FAQ's

1.    Do I have to come to campus for classes?

The Master of Science in LME program is completely online/web-based.  On-campus work is not a feature of such a program. 

2.    I would like to get my certification as a library media specialist but my undergraduate degree is in elementary education.  Will I have to take undergraduate courses?

No, you do not.  The Master of Science with the major in Library Media Education will give you the Rank II or Rank I for any Kentucky certificate and the P-12 certification as a library media specialist.  The MS with a focus in the area of educational technology also satisfies the requirements for the Rank II or Rank I for any valid Kentucky certificate.

3.    I have a Rank II certificate in Kentucky for middle grades education. Can I get certification as a library media specialist without taking an excessive number courses beyond what is required for a rank I?

It depends on what previous courses are equivalent to those required for the MS in LME and the certification as a library media specialist.  The Rank I  requires a minimum of 60 sem. hours work including the Rank II or master's level.  For those people in other states the Kentucky Rank I is usually equivalent to a "plus 30."  Courses used from a previous master's degree cannot be older than 6 years by the completion date for the Master of Science LME.

4.    Can I get a Kentucky endorsement as a high school library media specialist?

Kentucky no longer has endorsements for library media specialists.  The P-12 Library Media Specialist certificate is required.  The P-12 LMS certificate requires 30 semester hours of course work while the older endorsements required 24 semester hours.  Also, most other states no longer recognize an endorsement while the master's level P-12 certificate is universal.

5.    I have a Kentucky endorsement as an elementary library media specialist.  What do I need to do to get a high school endorsement?

If you already hold an endorsement of 24 semester hours, you may be required to complete 6 additional hours of credit.  Most people who already hold an endorsement have 30 semester hours of course work.  For these, a "certification only" program form is completed and submitted to add the P-12 Library Media Specialist certification.  No additional course work is necessary.

6.    I have a degree in English but do not have a teaching certificate.  Can I become a school library media specialist in Kentucky?

A person with no prior teacher certification at the undergraduate level can obtain the certification as a P-12 Library Media Specialist in Kentucky with the MS.  This requires admission to both Graduate Studies at WKU and Teacher Education The process for being admitted to Teacher Education is based on unconditional status as a graduate student and completion of an admissions packet that includes a criminal background check and a health screening among other things.  Completion of the program certifies the individual only as a P-12 LMS in Kentucky and not a classroom teacher.

7.    I am a teacher in a neighboring state and want to get my certification as a library media specialist.  Can I do this at Western Kentucky University?

The Master of Science in LME for certification as a library media specialist is accepted in other states.  Most states do require a basic certificate as a classroom teacher, usually at the undergraduate or initial level of certification.  Some states require a set score on the PRAXIS II Specialty Examination for Library Media Specialist.  Students outside of Kentucky should check with their respective certification/licensure authorities.

8.    Will the MS in library media education from Western Kentucky University qualify me to work in college, university, and public libraries as well as school library media centers?

It depends.  The LME program at Western is specialized for library media specialists and educational technologists. ALA accreditation is important for people seeking careers in colleges, universities, special libraries, and major public libraries.  Some exceptions are the Los Angeles Public Library, public libraries in New York, and some small colleges.  Kentucky has a certification program for public librarians from baccalaureate through the master's degree.  Many graduates of the program do hold professional positions in smaller public libraries in Kentucky  and some hold positions in  private colleges. The large urban libraries in Kentucky (Louisiville, Lexington, and northern Kentucky) require an ALA accredited master's for professional positions.  The School of Library and Information Science at the University of Kentucky is an ALA master's program.

Online ALA programs are available through Florida State University, U of Tennessee, University of Southern Mississippi, and other institutions.  Check the ALA website at http://www.ala.org for all ALA accredited programs.

9.    I do not have a bachelor's degree in education and do not want to be school librarian.  Can I get the Master of Science in Library Media Education at Western?

The master's degree in LME does not require prior teacher certification.  Graduates of the program have found jobs in other types of libraries, public agencies, and businesses.  Success cannot be guaranteed by the University because it depends on the circumstances of the individuals.

10.    What is the time limit for completing the master's degree?

Six years.  Courses listed on a student's program of study (called a Form C) that fall out of the six year time limit by the time a student finishes the program must be re-taken.

11.    Do I have to take a comprehensive examination for the master's degree even if it is my second one?

Yes, the MS in LME requires passing an essay type comprehensive examination. Completion of the comprehensive exam only meets the University requirements for the Master of Science degree, not the P-12 certification. Completion of the Master of Science does apply to a change in Kentucky teaching ranks. 

The examination requires practical application of skills in information retrieval, written communication, and educational technology.  It is transmitted to the candidate electronically and must be returned within 7 days of its receipt.

12.    Is the PRAXIS II Examination required for certification?

The PRAXIS II Specialty Examination is required by Kentucky for the P-12 Library Media Specialist Certificate.

The PRAXIS II Specialty Examination or another examination may be required for certification in other states. Students outside of Kentucky are responsible for determining the requirements for certification in their states.

13.    What happens if I pass the comprehensive examination for the master's degree but do not pass the PRAXIS II Examination?

You will receive a Kentucky Rank II or Rank I but not the P-12 Library Media Specialist certificate.  People from other states fall under different guidelines and should check with the appropriate certification/licensure agencies.

14    Since the MS in LME will be my second master's degree, do I have to take the research methods course again?

If the research class you took for the first master's degree will be older than six years by the time you complete MS program, you must take the LME Program Area research competency examination.  You are provided with a study guide. You then schedule the test through your academic advisor in LME. The test is transmitted to you electronically. The responses must be returned electronically within seven days after it is transmitted to you as an email attachment.