Children’s Literature (MA) / Library and Information Science (MS)
Faculty
Please see Children’s Literature and School of Library Science programs in this Catalog for faculty lists.
Description
The Master of Arts (MA) in Children’s Literature and the Master of Science (MS) in Library and Information Science dual degree program integrates theory and practice. Students work with an advisor from each program to tailor their studies with an eye toward professional goals. Students may pursue school library teacher certification, follow the curriculum of a “concentration” in Library and Information Science, or design their own program by selecting elective courses that reflect their interests
Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the learning outcomes for the MA in Children’s Literature and the MS in Library and Information Science in this Catalog.
Requirements for entry into program
Please refer to the admission requirements for the MA in Children’s Literature and the MS in Library and Information Science in this Catalog.
Applying for Entry to the MA/MS Dual Degree Program as a Single Degree Student:
Students currently matriculated in the MA or MS degree program may apply for entry to the MA/MS (Children’s Literature and Library Science) dual degree program.
Applications for the dual degree program must be submitted before the student completes 12 credit hours of coursework in a single degree program.
To apply for acceptance to the dual degree program, students who are currently matriculated in a single degree program should consult with their current program director to initiate the process of application to the second degree. The application fee will be waived for these students. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis by the Admissions staff and the degree program directors
Degree Requirements
58-60 credits (depending on electives chosen and whether a student wishes to complete the School Library Media certification) are required for the dual degree MA/MS.Students complete these credit requirements by successfully completing required and elective coursework in Library and Information Science and Children’s Literature, as below
Graduate students in the MA/MS dual degree program typically carry between 10-12 credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters and must carry credits in each degree program (in the MA and in the MS) each semester. Students considering registering for more than 12 credits per term must consult with the graduate program director.
Unless otherwise noted, all Library and Information Science courses are three credits and all Children’s Literature courses are four credits; two credit CHL courses must be combined into four credit packages to meet elective requirements.
Library Science Requirements
Library Science Course Requirements (21 credits)
NOTE: Students interested in pursuing School Library Teacher certification should follow the Library Science courses described below in the “Library Science: School Library Teacher Requirements” section, below
Three core courses in Library and Information Science (totaling 9 credits):
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3 |
| LIS 407 | Information Service, Behaviors & Ethics | 3 |
| LIS 488 | Technology for Information Professionals | 3 |
Two courses describing children’s library collections (6 credits)
| LIS 481 | Library Collections and Materials for Children | 3 |
| LIS 483 | Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults | 3 |
6 credits (2 courses) of LIS elective coursework.
Library Science: School Library Teacher Requirements
The program consists of ten courses in Library and Information Science (30 credit hours).
Library Science Course Requirements (30 credits)
| LIS 407 | Information Service, Behaviors & Ethics | 3 |
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3 |
| LIS 460 | Technology and the School Library Teacher | 3 |
| LIS 459 | Fundamentals of School Librarianship | 3 |
| LIS 406 | Management and Evaluation of School Library Programs | 3 |
| LIS 461 | Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for the School Library Teacher | 3 |
| LIS 481 | Library Collections and Materials for Children | 3 |
| LIS 483 | Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults | 3 |
| LIS 498 | Practicum (PreK-8) | 3 |
| LIS 499 | Practicum (7-12) | 3 |
Children's Literature Requirements
Required and Elective Courses
| CHL 401 | Criticism of Literature for Children | 4 |
| CHL 403 | The Picturebook | 4 |
| CHL 413 | Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Young Adults | 4 |
| CHL 414 | Fantasy and Science Fiction | 4 |
4 credits of CHL History coursework
4 credits of CHL elective coursework
Capstone and Program Electives
In addition to the required courses noted above, students in the dual degree program complete a 4-credit capstone course and 9-12 credits of freely chosen elective coursework (credit count depends on the courses selected
Dual Degree Program Capstone Course (4 credits):
Freely Chosen Program Electives ( 9-12 credits )
Students who are not pursuing School Library Teacher certification must select 9-12 credits of elective coursework from among courses offered by Library and Information Science and the department of Children’s Literature.
Licensure, certification, etc.
Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation.