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K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

Combined MS/K–12 LIS Certification Program

1. Graduation from an accredited institution with bachelor's degree requirements substantially equivalent to those of the University of Illinois.
2. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in master's-level coursework and in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, in which case GRE scores are not required. If an applicant's GPA is below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, then GRE test scores are required. However, if an applicant has a JD or a PhD degree they would be exempt from the GRE requirement.
3. A passing score on the Illinois Basic Skills Test prior to admission to the K–12 LIS Certification Program.
4. Letters of reference from three individuals.

CAS/K–12 LIS Certification Program

1. A master's degree in library and information science.
2. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in master's-level coursework and in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, in which case GRE scores are not required. If an applicant's GPA is below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, then GRE test scores are required. However, if an applicant has a JD or a PhD degree they would be exempt from the GRE requirement.
3. A passing score on the Illinois Basic Skills Test prior to admission to the K–12 LIS Certification Program.
4. Letters of reference from three individuals, with at least one from a librarian/information scientist and the remainder from employers or teachers, including a representative of the library/information science program that granted the applicant's professional MS degree.

Submitting Admission Materials

Prospective students who are applying to the K-12 Library Information Specialist Certification Program may do so at the same time as they are applying to the M.S. or CAS in LIS program or they may apply to the certification program after acceptance as an M.S.or CAS student. In both cases, applicants will need to apply to the Graduate College using the Web-based electronic application. NOTE: As this application is used by applicants to all of the graduate departments, we are tailoring it to fit our needs.

If applying to the K–12 LIS Certification program at the same time as applying to the M.S., prospective students need to:

• Complete the online application (within which are instructions for submitting your letters of reference electronically). Within the online application, upload the following documents:
  • In the first, upload your resume.
  • In the second, upload your one-page personal statement.
  • In the third, upload your 500-700 word interview essay and 500-700 word commitment to education essay.
• Mail the following to GSLIS Admissions, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211:
  • K–12 LIS Certification Program Application
  • Basic Skills Test original score report

Persons applying to the K–12 LIS Certification program after acceptance into the M.S. program should do so by October 15 for spring semester admission or January 15 for fall semester admission. Note: students must be accepted into the program before registering for the required practicum course. To apply, M.S. or C.A.S. students must:

• Resubmit the 500-700 word interview essay, if it was not conducted with a school librarian.
• Submit the 500-700 word commitment to education essay.
• Mail the following to GSLIS Admissions, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211:
  • K–12 LIS Certification Program Application
  • Basic Skills Test original score report

You should request that your transcript(s) be sent directly from your educational institution(s) to:

Graduate School of Library and Information Science
501 East Daniel Street
Champaign, IL 61820-6211

The University no longer prints paper applications. If for some reason you are unable to apply electronically, they will accept paper applications for now, but this may change soon. To apply via mail, print the application and mail it--along with a check or money order (US$60 for Domestic; US$75 for International) payable to the University of Illinois--to:

Graduate Admissions
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
309 Coble Hall
801 S. Wright Street
Champaign, IL 61820