degree and success in the field of library media education.

 

Non-Degree Seeking Status: Applicants may enroll as non-degree seeking students in a maximum of 12 semester hours while awaiting approval for admission to the program pending completion of their admissions packets. No more than 12 hours of graduate coursework taken as a non-degree seeking student at WKU can be used to fulfill program and research tool requirements for the MS degree.

All applicants enrolled as non-degree seeking students must contact a member of the LITE faculty for advisement prior to enrolling in any graduate courses.


How to Apply

Students interested in the MS LITE program must complete an online application with WKU Graduate Studies. Follow these instructions to complete the application correctly:

On the Online Application form select "New" application and complete the information required. When you reach the Planned Course of Study select "Masters" and "Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education" 
Remember: The LITE Program is the certification program for school librarians. 

The M.S. in Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education requires 30 semester hours within which a research tool requirement is satisfied. Students may transfer up to nine hours of graduate coursework into the LITE program with the approval of their advisor. There are certain conditions under which the research tool may be waived. Students must contact the program advisor regarding these conditions.

Certification Examination (PRAXIS II): 

While a certification examination is not a requirement for the Master of Science in LITE, Kentucky does require a passing score on the PRAXIS II Subject Assessments-Library Media Specialist for certification as a school media librarian. Students outside of Kentucky are responsible for determining the requirements for certification in their states.

Changes in Kentucky Teaching Ranks:

The certification programs offered by the Master of Science in LITE may be used to obtain the Rank II and Rank I status by Kentucky certified teachers. If a student earned a master’s degree in their Rank II program and then completes a Rank I certification only program, 60 unduplicated hours must be earned to obtain the Rank I status. However, if a student completes a Rank II certification only program and a Rank I certification only program, 62 hours must be earned to obtain the Rank I.

Kentucky Public Library Certification:

The Library Media elements meet the requirements of the Kentucky Department of Library and Archives Professional Certificate II for public librarians.

Program Accreditation:

The Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

It is recognized by the American Association for School Librarians (AASL) as a nationally recognized master’s program for the preparation of school library media specialists.

Please visit the Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education website for additional certification requirements and information on the professional portfolio process:wku.edu/lite.

 

General Eligibility

Financial Aid includes grants and loans for educational purposes. The government requires the student to file a form online to the government agency for this purpose which is called FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov  to apply. Once that form is completed and filed, the student will receive an email from WKU about the status. All financial aid comes through the WKU Student Financial Aid office and they communicate mostly through email. The email will explain all the grants and/or loans that are available to the student and how to receive the money.

Nearly all students are eligible for some form of financial assistance. In fact, over 90% of the students who applied for financial aid in recent years received an award offer. Every effort is made to assist you and your family in obtaining the resources necessary to meet the difference between the total cost of attending Western Kentucky University and your ability to contribute toward your education.

If you would like to apply for financial assistance (loans, grants, scholarships, veteran's benefits) the first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. Please refer to the Financial Aid Guide for additional information and complete instructions.

Please keep in mind, student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue to qualify for financial aid. For additional information on receiving, and keeping your financial aid, please refer to the WKU Financial Aid website to review the complete policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress at wku.edu/financialaid/sap.php.


Eligibility for On Demand

On Demand courses may also be covered by financial aid if the student has met basic eligibility requirements and has a current FAFSA on file. Students must fill out an On Demand Agreement found on the WKU Financial Assistance website. Students receiving financial aid must complete their course(s) in the current semester. For more information please contact the Student Financial Assistance office at (270) 745-2755.


Veterans and Active Military

All college courses offered by On Demand have been approved for veterans and other persons eligible under the provisions of the GI Bill. Each student must assume the responsibility for submitting the proper forms to assure payment of appropriate entitlements. Please contact the Veterans Coordinator in Student Financial Assistance.

Department Contact

Program Coordinator: Dr. Marge Maxwell
Phone: (270) 745-2435
Email: marge.maxwell@wku.edu
Web: wku.edu/lite/


WKU Online

Email: learn.online@wku.edu
Phone: (270) 745-5173
Toll-Free: (888) 4WKUWEB / (888) 495-8932
Website: wku.edu/online 


The Graduate School

Email: graduate.school@wku.edu
Phone: (270) 745-2446
Website: wku.edu/graduate  

For more information about the program, fill out the form below.

Did you know?  The Kentucky P-12 Professional Educator Rate is a special tuition rate for Kentucky teachers in specific master degree programs. It is $395 per credit hour. Click here to learn more!



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