The Post-Master’s Certificate program at the San José State University School of Information celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of empowering information professionals. The program first launched as a continuing education offering in 2012 and seamlessly transitioned to a formal program plan through the SJSU Cal State Apply application portal in 2014.

The Post-Master’s Certificate program addresses the growing demand for professional development and lifelong learning. As the Master of Library and Information Science curriculum evolves to adapt to changing industry trends, professionals seek opportunities to update their skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the job market. Additionally, many recent MLIS graduates desire to take more master’s-level courses and further their education. Notably, several certificate students employed in academic libraries have pursued the program as a sabbatical activity, further highlighting its relevance and value in supporting ongoing professional growth.

Reflecting on the program’s journey, Sheila Gurtu, the student outreach specialist for the SJSU School of Information, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s anniversary milestone. “It has been exciting to see the program’s evolution from a continuing education offering through Open University into an SJSU program plan featuring eight contemporary pathways,” she said.

Throughout the years, the program’s curriculum has evolved to align with the latest trends in information science, growing from six career pathways in 2012 to the current eight pathways, including the addition of Digital Curation and Data Science, to meet industry demands. It welcomes individuals with a master’s degree in any discipline, attracting professionals keen on staying competitive and expanding their professional network.

As of December 2023, 133 students have earned their Post-Master’s Certificate in Library and Information Science, with Digital Archives and Records Management and Digital Services and Emerging Technologies being the most sought-after pathways. Many students enroll in the program to transition into new roles, advance into management positions, or specialize in specific areas like library administration or archival work.

Post-completion survey data reinforces the program’s effectiveness, with 100% of recent survey respondents praising the quality of formal learning activities and recommending the program to others, and all graduates securing full-time employment in library settings upon completion. As their culminating project, students “build a digital outcomes portfolio that can be utilized in a number of creative ways in their professional lives,” said Gurtu, adding, “Many students have even leveraged the opportunity to participate in a for-credit internship.”

To celebrate the milestone, alumni from 2012 to 2023 contributed to a special anniversary video and expressed their gratitude for the program’s impact. K. Meghan Gross emphasized the invaluable skills gained as a digital asset manager. “I’m so glad I found this program when I did. I continue to use the skills and knowledge I gained in my career,” Gross shared. Carleen Huxley said she appreciated “the flexibility of the online program, the faculty, and the relevancy of the course topics.” Others described the program as “transformative,” “invaluable,” and a “great experience.”

Students, alumni, faculty, and staff will gather for a special tribute to the Post-Master’s Certificate program at the upcoming America Library Association Annual Networking Reception in San Diego this June.