Southeastern Louisiana University offers a fully online M.Ed. with a library science concentration requiring 36 credit hours.
This program is not ALA accredited but leads directly to Louisiana School Library Media Specialist certification for licensed teachers.
Tuition runs significantly lower than LSU's ALA-accredited MLIS, making it one of the most affordable paths to school librarian credentials in Louisiana.
Only applicants who already hold a valid teaching certificate are eligible, so career changers without one should look elsewhere.
Southeastern Louisiana University does not offer a standalone MLIS degree. Its library science pathway is an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a library science concentration, a 36-credit online program built for certified teachers who want to add the Louisiana School Library Media Specialist credential. That distinction matters more than anything else on this page.
The program's sweet spot is a working K-12 educator in Louisiana who needs an affordable, flexible route to school librarian certification without stepping away from the classroom. It is not designed for students pursuing public, academic, or special library careers, and it does not carry ALA accreditation. Students interested in a broader credential may want to explore online MLIS school librarianship programs instead.
For candidates weighing Southeastern against LSU's ALA-accredited MLIS, the decision hinges on career scope: one program leads to a single credential in Louisiana schools, while the other opens a broader professional field at a higher price point.
Southeastern Louisiana University Library Science Quick Facts
Southeastern Louisiana University offers a fully online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Library Science Concentration. This program is designed for working educators who already hold a valid teaching certificate and want to add school librarian credentials in Louisiana. Here are the essentials at a glance.
Is Southeastern Louisiana University a Good Library Science Program?
The answer depends entirely on what you need the degree to do. Southeastern Louisiana University's library science concentration is not a general-purpose library degree, and it is not designed to compete with a full Master of Library and Information Science. Instead, it serves a very specific purpose: preparing Louisiana-certified teachers to transition into school library media specialist roles. If that matches your goal, the program offers real advantages. If it does not, you will want to look elsewhere.
What the Program Does Well
Southeastern's library science concentration is built around the practical needs of working educators in Louisiana. Several strengths stand out:
Affordability: As a regional public university, Southeastern's tuition is significantly lower than what you would pay at many research universities or private institutions offering ALA-accredited MLIS degrees.
Direct certification pathway: The program is a state-approved route to the Louisiana school library media specialist add-on certification, which means completers can move into K-12 library positions without pursuing a separate credentialing process.
Designed for working teachers: Course scheduling and delivery are structured around the reality that most students are already employed full time in Louisiana schools, offering the flexibility that classroom teachers need.
Local hiring pipeline: Louisiana school districts are familiar with Southeastern graduates, and completers enter a relatively straightforward hiring landscape for school library positions within the state.
Where the Program Falls Short
The same narrow focus that makes the program practical for Louisiana teachers also limits its reach in important ways:
No ALA accreditation: The program is not accredited by the American Library Association. Many academic libraries, public library systems, and special libraries require or strongly prefer candidates with an ALA-accredited master's degree. This credential will not meet that standard.
Not a standalone MLIS: Because this is a concentration within a Master of Education, it does not carry the same professional recognition as a Master of Library and Information Science. Employers outside the K-12 school library world may not view it as an equivalent qualification.
Limited portability: Some states require an ALA-accredited degree for school librarian certification. If you relocate outside Louisiana, you may find that this credential does not transfer cleanly.
Narrower career scope: The curriculum is tailored to school library settings. Students interested in archives, data science, public librarianship, or academic library work will not find the specialized coursework or professional network they need here.
Who Is the Best Fit?
The ideal candidate for this program is a Louisiana-certified teacher who wants to move into a school library role without relocating, leaving the workforce, or investing in a full MLIS. If you are already teaching in a Louisiana district, plan to stay in the state, and want an affordable, efficient path to the Louisiana school librarian certification, Southeastern's program is purpose-built for you.
If your career goals extend beyond Louisiana school libraries, or if you want the flexibility to pursue academic, public, or special library positions down the road, a program with ALA accreditation will serve you better in the long run, even if it costs more upfront.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you already hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate?
Southeastern Louisiana's M.Ed. with a library science concentration is designed for practicing educators. If you do not have a current teaching certificate, you will not meet the program's prerequisite, and you should look at standalone MLIS programs instead.
Are you targeting a K-12 school librarian role, or do you want to work in public, academic, or special libraries?
This program prepares you specifically for Louisiana school library media specialist certification. If your career goal is public librarianship, academic reference work, or archival science, a general MLIS program will offer broader coursework and wider job market flexibility.
Does your target employer or state require an ALA-accredited MLIS degree?
