Syracuse University Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science: School Media

Find your calling. Teach digital and traditional literacy at the K-12 level by mastering a range of multimedia platforms and tools to help students succeed.

  • Top 10 in school library media — Join a leading university for library and information sciences, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.1
  • ALA-accredited — Choose a program that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).2
  • 18-month program — Earn your master’s degree online in as few as 18 months part-time.

Inspire Lifelong Learning in School-Age Children

The Master of Science in Library and Information Science with School Media Specialization (MSLIS: School Media) focuses on producing professionals with the skills to instruct children in grades pre-K through 12 in all areas of literacy and technology fluency.

The iSchool’s MSLIS: School Media program prepares graduates for certification as school library media specialists. It fulfills a pathway to New York Department of Education certification and may meet the requirements for other states. The program requires students to meet core LIS requirements, as well as complete specified coursework in information literacy, youth services, information technology in schools, literacy and reading support, and management in school libraries.

View MSLIS: School Media Courses

Why Study School Media?

As the scope, context, and means of collecting information continue to evolve at an astounding rate, the traditional role of school librarians has expanded tremendously. Students in the iSchool’s LIS: School Media program learn to:

  • Provide active curriculum support: Graduates are prepared to collaborate with classroom teachers to teach research and information literacy skills as well as provide print and non-print media in support of the curriculum.
  • Facilitate organizational efficiency: Students learn to serve as intermediaries between the information needs of students, faculty, administration, and the community and the information systems and resources required to fulfill those needs.
  • Actively educate students: Graduates will be able to guide students in selecting reading materials; provide literacy support; and introduce and facilitate the effective use and delivery of current and emerging technologies.
  • Collect and manage information: Students learn to create and manage a unified media concept and to manage information beyond the walls of the centralized library facility.

Student Learning Outcomes

To ensure that graduates emerge fully prepared to succeed as library science professionals in school settings, the LIS: School Media curriculum focuses on a core selection of learning outcomes. Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

  • Teaching for learning: Students will have a comprehensive knowledge of learners and the process of learning. They will be effective teachers and instructional partners who can integrate 21st-century skills.
  • Literacy and reading: Students will be well-versed in literature and promote the values of reading. They will respect the diversity of literature and understand core strategies for enhancing literacy.
  • Information and knowledge: Students will understand efficient and ethical information-seeking behaviors and be fluent in information access, information technology, and research techniques.
  • Advocacy and leadership: Students will be prepared to network with the library community and promote professional development, leadership, and advocacy.
  • Program management and administration: Students will understand organizational needs such as collections; improving professional ethics; personnel, funding, and facilities; and strategic planning and assessment.

Program Requirements

The 36-credit online MS in Library and Information Science: School Media degree offers students a tailored approach to learning designed to fit each student’s unique personal and professional schedule. Typically, students complete the program in 18 months.

While this program is designed to enable students to meet the requirements to qualify for a New York State Certification, students may also be eligible for certification in other states outside of New York. Certification requirements including, but not limited to, teaching credentials and experience may differ from state to state. Therefore, a student enrolling in this program should research the requirements in the state in which they reside or intend to practice.

FAQs About the Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science: School Media at Syracuse

  • If your goal is to lead a K-12 library or manage professional archives, this degree is more than just a line on your resume, it is a career requirement. Beyond meeting professional standards, the investment at Syracuse equips you with a tech-forward toolkit in data management and information literacy, positioning you for high-level leadership roles both within and beyond the traditional library.

  • SU is a leader in the world of information science. As a top-ranked, ALA-accredited institution, our name on your degree tells school districts nationwide that you’ve been trained by elite faculty in a cutting-edge environment. This prestige often translates into a competitive edge, with our graduates frequently stepping into influential roles as technology coordinators and instructional leaders.

  • Absolutely. While ALA accreditation is the gold standard for hiring, being an iSchool graduate signals that you are a modern, tech-savvy information professional. In today’s digital-first K-12 landscape, school districts are looking for experts in digital media and information technology, exactly the kind of specialized edge our curriculum provides.

  • At its core, Library and Information Science (LIS) is the study of how knowledge is produced, organized and shared. It’s about understanding the journey of information—from physical documents to digital assets—and building the systems and communication channels that make that knowledge accessible to everyone.

  • Far from it. AI is proving to be a powerful teammate, taking over routine, repetitive tasks so librarians can focus on high-level strategy. The key isn’t resisting the technology; it’s about learning to lead its implementation ethically and effectively—which is exactly what we focus on at Syracuse.

  • Not at all. We designed this program to be a welcoming entry point for people coming from any professional background. The MSLIS: School Media track includes all the foundational pedagogical training and hands-on field experience you need to qualify for your initial teaching certification.

  • Yes. Our curriculum and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) are built to align specifically with New York State’s rigorous requirements. You’ll graduate prepared for the Initial Certificate as a School Library Media Specialist (PreK-12)—a credential that is highly respected in New York and often easily transferable if you choose to move to another state.

  • While we are based in New York, our program is a strong path for out-of-state students. Because we are ALA-accredited, the degree carries weight nationwide, but certification isn’t “automatic” elsewhere. You will need to take proactive steps to ensure you are meeting your specific home state’s regulations as you move through the program.

  • The program consists of 36 credits and is typically completed in 18 months to two years. We built this for busy, working professionals, so you can scale your pace—choosing full-time or part-time options—to balance your coursework with your life and the required 100 hours of fieldwork.

  • Yes. You don’t need to travel to Syracuse to get your hands-on experience. You’ll work closely with your academic advisor and our career services team to identify a local school-based library near you that meets our standards. You’ll complete a fully supervised practicum that covers both elementary and secondary school environments.

  • It mostly comes down to the environment and the “teaching” component. Library Media Specialists are based in K-12 schools, focusing on integrating technology and digital literacy into the school’s curriculum. General librarians, on the other hand, serve in public, academic or special settings, focusing on collection management and community-wide research services.

  • School Library Media Specialists wear many hats: curator, teacher and technology guide. You’ll manage the library’s collection, teach students essential research and digital citizenship skills and act as a vital instructional partner to teachers.

  • The opportunities are much broader than you might think. While many graduates become school or public librarians, others thrive as research specialists, law librarians or medical library professionals. We even see graduates move into roles like library directors or marketing and communications specialists.

  • When you join Syracuse, you aren’t just earning a degree; you’re gaining a lifelong membership in a global community of over 250,000 alumni. For our School Media students, this means direct access to mentors who are leaders in the field and the #HireOrange job board to help you land your next role in education, media or journalism.

  1. Best Graduate Schools: Library and Information Studies. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved April 2026. ↩︎
  2. ALA Accredited Programs. (n.d.) American Library Association. Retrieved April 2026. ↩︎