TL How to Apply

Overview

How to Apply — Teacher Librarian

Thank you for your interest in applying to the fully online Teacher Librarian program at the SJSU School of Information! We accept applications twice a year: fall and spring.

Teacher Librarian program applicants follow the same application process as our school’s MLIS applicants. Once admitted, new students self-enroll in the Teacher Librarian program. Please visit the MLIS How to Apply page. 

Before completing the application, visit the State Authorization for Distance Education page to search for eligibility information for residents of the state where you reside.

Important Note: If you do not live in California, it is necessary to contact the certifying agency in your state to confirm the requirements for a Teacher Librarian Services Credential. We cannot certify paperwork for other states if you do not have a California Clear Professional Teaching Credential. States that accept course work or an MLIS are exempt. If you have specific questions, Jonathan Hunt can provide further information. Please contact him before you apply for admission.

In addition, if you already have an MLIS degree, you will apply for only the credential offered through the SJSU College of Education. If you do not have an MLIS degree, we strongly recommend that you apply for the MLIS program at our school and follow the School Librarianship career pathway. This is for two reasons:

  1. Most students decide to go on to finish the MLIS degree because it provides many more career opportunities. Declaring the MLIS now is much easier than trying to switch later.
  2. As an MLIS student, you are considered a student in the SJSU School of Information. Credential-only students are in the SJSU College of Education, which makes it difficult for us to keep track of your progress and keep you informed.

There is no penalty for only completing the requirements for the credential while in the MLIS program. You can stop once you have fulfilled the credential requirements or you can go on to finish the additional 12 units for the MLIS degree. 

Applicants who apply for MLIS degree and decide to leave the program after fulfilling the credential requirements will not be able to walk in the MLIS commencement ceremony. Contact SJSU College of Education for information about how it honors credential-only graduates.