Southeastern's M.Ed. concentration is state approved but not ALA accredited. Many public and academic library positions, especially outside Louisiana, list an ALA-accredited master's as a minimum qualification. Confirm what your intended employers actually require before committing.
Do you plan to stay in Louisiana, or might you relocate to another state?
Louisiana's Department of Education recognizes this concentration for school librarian certification. Other states may not accept a non-ALA-accredited credential for reciprocity, which could mean additional coursework or a second degree if you move.
Program Cost and Tuition at Southeastern Louisiana University
One of the strongest selling points of Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. with a library science concentration is its price tag. Compared to standalone MLIS programs at larger research universities, Southeastern's graduate tuition sits firmly on the affordable end of the spectrum, especially for Louisiana residents. If cost is a primary concern, it is worth reviewing how Southeastern stacks up against the cheapest library science degree online options nationwide.
Per-Credit Tuition Rates
Based on published 2024-2025 rates, Southeastern's graduate tuition breaks down as follows:1
In-state (on-campus): Approximately $371 per credit hour
Online graduate rate: Approximately $475 per credit hour2
Out-of-state (on-campus): Significantly higher; full-time out-of-state tuition runs roughly $19,162 per year before fees
Mandatory fees add roughly $2,146 per year for on-campus students, bringing total annual tuition and fees for a full-time in-state graduate student to around $8,830. Online students typically pay a consolidated per-credit rate that folds in most technology and distance-learning fees, though you should verify the exact fee schedule with the university each semester.
Estimated Total Program Cost
The M.Ed. with a library science concentration generally requires 36 credit hours. Multiplying the per-credit rate by 36 gives you a rough total:
In-state estimate: Around $13,356 in tuition alone, plus fees over the duration of the program
Online estimate: Around $17,100 in tuition, with most fees bundled into the per-credit rate
Either figure lands well below the typical range for an ALA-accredited MLIS at a public university, which commonly runs between $15,000 and $40,000. Because Southeastern's program is a master of education concentration rather than a standalone MLIS, it delivers a competitive credential for school librarianship at a lower overall cost than most dedicated library science degrees.
Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance
Several funding avenues can reduce your out-of-pocket expense even further. Prospective students may also want to explore broader scholarships for MLIS students beyond what Southeastern offers directly.
Federal student loans: Graduate students may borrow through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Grad PLUS programs after completing the FAFSA.
Employer tuition reimbursement: Many Louisiana school districts offer partial reimbursement for teachers pursuing an advanced degree or add-on certification. If you are already working in a K-12 setting, check with your district's HR office before enrolling.
Louisiana state aid: While the TOPS program primarily supports undergraduate study, some state grants and fellowship opportunities exist for graduate students. Contact Southeastern's financial aid office for the latest eligibility details.
Graduate assistantships: A limited number of assistantships may be available through the College of Education, providing a tuition waiver and a modest stipend in exchange for part-time work.
For prospective school librarians already employed as teachers in Louisiana, the combination of low tuition and potential district reimbursement makes Southeastern one of the most budget-friendly paths to a school library media specialist credential in the state.
Curriculum and Courses in Southeastern's Library Science Concentration
Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Library Science Concentration requires 36 total credit hours.1 Those credits split into three categories: a 15-credit M.Ed. core, library science concentration courses that make up the remaining credits, and a capstone seminar that bridges both areas. Understanding this breakdown helps you plan your course load and gauge how much of the program focuses directly on library-related skills.
M.Ed. Core Courses (15 Credits)
Every student in the M.Ed. program, regardless of concentration, completes the same five foundational courses:2
EDCI 6940 , Educational Statistics and Research (3 cr): Builds your ability to read, interpret, and apply research in educational settings.
EDCI 6600 , Dimensions of Diversity for Education: Students, Families, Cultures, and Communities (3 cr): Explores culturally responsive practices and equitable approaches to serving diverse learners.
EDCI 6930 , Leadership for Change (3 cr): Focuses on instructional leadership, advocacy, and managing change within schools.
EDES 6670 , Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Populations in Inclusive Classrooms (3 cr): Covers strategies for differentiating instruction and using assessment data in inclusive environments.
EDCI 6950 , Capstone Seminar (3 cr): Serves as the culminating experience for the degree, tying together research, leadership, and your concentration-specific knowledge.
These courses ground you in the broader education context that school librarians work within every day, from data-driven decision making to inclusive instructional design.
