Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > EdS in Educational Leadership, concentration in School Library Media Specialist

Educational Specialist (EdS) in
Educational Leadership, concentration in School Library Media Specialist

Online

Program Overview

The University of Alabama’s EdS in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Library Media Specialist will equip you for a successful career in the rapidly evolving information environment.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Lead Your Library to the Future

Designed to enhance your understanding of managing information in socially responsible ways, the program also offers insight to the various personal, educational and organizational contexts in which information plays a critical role.

This interdisciplinary program’s curriculum includes topics such as leading collaboration, outreach to diverse populations, cultural diversity and youth programming. Students can also tailor coursework to their individual goals through electives, and upon graduation, will be eligible to apply for Class AA Library Media Specialist (P-12) certification.

Application Priority DeadlineFebruary 1 for the fall cohort and October 16 for the spring cohort
FeesBEF courses $10 graduate College of Education fee (per hour)
Orientation RequiredYes

Curriculum

The online EdS in Educational Leadership, School Library Media Specialist concentration requires 30 credit hours. Most of the online courses hold virtual sessions, usually one night per week (6:00-8:30 p.m. Central Time).

Once the program is complete, eligible students may apply for AA certification or equivalent.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

Requirements (18 hours)

Foundations in Education course (3 credit hours required)

BEF 607 Readings in the Sociology of Education
BEF 639 Education Theory and Policy
BEF 640 Studies in the History of Education
BEF 641 Studies in the Social Foundations of Education
BEF 650 Critical Race and Theory in Education
BEF 681 Ethics and Education
Any 600 level BEP course

Educational Research (3 credit hours required)

LS 698 Independent Research for School Library Leaders

Select four courses from the list below (total of 12 credit hours)

AEL 630 School Partnerships
AEL 645 Interpersonal Communication and Collaboration
LS 620 Advanced Materials Prog for Youth
LS 621 Intercultural Perspectives on Youth Literature
LS 622 Collaboration Through School Libraries
LS 623 School Library Administration

Concentration Requirements (12 hours)

Select three courses from the list below (total of 9 credit hours)

LS 508 Management Theory and Practice
LS 520 Early Childhood Literacy (if not previously completed) or LS 521 Material and Services for Children (if not previously completed)
LS 541 Youth Programming
LS 543 Traditional and Digital Storytelling
LS 581 Universal Design for Information Technologies
LS 583 Social Aspects of Information

Select one course from the list below (3 credit hours required)

LS 544 Cultural Diversity Programming
LS 580 Outreach to Diverse Populations

Additional Requirement

SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children/Youth (required only if a survey of special education course has not been completed previously)

Admission

Applications are accepted year-round. If you are interested in the program, we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All application materials must be received before the priority deadlines. Additional applicants will be reviewed if there is space available in the cohorts.

Online cohorts begin each fall and the priority deadline for admission is July 1st. Newly admitted students are expected to attend a virtual orientation in August.

The Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies requires the following for admission to the EdS in Educational Leadership program:

Master’s degree from an accredited university
Class A certification or equivalent in Library Media
Two full years of full-time acceptable P-12 professional educational work experience (Supplement EXP form)

A completed application package includes the following:

Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Statement of purpose that demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of the school librarian’s role as a collaborator in the P-12 education community
Three letters of recommendation
Graduate School application

An original EXP form completed by the employing Board of Education should be mailed to College of Education, Attention:

Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.