North Dakota requires school librarians to hold a teaching license plus a library media endorsement, and Valley City State University built its graduate library pathway around that exact credential. VCSU does not offer a standalone MLIS. Instead, it awards a Master of Education with a concentration in Library and Information Technologies (LIT), along with a shorter LIT certificate for teachers who need only the endorsement.

The primary audience is working K-12 educators in North Dakota and neighboring states who want to add a school librarian credential without leaving the classroom. The program is fully online, priced at a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency, and structured so certificate credits roll into the full M.Ed. if a student chooses to continue. For a broader look at graduate library options in the state, see our overview of MLIS programs in North Dakota.

That affordability and convenience come with a trade-off: because the degree is not ALA-accredited, it may not satisfy hiring requirements for public, academic, or special library positions outside the K-12 sector.

VCSU Quick Facts: M.Ed. Library and Information Technologies Concentration

Valley City State University offers an online Master of Education with a concentration in Library and Information Technologies (LIT). Here are the essential details at a glance for prospective students considering this North Dakota program.

Is Valley City State University a Good MLIS Program?

The most important thing to understand before evaluating Valley City State University's library program is this: VCSU does not offer an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS). What it does offer is a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Library and Information Technologies (LIT). That is an education degree, not a library science degree, and the distinction matters enormously for your career path.

If you are a working teacher in North Dakota looking to add a school librarian or media specialist endorsement, this program can be an excellent fit. If you are planning a career in public, academic, or special libraries, it is probably not the right choice. For a broader look at available options in the state, see our guide to online MLIS programs in North Dakota.

Who This Program Serves Best

VCSU's M.Ed. LIT concentration is designed for K-12 educators who want to move into a school library role without leaving the classroom for years of additional study. The program maps directly to North Dakota's school librarian licensure requirements, and its curriculum focuses on integrating technology, information literacy, and media into school settings. Current teachers, paraprofessionals, and education professionals already embedded in ND school systems will find the pipeline straightforward and practical.

Key Strengths

• Affordability: VCSU is one of the most budget-friendly options in the region for educators seeking a library-related graduate credential, with tuition rates well below what many ALA-accredited MLIS programs charge.
• Online flexibility: The program is delivered fully online, which means working teachers can complete coursework on evenings and weekends without relocating or commuting.
• ND licensure alignment: Because the curriculum is tailored to meet North Dakota's endorsement standards for school librarians, graduates can pursue that credential without assembling a patchwork of courses from different programs.

Where It Falls Short

• No ALA accreditation: Many public library systems, academic libraries, and federal library positions require (or strongly prefer) candidates who hold an ALA-accredited master's degree. The M.Ed. LIT does not satisfy that requirement.
• Limited interstate portability: Some states outside North Dakota require an ALA-accredited degree for school librarian certification or licensure reciprocity. If you plan to work beyond ND borders, verify your target state's rules before enrolling.

Consider Alternatives If

You should look at ALA-accredited MLIS programs instead if any of the following apply to you:

• You want to work in a public, academic, or special library setting.
• You need ALA accreditation for licensure reciprocity in another state.
• You are interested in archival science, data management, or other specializations typically housed within MLIS curricula.
• You are pursuing federal librarian positions, which nearly always list an ALA-accredited degree as a baseline qualification.

VCSU's program is a smart, targeted option for ND educators, but it occupies a specific niche. Knowing which niche you belong in before you apply will save you time, money, and frustration.

Questions to Ask Yourself

VCSU M.Ed. LIT Program Cost and Tuition

One of the strongest selling points of the VCSU Library and Information Technologies concentration is its price tag. Valley City State University charges a flat per-credit tuition rate that does not vary by residency, meaning online students in Minnesota, Montana, or anywhere else pay the same amount as North Dakota residents.¹ For prospective school librarians watching their budgets, that pricing model removes one of the biggest unknowns from the cost equation.

Per-Credit Rate and Estimated Total

As of the 2023-2024 academic year, VCSU's graduate tuition was approximately $380 per credit hour, with uniform pricing across in-state, out-of-state, and online enrollments.¹ No additional program-specific fees have been documented for the M.Ed. LIT concentration.²

If the full M.Ed. program requires roughly 32 to 36 credits (depending on how certificate and master's credits stack), the estimated tuition total falls in the range of:

• 32 credits: approximately $12,160
• 36 credits: approximately $13,680

These figures do not include university-wide fees such as technology or student activity charges, which can add a modest amount per semester. Still, even with fees, the total is likely to stay well under $15,000 for most students, placing VCSU among the most affordable graduate library programs in the upper Midwest and Great Plains. For context, you can see how it stacks up in our guide to the cheapest library science degree online options nationwide.

Why the Flat Rate Matters

VCSU is part of the North Dakota University System (NDUS), which has historically offered competitive and uniform online tuition.³ The university also participates in reciprocity agreements that benefit distance learners. For students in neighboring states who might otherwise face steep out-of-state surcharges at larger institutions, VCSU's flat pricing is a significant advantage. Students should confirm current rates directly with VCSU's graduate office, as tuition schedules are updated annually.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

Because the M.Ed. LIT program is a regionally accredited graduate degree, enrolled students are generally eligible for federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Beyond federal options, several funding paths are worth exploring. Our overview of library science scholarships covers additional opportunities.

• North Dakota teacher incentive programs: The state periodically offers loan forgiveness or scholarship programs aimed at educators who commit to serving in high-need areas or critical-shortage endorsement fields.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Many K-12 school districts provide tuition assistance for teachers pursuing advanced degrees or adding endorsements. Working teachers should check with their district's human resources office before enrolling.
• Graduate assistantships: While less common for fully online students, VCSU may offer limited assistantship opportunities that offset costs.

Regional Cost Context

Compared to ALA-accredited MLIS programs at larger research universities, where total tuition can range from $25,000 to $60,000 or more, VCSU's M.Ed. LIT path is notably less expensive. It is worth remembering that this program is not a traditional MLIS and does not carry ALA accreditation, but for students whose primary goal is a North Dakota school librarian certification rather than a broadly portable MLIS, the cost savings are hard to ignore. Spending under $15,000 on a master's degree that also delivers a licensure-ready endorsement represents a strong value proposition, especially for educators already employed in the state's school systems.

Curriculum, LIT Certificate, and How Credits Stack

VCSU's M.Ed. in Library and Information Technologies totals 39 credits, split across three buckets: a 12-credit education core, a 24-credit LIT concentration, and 3 credits of capstone and field experience coursework.¹ For teachers who only need a library endorsement, the university also offers a standalone 24-credit LIT Graduate Certificate that covers the same concentration courses without the education core or capstone.² The key advantage is that the certificate credits stack directly into the full M.Ed. with advisor approval, so you can start small and keep going if your career goals evolve.

M.Ed. Core Courses

The 12-credit education core grounds you in graduate-level pedagogy and research. Expect courses in education foundations, research methods, and related topics. These four courses (EDUC 610, EDUC 625, EDUC 640, and EDUC 657) are standard across VCSU's M.Ed. programs and are designed to sharpen your skills in data-driven instruction and curriculum analysis, skills you learn in mls program that translate well into any library or media-center role.¹

LIT Concentration Courses

The 24-credit concentration is where the library-specific training lives. Eight courses (LMIS 660 through LMIS 688) cover the competencies you would expect from a school library program:

• Cataloging and classification: Organizing and providing access to library collections.
• Collection development: Selecting, evaluating, and weeding materials for diverse learners.
• Information literacy instruction: Teaching students to locate, evaluate, and use information ethically.
• Instructional technology: Integrating digital tools and media into the curriculum.
• Additional coursework: Topics such as library administration, reference services, and media production round out the concentration.

These same eight courses form the entirety of the standalone LIT Graduate Certificate, making the certificate a focused, endorsement-ready credential on its own.²

Capstone and Field Experience

The remaining 3 credits (LMIS 689 and LMIS 698) fulfill the capstone requirement and include an action research report, a comprehensive portfolio, and an oral defense. Students must also complete 120 hours of field experience in a library or media center setting.¹ This practicum component is embedded in the special-requirement courses and provides hands-on practice in the day-to-day operations of a working school library.

Time to Completion

Most students in this program are working teachers taking three to six credits per semester. At that pace, the LIT Graduate Certificate typically takes about 18 to 36 months, while the full M.Ed. runs roughly 30 to 48 months.¹ Teachers who begin with the certificate and later decide to pursue the master's can apply those 24 concentration credits toward the 39-credit degree, leaving only the 12-credit education core and the 3-credit capstone sequence to finish. That stacking path lets you earn a usable credential quickly, then build toward the full degree on your own timeline.

VCSU LIT Program: From Certificate to M.Ed.

Valley City State University structures its Library and Information Technologies pathway so working teachers can start small and build toward a full graduate degree. Here is how the progression typically works for part-time students.

Admissions Requirements for the VCSU M.Ed. LIT Program

Valley City State University keeps its graduate admissions process straightforward, which is consistent with its mission of serving working professionals. Here is what you need to know before submitting your application.