The remaining 21 credit hours are devoted to your library science concentration. While the university's graduate catalog should be consulted for the most current list of specific course titles and elective options, the concentration is designed to cover the competencies required for Louisiana school library media specialist certification.3 Typical subject areas in programs like this include collection development, school library administration, reference and information services, children's and young adult literature, cataloging and classification, and instructional technology integration. If you are still weighing how different programs structure their specializations, our guide on how to choose a library science program can help you compare approaches. Students should verify exact titles and availability directly through Southeastern's catalog, as offerings can shift between semesters.
Practicum and Field Experience
Because the program targets certified teachers, field experience is woven into the curriculum rather than requiring a separate, standalone internship semester at an external site. Students who are already working in Louisiana schools may be able to complete practicum hours within their current placement, which reduces logistical hurdles and lets you apply new skills in a familiar environment. Check with your advisor about the specific hour requirements and any site-approval process, since practicum expectations can vary based on Louisiana Department of Education guidelines for the school library media specialist credential.
Capstone Requirements
Southeastern does not require a comprehensive exam or a traditional thesis for this concentration.2 Instead, the Capstone Seminar (EDCI 6950) serves as the program's culminating assessment. In this course, you synthesize research, reflect on your professional growth, and demonstrate mastery of both the M.Ed. core competencies and your library science specialization. This portfolio-style capstone tends to be a practical advantage for working teachers who want a meaningful final project without the extended timeline a thesis demands.
Overall, the 36-credit structure keeps the program efficient. Roughly 42 percent of your coursework focuses on education foundations and leadership, while the majority, about 58 percent, centers on library-specific preparation. For certified teachers looking to add the school librarian credential without stepping away from their careers, this balance is intentional and well suited to the goal.
Admissions Requirements for Southeastern's M.Ed. Library Science Program
Getting into Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. with a library science concentration is relatively straightforward compared to many graduate programs, but there is one prerequisite that narrows the applicant pool significantly: you must already hold a valid teaching certificate.1 This single requirement shapes everything about who this program serves and how admissions work.
Teaching Certificate Prerequisite
Unlike standalone MLIS programs that accept applicants from any undergraduate background, Southeastern's M.Ed. library science concentration is designed exclusively for certified teachers who want to add school librarian credentials. If you do not currently hold a teaching certificate, you are not eligible for this program.1 This is the most important distinction to understand before you apply, and it is a common reason prospective students end up looking at other options such as ALA-accredited MLIS programs that welcome career changers.
If you are already working in a Louisiana classroom and want to transition into a school library role, this prerequisite works in your favor. The program assumes foundational teaching knowledge, which means course content can focus directly on library science competencies rather than general pedagogy.
GPA, GRE, and Application Materials
Southeastern's graduate admissions process for the M.Ed. is less paperwork-heavy than you might expect:
Minimum GPA: Regional state M.Ed. programs in Louisiana typically require an undergraduate GPA in the 2.5 to 2.75 range.2 Conditional admission may be available for applicants who fall slightly below the minimum, though additional requirements (such as completing a set number of hours at a higher GPA) may apply.
GRE policy: A GRE waiver is available, so standardized testing is not a barrier for most applicants.2
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended are a standard part of the application.
The streamlined application reflects the program's practical focus: Southeastern is looking for working educators ready to build on classroom experience, not filtering for research aptitude. If you want to explore other programs with flexible admissions policies, you can review no-GRE masters in library science options for a broader comparison.
Deadlines and Start Terms
The primary application deadline is July 15 for fall admission.3 If you are planning around a school-year calendar, this timeline allows you to apply in the summer and begin coursework that fall without disrupting your teaching schedule. Prospective applicants should check directly with Southeastern's graduate admissions office for the most current information on spring or summer start options, as availability can shift from year to year.
Southeastern Louisiana University designed its M.Ed. with a library science concentration primarily for working educators, and the delivery format reflects that priority. The program is offered largely online, making it accessible to K-12 teachers across Louisiana and beyond who cannot step away from full-time classroom positions to pursue graduate coursework on campus.
How Courses Are Delivered
Most coursework in the library science concentration is available through online delivery, with the university using the Moodle learning management system for its digital classes. Courses generally follow an asynchronous format, meaning students can log in and complete assignments on their own schedule rather than attending live lectures at a fixed time. This is a significant advantage for teachers juggling lesson planning, grading, and family responsibilities alongside graduate study.
Some components, such as a practicum placement in a school library setting, will require in-person participation. Because the practicum can often be arranged at or near the student's own school or district, this requirement does not typically force relocation or extended campus visits.
Part-Time Pacing for Working Teachers
The program accommodates part-time enrollment, which is the route most working teachers take. Students who enroll in one to two courses per semester can generally expect to complete the degree in about three years, depending on summer enrollment and individual pacing. Those who are able to take a heavier course load, or who attend during summer terms, may finish somewhat faster. Other regional programs such as the MTSU online library science degree follow a similar flexible model for working professionals.
