at Southern Arkansas University
Average Graduate Tuition and Fees Per Year | ||
In-State | Out-of-State | |
SAU | $6,894 | $9,810 |
Arkansas | $7,702* | $13,663* |
Texas | $7,502* | $16,686* |
Louisiana | $9,748* | $19,310* |
*Tuition and fees are calculated as an average of public four-year universities’ published tuition and fees. Source: Department of Education
Our programs are routinely recognized as the best value programs nationally. SAU offers out-of-state tuition waivers to students from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas who chose to live in university housing or reside in a bordering Texas county or Louisiana parish.
About the Program
Core Courses (24 hours)
- LMIS 6013 – Management and Evaluation of Media Programs
- LMIS 6023 – Information Access
- LMIS 6033 – Collection Management and Development
- LMIS 6043 – Integration of Library Resources into the Curriculum
- LMIS 6053 – Instructional Design and Production
- LMIS 6073 – Introduction to Librarianship
- LMIS 6083 – Library Materials for Children and Young Adults
- LMIS 6203 – Practicum in K-12 Library Media
Professional Education Courses (6 hours)
Select 6 hours from the following:
- EDUC 5203 – Strategies for Content Area Reading
- EDUC 6003 – Educational Research
- EDUC 6043 – Current Issues and Trends in Education
- EDUC 6063 – Applications of Technology in Education
- EDUC 6403 – School Law
- EDUC 6853 – Multimedia for Educators
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.5+).
Prerequisites
- Current Teaching License: Applicants must hold a valid standard teaching license.
- Bachelor’s Degree: An earned degree from a regionally accredited institution.
| Department: | |
| Hours Required: | 30 |
| Categories: | Graduate |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Delivery: | Hybrid |
The Master of Education in Library Media and Information Specialist at SAU is designed to equip educators with the expertise to manage modern school library programs. This program bridges the gap between traditional literacy and 21st-century digital information management, meeting the requirements for Library Media Certification/Licensure in Arkansas.
Program Duration and Start Dates
- Duration: Typically completed in 2 years (based on 2 classes per semester, including summer).
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
- Fall Deadline: July 20
- Spring Deadline: December 1
- Summer Deadline: April 1 (Summer I) / June 1 (Summer II)
Why Choose SAU for your M.Ed.?
- National Affordability: Consistently ranked among the most affordable graduate programs in the U.S.
- Licensure Focused: Specifically curated to meet Arkansas Department of Education standards for K-12 Library Media Specialists.
- Flexibility: Designed for working teachers, allowing for 100% online coursework that fits a professional schedule.
- Out-of-State Waivers: Students from TX, LA, MS, OK, MO, and TN may qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers.
Skills You Will Gain
- Digital Citizenship: Leading school-wide initiatives on technology ethics and safety.
- Collection Development: Selecting and managing diverse physical and digital resources.
- Instructional Design: Collaborating with teachers to integrate media resources into K-12 curricula.
- Information Access: Mastering metadata, database management, and research retrieval.
- Leadership: Managing budgets, facilities, and media program evaluations.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
You will learn from practitioner-focused faculty, including Program Director Katy Nix, who provide personalized advising and degree planning. Our digital learning environment uses advanced management systems to facilitate collaborative research, multimedia projects, and interactive discussions.
Program Contact
Chrystal Burkes earn her master’s degree in Library Media and Information Specialist from SAU in 2018. Inspired by her graduate courses, she took on additional leadership roles, such as coordinating a school-wide digital citizenship event and heading a weekly technology training program for teachers and staff.
She also coordinated multiple school activities, including the annual spelling bee and Read Across America events to promote literacy. This work earned her the honor of being named Bryant Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018. Eventually, Burkes progressed to being named Teacher of the Year for her co-op area, and later was named a top-four semifinalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. That same year, she was also awarded Little Rock Family magazine’s 2019 Amazing Educator Award.
In August 2018, Burkes became the Library Media Specialist at Parkway Elementary in Bryant, where she has continued to bring innovative and engaging lessons to her students every day by incorporating technology, real-world examples and student interest into her lessons. Her goal is to help all students and teachers become educated citizens and positive contributors not only in their classrooms, but ultimately in society.
About SAU
Southern Arkansas University offers personalized tour visits, faculty and staff who care about student success, and a caring campus community. SAU also offers traditional and unique academic degree programs that are ranked nationally for quality and affordability.
Nestled in a quiet and beautiful part of south Arkansas, SAU is a great place to call home and to study a broad range of academic programs, including some unique offerings to the state and region. Along with boasting a complete college experience on campus, the University is a short drive from outdoor activities and is central to many regional hubs, such as Texarkana, Shreveport, Little Rock, etc.
Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedication to student achievement and continues to grow, both on campus and online, with more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies.