GPA and Provisional Admission

Applicants to the M.Ed. program with a Library and Information Technologies concentration generally need a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. If your GPA falls below that threshold, VCSU may offer provisional admission, allowing you to begin coursework while demonstrating you can handle graduate-level material. Provisionally admitted students typically must earn a specified GPA in their first several graduate credits to transition to full standing.

Teaching License: Required or Not?

A current teaching license is not required for admission to the M.Ed. LIT program itself. However, if your goal is to earn a North Dakota school librarian endorsement, you will need to hold (or be pursuing) a valid teaching credential. For a broader look at what various states require, see our guide to school librarian qualifications. The endorsement pathway layers on top of the degree requirements, so students who are not licensed teachers can still complete the LIT coursework for other library and information roles, though they would not qualify for the K-12 library media specialist endorsement without that license.

Application Materials

VCSU asks for a concise set of documents when you apply:

• Official transcripts: From all colleges and universities attended.
• Statement of purpose: A brief essay explaining your professional goals and reasons for pursuing the program.
• References: Typically two or three professional or academic references.
• Resume or CV: Highlighting relevant work, volunteer, or educational experience.

GRE Policy

VCSU's graduate programs generally do not require the GRE for admission, and the M.Ed. LIT concentration follows that pattern. This removes a significant cost and preparation barrier for applicants who have been out of school for a while.

Application Deadlines and Rolling Admissions

VCSU operates on a rolling admissions basis for most of its graduate programs, meaning there is no single hard cutoff date. You can apply and be reviewed on an ongoing cycle. That said, applying well before your intended start term is wise so you can secure financial aid, register for courses, and complete any prerequisite steps. The university offers multiple start points throughout the year, giving you flexibility to begin when it fits your schedule rather than waiting for a traditional fall semester.

Online and Flexible Learning Options at VCSU

Valley City State University designed its M.Ed. with a Library and Information Technologies concentration specifically for working professionals, and the program is delivered fully online. There are no required campus visits, residencies, or in-person intensives, making it accessible to students across North Dakota and beyond.

How Courses Are Delivered

VCSU's online courses rely primarily on an asynchronous format, meaning you can access lectures, readings, discussion boards, and assignments on your own schedule rather than logging in at a fixed time. Some instructors may incorporate occasional synchronous components, such as virtual class meetings or group discussions, but these are typically scheduled with working teachers in mind and are not the norm across every course. The university uses a standard learning management system to organize materials, and students can expect a mix of threaded discussions, multimedia content, and applied projects.

Scheduling Flexibility for Working Teachers

Because the program targets practicing K-12 educators, VCSU structures course availability around the realities of a school calendar. Courses are offered during fall, spring, and summer terms, and many students take advantage of summer sessions to accelerate progress while school is out. A typical part-time load might be one or two courses per semester, allowing you to maintain a full teaching schedule while steadily working toward the degree. There is no rigid requirement to enroll full-time, so you can adjust your pace semester by semester. Other educator-focused programs, such as the Pennsylvania Western University MLIS program, follow a similar online-only model designed for working professionals.

Cohort or Rolling Enrollment?

VCSU does not follow a strict cohort model for the M.Ed. LIT concentration. Instead, admission operates on a rolling basis, so you can apply and begin coursework at the start of any regular semester rather than waiting for a single annual start date. This flexibility is a practical advantage for teachers who may need to time their enrollment around contract renewals, licensure deadlines, or personal obligations.

What This Means in Practice

The combination of asynchronous delivery, part-time pacing, summer course availability, and rolling admission gives students considerable control over their timeline. Most students complete the full M.Ed. in two to three years, though the exact duration depends on how many credits you carry each term. If you are already balancing a classroom, family responsibilities, and professional development requirements, VCSU's format is built to fit around that workload rather than compete with it.

Career Outcomes, ND Licensure, and ROI

The VCSU M.Ed. Library and Information Technologies concentration is purpose-built for one career lane: K-12 library and instructional technology roles in North Dakota. If that matches your goal, the return on investment can be surprisingly strong. If your ambitions are broader, or if relocation is likely, you need to weigh some real limitations before committing.

Roles This Degree Prepares You For

Graduates of the VCSU LIT program most commonly move into the following positions:

• School librarian (library media specialist): Managing a school library collection, teaching information literacy, and collaborating with classroom teachers on research skills.
• Instructional technology coordinator: Supporting K-12 staff with ed-tech integration, digital curriculum tools, and media resources.
• District-level media director: Overseeing library media programs across multiple buildings within a school district.

These roles sit squarely inside public and private K-12 systems. The program does not prepare graduates for academic librarianship, public library directorships, or specialized information science positions that typically require an ALA-accredited master's degree.

