Certificate of Advanced Study
in School Media

Earn Your Certificate of Advanced Study in School Media

If you already hold an ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science (LIS) and want to specialize in K–12 education, the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in School Media from Syracuse University’s iSchool can help you achieve your goals.

This fully accredited program prepares you to become a certified school library media specialist in New York State. You’ll gain essential skills in library and media management, digital literacy, instructional design, and student support, helping you guide the next generation of lifelong learners in elementary and secondary school settings.

  • Meets New York State Education Department certification requirements
  • Builds upon your existing ALA-accredited LIS degree
  • Prepares you for real-world school library practice through fieldwork and practicum
  • Offers flexible online or on-campus course delivery
  • Supported by expert faculty and robust alumni network
  • Designed to support students with special needs through inclusive education training
Program Info
Clock

Next term starts: 

Fall 2025

21

Total Credit Hours

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Program Delivery: 

Available on-campus and online

7

Courses

 
Admissions Requirements

  • Complete the Graduate Program Application – Submit your application through the Graduate Program Application portal.
    • After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Syracuse University.
  • Pay the Application Fee  – A non-refundable fee of $75 is required. If you’re applying to multiple programs, each requires a separate application and fee.
    • Post-9/11 veterans may qualify for a fee waiver; contact the Veterans Resource Center at veterans@syr.edu for details.
  • Submit Academic Transcripts – Provide one copy of transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you’ve attended. While unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review, official transcripts confirming a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are necessary upon admission.
  • Write a Personal Statement – In approximately 500 words, discuss your academic and personal interests, relevant experiences, reasons for choosing this degree and Syracuse University, and your future plans post-graduation.
  • Obtain One Letter of Recommendation – Request one letter from individuals who can assess your qualifications.
  • Consider Exam Scores – Submitting GRE scores is optional.
  • Provide a Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include an up-to-date resume or CV with your application.
 
How to Apply

    1. Gather Required Documents
    2. Complete the Graduate Program Application:
    3. Visit the Graduate Program Application portal on the Syracuse University website.
    4. Create an account and fill out your personal information, educational background, and program-specific details.
    5. Submit Supporting Documents
    6. Pay the Application Fee
    7. Track Your Application

Contact the Enrollment Management team at iGrad@syr.edu with further questions or for assistance. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to receiving your application!

International Applicants

If English is not your first language, submit official test scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Syracuse University’s institution code for TOEFL is 2823. A waiver may be available for applicants who have completed a degree taught in English in the United States or another approved country.

To receive a Form I‑20 for student visa purposes, admitted international students must provide documentation of financial resources sufficient to cover at least one academic year of study. This includes certified bank statements or official scholarship/award letters.

Veterans and Military Applicants

Veterans who served on active duty after September 11, 2001, are eligible for an application fee waiver. To request the waiver, indicate your military status in the application and contact Syracuse University’s Veterans Resource Center for assistance.

 

What Can You Do with a CAS in School Media?

This certificate program prepares you for leadership roles in school media, offering expertise in areas such as digital literacy, multimedia production, and the integration of technology into educational settings. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication and learning, those with this advanced qualification are well-positioned to lead in the evolving landscape of school media and educational technology.

SAMPLE JOB TITLES

Career possibilities with a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Media include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • School Media Specialist
  • Educational Content Creator
  • Library Media Specialist
  • Technology Integration Specialist
  • Digital Learning Coordinator
  • Multimedia Production Specialist
American Library Association Accreditation Logo

The American Library Association’s Office of Accreditation regularly reviews library and information programs that wish to be accredited by ALA. Accredited MSLIS programs meet or exceed the Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies, which were established by the Committee on Accreditation (COA) and adopted by ALA Council. The standards address systematic planning; curriculum; faculty; students; administration, finances and resources.

The American Library Association’s Committee on Accreditation has been evaluating LIS programs since 1924. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the ALA COA as the authority for assessing the quality of education offered by graduate programs in the field of library and information studies.