Key flexibility features include:
Asynchronous coursework: Complete readings, discussions, and assignments on your own schedule.
Part-time option: Take as few as one course per semester while maintaining your teaching position.
Local practicum placement: Arrange your required field experience in a school library near where you live and work.
Summer sessions: Accelerate your timeline by adding summer courses.
Is It Truly Fully Online?
Prospective students should confirm the latest course scheduling details directly with Southeastern Louisiana's College of Education before enrolling. While the program has historically been offered with a strong online component, individual course sections and practicum arrangements may vary by semester. If completing the degree entirely at a distance is essential to your plan, verify that every required course in your sequence is available online before committing.
How Southeastern Louisiana's M.Ed. Leads to School Librarian Certification in Louisiana
Louisiana requires aspiring school librarians to already hold a valid teaching certificate before adding the School Library Media Specialist credential. Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. with a library science concentration is designed to fulfill the coursework requirement for this add-on certification. After completing the program and passing the required Praxis Library Media Specialist exam (test code 5311), graduates apply to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) for the official credential. The pathway follows four clear steps: (1) hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate, (2) complete Southeastern's M.Ed. library science concentration, (3) pass the Praxis Library Media Specialist 5311 exam, and (4) apply for the School Library Media Specialist add-on certification through BESE and LDOE.
Career Outcomes, Certification, and ROI
Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. with a library science concentration is designed with one primary career outcome in mind: preparing certified teachers to serve as school library media specialists in Louisiana. If that is your goal, the degree delivers solid value. If you are targeting a different corner of the library profession, it is important to understand what this credential can and cannot do for you.
What This Degree Qualifies You to Do
Graduates who already hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate can add the school library media specialist certification through the Louisiana Department of Education. This qualifies you to lead a school library in any K-12 public or private school in the state. The certification pathway is straightforward: complete the concentration coursework, pass the required Praxis exam, and apply for the add-on credential through the state board.
However, this degree is generally not a substitute for an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science. Public libraries, academic libraries, and most special library employers expect or require an MLIS from an ALA-accredited program. If your career interests extend beyond school libraries into broader library science careers, Southeastern's M.Ed. concentration will likely not meet those hiring requirements.
Louisiana School Librarian Salary Context
School librarians in Louisiana are typically compensated on the same teacher pay scale used by their parish (county) school district. Earning a master's degree triggers a pay-scale bump that varies by parish but generally adds several thousand dollars per year to your base salary. Depending on parish, years of experience, and any supplemental stipends, school librarians in Louisiana typically earn in the range of $45,000 to $60,000 annually. Early-career salaries tend to cluster near the lower end, while veteran librarians in larger or better-funded parishes can reach the upper range.
Return on Investment
For its narrow target audience, this program offers a relatively strong ROI. Total program costs are modest compared to many graduate degrees, and the guaranteed master's-level pay bump means the investment starts paying for itself quickly. A teacher who completes the program at a low total cost and then earns an additional $3,000 to $5,000 per year on the salary schedule can recoup the full tuition outlay within just a few years, all while transitioning into a role many educators find more rewarding than classroom teaching.
A Key Limitation to Consider
One factor that prospective students should weigh carefully is portability. Many states outside Louisiana require school librarians to hold a degree from an ALA-accredited program. Because Southeastern's M.Ed. concentration does not carry ALA accreditation, your school library media specialist certification may not transfer smoothly if you relocate. If there is any chance you will pursue school librarian positions in another state, research that state's specific credentialing requirements before committing. For educators who plan to build their careers within Louisiana, this limitation is far less of a concern.
Southeastern Louisiana vs. LSU for Library Science
Prospective library science students in Louisiana typically weigh two main options: Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. with a library science concentration and LSU's ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS). The right choice depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the factors that matter most.
Factor
Southeastern Louisiana University
Louisiana State University
Degree Type
M.Ed. in Education with Library Science Concentration
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA Accreditation
Not ALA-accredited (education degree, not an MLIS)
ALA-accredited
Primary Target Student
Louisiana teachers seeking school librarian (library media specialist) certification
Anyone pursuing a career in public, academic, special, or school libraries
Career Scope
Focused on Louisiana school library media specialist certification; may not qualify holders for librarian positions outside K-12 or outside Louisiana
Broadly recognized credential for librarian roles in any library type and in all 50 states
Estimated Total Cost
Approximately $12,000 to $16,000 (in-state, based on published per-credit rates)
Approximately $20,000 to $28,000 (in-state, based on published per-credit rates)
Typical Program Length
Around 36 credits; completable in roughly 1.5 to 2 years
Around 36 to 40 credits; typically 2 years full-time
Delivery Format
Primarily online, designed for working teachers
Online and on-campus options available
GRE Requirement
Not required for admission
Not required (waived for most applicants)
Louisiana School Librarian Certification
Yes, program coursework aligns with Louisiana Department of Education requirements for the School Library Media Specialist add-on certification
Yes, LSU offers a school library media track that also meets Louisiana certification requirements
Best Fit Summary
Louisiana-certified teachers who want an affordable, fast path to school library certification without needing an ALA-accredited degree
Students who want the widest range of library career options, plan to work outside K-12, or may relocate to another state
Should You Apply to Southeastern Louisiana's Library Science Program?
Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. with a library science concentration fills a specific niche. It is designed for Louisiana educators who want to add school librarian certification without leaving the classroom or breaking the bank. Before you apply, weigh whether this program aligns with your professional goals and career setting.
Pros
Ideal if you already hold a Louisiana teaching certificate and want a direct, affordable path to school librarian certification.
Likely available in an online or hybrid format, making it practical for working teachers who cannot relocate or attend campus full time.
Tuition at a regional public university is significantly lower than most ALA accredited MLIS programs, reducing student debt.
Curriculum is tailored to Louisiana Department of Education requirements for the school library media specialist credential.
A strong choice if your career goal is specifically to serve as a certified school librarian within Louisiana public or private schools.
Cons
The program is not ALA accredited, which limits portability if you plan to work in public, academic, or special libraries.
Most public and academic library positions nationwide require or strongly prefer an ALA accredited MLIS, so this degree may not qualify you.
Applicants without an existing teaching certificate may not be eligible, narrowing the pool of prospective students considerably.
If you plan to work outside Louisiana, other states may not recognize this credential for school librarian certification.
The library science concentration within an M.Ed. offers fewer elective tracks (archives, data science, youth services) than a full MLIS program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southeastern Louisiana University's Library Science Program
Prospective students often have questions about how Southeastern Louisiana University's library science concentration works, what it costs, and whether it leads to the credentials they need. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about this program.
Does Southeastern Louisiana University offer an MLIS degree?
No. Southeastern Louisiana University does not offer a standalone Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. Instead, the university offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in library science. This program is designed primarily for educators seeking school librarian or library media specialist credentials rather than a general purpose MLIS.
Is Southeastern Louisiana University's library science program ALA-accredited?
No. The M.Ed. with a library science concentration at Southeastern Louisiana University is not accredited by the American Library Association. ALA accreditation applies specifically to MLIS or equivalent master's programs. If you need an ALA-accredited degree for public, academic, or special library positions, you would need to pursue a different program, such as one offered at another Louisiana institution.
Can I become a school librarian with Southeastern Louisiana University's M.Ed. library science concentration?
Yes. The program is designed to prepare graduates for Louisiana school library media specialist certification. If you already hold a valid teaching certificate, completing this concentration can qualify you to serve as a certified school librarian in Louisiana's K-12 schools. Check with the Louisiana Department of Education for the most current certification requirements.
How much does Southeastern Louisiana University's library science program cost?
Tuition at Southeastern Louisiana University is generally lower than at many other Louisiana institutions. However, exact per-credit rates vary based on residency status and whether courses are taken online. Contact Southeastern's graduate admissions office or visit the university's tuition and fee schedule for the most current figures. Financial aid, assistantships, and scholarships may also be available.
Is Southeastern Louisiana University's library science program available online?
Southeastern Louisiana University does offer online coursework for graduate education programs, and many library science concentration courses may be available in an online or hybrid format. Prospective students should confirm the current delivery options with the College of Education, as course availability and scheduling can change from semester to semester.
How does Southeastern Louisiana University compare to LSU for library science?
The key difference is degree type and accreditation. LSU offers an ALA-accredited MLIS, which qualifies graduates for a wider range of library positions including academic, public, and special libraries. Southeastern's M.Ed. library science concentration is tailored specifically for school librarian certification in Louisiana and is typically more affordable. Your best choice depends on your career goals.
Do I need a teaching certificate to enroll in Southeastern's library science concentration?
Enrollment in the M.Ed. program does not always require an active teaching certificate at the point of admission. However, to earn Louisiana school library media specialist certification after completing the program, you generally must hold a valid teaching certificate. Prospective students without one should consult the program advisor to understand the full pathway to certification.