North Dakota Licensure Pathway

North Dakota's Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) recognize the VCSU LIT concentration as meeting the requirements for a library media credential endorsement. In practical terms, completing the program (along with holding or earning a valid teaching license) qualifies you to serve as a school librarian in North Dakota schools. The certificate-to-M.Ed. structure also lets working educators add the endorsement in stages, which is helpful for teachers already employed in ND districts.

Licensure Reciprocity: A Critical Caveat

Because the VCSU program is not ALA-accredited, the credential may not transfer cleanly to states that require an ALA-accredited degree for school librarian qualifications. States such as New York, New Jersey, and others with strict ALA requirements could deny an endorsement based on this degree alone. If you think you might relocate outside North Dakota at any point in your career, research your target state's licensure rules before enrolling.

Salary Context and ROI

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for librarians and library media specialists was approximately $64,370 as of the most recent data. In North Dakota, median salaries for school librarians tend to run somewhat lower, often in the mid-$50,000s, reflecting the state's lower cost of living. That gap matters less than it might seem, because VCSU's total program cost is a fraction of what most ALA-accredited MLIS programs charge.

When you pair a program cost that can land well under $15,000 with a salary in the $50,000-to-$60,000 range, the math works. A graduate could reasonably recover the full cost of the degree within a single year of salary increases associated with holding a master's credential. By comparison, graduates of programs costing $30,000 to $50,000 face a much longer payback window, especially at similar salary levels.

The Honest Bottom Line

This credential is optimized for educators who plan to stay in North Dakota (or in states with flexible reciprocity) and want to move into a school library or instructional technology role at the lowest possible cost. It is not a general-purpose library science degree, and it will not open doors to the full range of positions that an ALA-accredited MLIS unlocks. For the right candidate, though, the ROI is among the best you will find anywhere in library education.

How VCSU's M.Ed. LIT Compares to Other Options

Choosing between VCSU's Library and Information Technologies concentration and a traditional MLIS program depends on your career goals, budget, and whether you need ALA accreditation. The table below compares VCSU's M.Ed. LIT against two common archetypes: a budget-friendly public university M.Ed. option and a well-known ALA-accredited MLIS program. No specific schools are named, but the profiles reflect realistic program types you will encounter while researching.

Should You Apply to VCSU's Library Program?

VCSU's M.Ed. with a Library and Information Technologies concentration fills a specific niche well, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Use this quick verdict box to decide whether the program aligns with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About VCSU's Library Program

Prospective students often have practical questions about how the VCSU Library and Information Technologies program 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 Valley City State University offer an ALA-accredited MLIS degree?

No. VCSU does not offer a standalone MLIS degree, and its M.Ed. with a Library and Information Technologies concentration is not accredited by the American Library Association. ALA accreditation applies only to master's programs specifically in library and information science. If a position you are targeting requires an ALA-accredited degree, you will need to look at other institutions that hold that designation.

Is the VCSU Library and Information Technologies program fully online?

Yes. The LIT certificate and the M.Ed. concentration coursework are designed for fully online delivery, making the program accessible to working professionals and students outside North Dakota. There is no requirement to visit campus for classes, though practicum or field experience components may need to be completed at an approved site in your area.

How much does the VCSU M.Ed. LIT concentration cost?

VCSU is known for competitive graduate tuition rates. Exact per-credit costs can change each academic year, so prospective students should verify current figures on the VCSU Graduate Studies tuition page. Generally, the total cost for the M.Ed. program is considerably lower than many ALA-accredited MLIS programs, which is a key draw for budget-conscious students pursuing school library roles.

Can the VCSU LIT certificate count toward the M.Ed. degree?

Yes. The Library and Information Technologies graduate certificate is designed to stack into the full M.Ed. degree. Credits earned in the certificate program can apply toward the M.Ed. with the LIT concentration, so students who start with the certificate do not have to repeat coursework if they later decide to pursue the master's degree.

Does the VCSU library program qualify you for school librarian licensure in North Dakota?

The VCSU LIT program is aligned with North Dakota's requirements for school library credentials. Completing the certificate or M.Ed. concentration can help candidates meet the state's standards for a library media endorsement. However, licensure rules vary, so applicants should confirm current requirements with the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.

How long does it take to complete the VCSU LIT program?

Timeline depends on whether you pursue the certificate alone or the full M.Ed. The graduate certificate can often be completed in about one year of part-time study. The complete M.Ed. with the LIT concentration typically takes around two years for part-time students. Full-time enrollment may shorten that timeline.

Does VCSU require the GRE for the M.Ed. program?

VCSU does not require GRE scores for admission to its M.Ed. program. This makes the application process more straightforward and removes a common barrier for working professionals returning to graduate school. Admission decisions are based on other factors such as undergraduate GPA, professional experience, and application materials.