In order to maintain accreditation, an MSLIS program must submit to a regular process that involves rigorous, ongoing self-evaluation. The results of that evaluation are verified through an external review conducted by the Committee on Accreditation. In addition, every program submits data to ALA on an annual basis and submits regular biennial reports.

ALA 2023 Self-Study Final

The MSLIS program at Syracuse University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Continued accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2030.

Our guiding council carefully reviews competencies and course offerings to ensure that the iSchool is a leader in library and information science education, and you can find more information on the guiding council in its bylaws.

Learn More About Our Guiding Council

View detailed information about graduation rates and testing success rates, showing what graduates of our program go on to achieve.

View consumer information.

Courses & Curriculum

Our LIS: School Media certificate program is 21 credits. The program prepares you for a career as a school librarian and incorporates preparation for New York Department of Education certification into the curriculum.

View Full Course Catalog

Core Courses – 18 Credits

IST 564 | 3 CREDITS
Includes strategies for planning library programs and services that are inclusive of the information needs of PK-12th grade students with disabilities.

IST 611 | 3 CREDITS
Information and communications technologies, ethical issues, knowledge management tools, collaborative learning technologies, education databases, etc. On-site project field work constitutes a major portion of course requirements.

IST 612 | 3 CREDITS
Theories, practices, media, literature and emerging trends of youth services from preschool to high school are explored. A broad range of competencies necessary to work with youth in a variety of library settings are presented.

IST 717 | 3 CREDITS
Management of academic, public, and special libraries. Relationship between library and its parent institution; internal organization and operation; library information policies; library financing; legislation affecting libraries.

IST 662 | 3 CREDITS
Introduction to information literacy models for application to instruction in information organizations. Focus on strategies and techniques for designing, presenting, and evaluating information technology training and training materials for real clients.

IST 668 | 3 CREDITS
Introduction to methods that support and reinforce classroom instruction in developmental reading and language acquisition processes and skills. Development of programs and services that foster self-expression, promote literature appreciation, and encourage information-seeking behaviors.

Fieldwork

School media students must complete a total of 100 (non-credit) hours of fieldwork in elementary and secondary school libraries before their first practicum experience. A minimum of 15 hours must be with students with special needs.

Practicum – 3 credits

Students must complete a 3-credit, on-site, school-based supervised practica-one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level (240 hours each).

Additional Requirements

Students must complete the school media competencies checklist at the beginning of the program, after their second fieldwork experience, after their first practicum experience, and after all coursework, fieldwork and practica have been completed. This instrument is used as a means for documenting student growth and as a guide for fieldwork and practicum placement.

Upon completion of the School Media Program, combined with New York State requirements including (1) completion of the New York State child abuse, substance abuse, and violence prevention workshops; (2) the Child Health and Life Safety Prevention workshop (fire and arson prevention; highway safety and traffic regulations and school safety patrols; child abduction prevention; and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse)*; (3) fingerprinting; (4) Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop*; and (5) successful completion of the appropriate New York State certification exams and edTPA, students will have fulfilled all the necessary requirements for certification as a school library media specialist in an elementary or secondary school in New York State. The School of Education, with approval from the School of Information Studies, will recommend a student for a New York State School Media Specialist initial certificate, preK-12, necessary for employment for New York State public schools and accepted for employment by most other states. Students from other states must verify the certification requirements of their own state.

Exit Requirements

IST 972 | 3 CREDITS
Fully supervised and evaluated school-based library experience at the elementary and secondary levels. Includes online seminar. Must meet GPA/program requirements and complete a learning agreement with site supervisor.
Repeatable

Frequently Asked Questions

 Who is this program designed for?

This program is designed for educators, school librarians, instructional coordinators, and media professionals who want to deepen their expertise in digital literacy, multimedia production, and technology integration in educational environments.

 Is the CAS in school media worth it?

Yes, this Certificate of Advanced Study (CaS) is valuable for those looking to advance their careers in educational media and technology. It opens doors to leadership roles in schools and districts, enhances your digital and multimedia skills, and positions you as a key player in improving media programs and tech integration in education.

Can I take this program online?

Yes, the program is offered online, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments.

Meet us in Syracuse, or virtually.

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