Children’s Literature (MA) / Library and Information Science (MS): Dual Degree Program
Description
The Master of Arts (MA) in Children’s Literature and the Master of Science (MS) in Library and Information Science dual degree program integrates theory and practice. Students work with an advisor from each program to tailor their studies with an eye toward professional goals. Students may pursue school library teacher certification, follow the curriculum of a “concentration” in Library and Information Science, or design their own program by selecting elective courses that reflect their interests. Freely chosen electives across the disciplines allow students to select additional depth in Children's Literature or in Library and Information Science.
Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the learning outcomes for the MA in Children’s Literature and the MS in Library and Information Science in this Catalog.
Requirements for Entry into Program
Please refer to the admission requirements for the MA in Children’s Literature and the MS in Library and Information Science in this Catalog.
Applying for Entry to the MA/MS Dual Degree Program as a Single Degree Student
Students currently matriculated in the MA or MS degree program may apply for entry to the MA/MS (Children’s Literature and Library and Information Science) dual degree program.
Applications for the dual degree program must be submitted before the student completes 12 credit hours of coursework in a single degree program.
To apply for acceptance to the dual degree program, students who are currently matriculated in a single degree program should consult with their current program director to initiate the process of application to the second degree. The application fee will be waived for these students. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis by the Admissions staff and the degree program directors.
Dual Degree Requirements
58-60 credits (depending on floating electives chosen and whether a student wishes to complete the School Library Teacher certification) are required for the MA/MS dual degree. Students complete these credit requirements by successfully completing required and elective coursework in Library and Information Science (LIS) and Children’s Literature, as detailed below.
Graduate students in the MA/MS dual degree program typically carry between 10-12 credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters and must carry credits in each degree program (in the MA and in the MS) each semester. Students considering registering for more than 12 credits in the fall and spring or more than six (6) credits in the summer must consult with the graduate program director.
Unless otherwise noted, all Library and Information Science (LIS) courses are three credits and all Children’s Literature courses are two or four credits; two credit CHL courses must be combined into four credit packages to meet elective requirements.
Library and Information Science Requirements (21 credits)
NOTE: Students interested in pursuing School Library Teacher certification should follow the Library and Information Science (LIS) coursework described below in the LIS School Library Teacher Requirements section.
Three Core LIS Courses (9 credits)
| LIS 407 | Information Service, Behaviors & Ethics | 3 |
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3 |
| LIS 488 | Technology for Information Professionals | 3 |
Two Core Courses on Children’s Library Collections (6 credits)
| LIS 481 | Library Collections and Materials for Children | 3 |
| LIS 483 | Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults | 3 |
Two LIS Electives (6 credits)
MA/MS students will complete two LIS elective courses (offerings vary by semester).
LIS School Library Teacher Requirements (30 credits)
MA/MS students pursuing School Library Teacher certification will complete the following ten LIS courses instead of the LIS sequence detailed above.
| LIS 407 | Information Service, Behaviors & Ethics | 3 |
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3 |
| LIS 460 | Technology and the School Library Teacher | 3 |
| LIS 459 | Fundamentals of School Librarianship | 3 |
| LIS 406 | Management and Evaluation of School Library Programs | 3 |
| LIS 461 | Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for the School Library Teacher | 3 |
| LIS 481 | Library Collections and Materials for Children | 3 |
| LIS 483 | Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults | 3 |
| LIS 498 | Practicum (PreK-8) | 3 |
| LIS 499 | Practicum (7-12) | 3 |
Children's Literature Requirements (24 credits)
MA/MS students will complete CHL required courses and electives as follows:
| CHL 401 | Criticism of Literature for Children | 4 |
| CHL 403 | The Picturebook | 4 |
| CHL 413 | Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Young Adults | 4 |
| CHL 414 | Fantasy and Science Fiction | 4 |
CHL Elective(s) in History
| Coursework in the history of children’s literature, selected from courses designated as (h) with a chronological focus. | 4 |
CHL General Elective(s)
| Freely chosen elective coursework, selected from the variety of 2- and 4-credit courses offered each semester. | 4 |
Dual Degree Program Capstone and Electives (4–16 credits)
In addition to the dual degree coursework detailed above, MA/MS students will complete the following required capstone and elective coursework.
Electives in CHL and LIS (9–12 credits)
For MA/MS students who are not pursuing School Library Teacher certification: Select 9–12 credits of elective coursework freely chosen from among courses offered by the School Library and Information Science and Children's Literature program (credit count depending on courses selected). If students opt to take two (2) credit CHL electives, they must be taken in multiples of four (4).
Licensure, certification, etc.
Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation.