School Library Media Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Admission | Undergraduate background | GRE | Non-degree certification | Filing for certification
Where and how are courses taught? | Cost | Program of Study
Last changed 2-7-11 by maf
Is the GRE required?
In almost all cases, yes. We require GRE scores for admission to the M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees as well as non-degree certification (unless you need 3 courses or fewer). Scores must be 5 years old or newer. Applicants who have been accepted to UGA's Graduate School in the past who took the GRE then for admission will not have to re-take the GRE, according to Graduate School rules. If you are in this category, you should evaluate whether your scores are high enough for admission to our program, and if not, retake the test. Find out about the GRE at http://www.ets.org. Minimum scores are: for the M.Ed. and non-degree certification, 850 total on Verbal + Quantitative, with a minimum of 400 on each of the two components. For the Ed.S.: 900 total on V + Q, with 450 minimum on each of the two components. The MAT and NTE are not accepted.
What are the undergraduate requirements? Do I have to have a bachelor's degree in education?
Your undergraduate GPA should be a minimum of 2.6 (as figured by the UGA Graduate School).
It is not absolutely necessary (although helpful) that you have a degree in education to start the SLM program. If you are not eligible for certification, you may need extra courses to qualify. That said, we have had successful graduates whose undergraduate backgrounds include English, Business, and Journalism. Broad Liberal Arts degree programs are helpful, while narrow technical fields are not as relevant. If you have concerns about the match between your previous educational background and your aspirations to be a media specialist, ask a faculty member about this. Check here for the full list of M.Ed. entrance requirements. Ed.S. entrance requirements are more stringent; this page spells them out.
Is there an "add-on" program, by which I can add the school library media certification to an existing certification? If so, what are the prerequisites? (We call this "non-degree certification.")
The answer to this question is "yes." We do have a non-degree certification program for people who already possess a Master's degree or higher. Students who choose this option must apply as usual through the Graduate School (see above). In other words, the GRE is required, along with all other entrance requirements.
To obtain our recommendation for certification, you must satisfy all the requirements listed on our Certification Checklist. Usually, the Professional Standards Commission will follow through and grant certification to the candidates we recommend. You need not re-take any courses you have already taken during previous coursework.
The only prerequisite is an existing Master's degree. However, note that we screen non-degree applications with as much care as we do degree-seeking students. Typically, even previously certified students need at least a year of study.
Where and how are courses taught?
We have designed a program that blends face-to-face classes and online classes to provide an accessible time and place for most working professionals to earn SLM certification. As a general rule, face-to-face classes are taught on alternate Saturdays in fall and spring. An online class is paired with the face-to-face class to allow students to take two courses per term. Electives are generally scheduled during the summer in Athens and the UGA/Gwinnett Center when possible. Trips to Athens may be required throughout your program, but on a very rare basis. While this program benefits the majority of potential students (those who live closest to Gwinnett), Northeast Georgia (non-metro) students should know that classes are not duplicated in Athens. See the Course Rotation Index for more details.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends upon the current tuition rate per credit hour, plus fees. This is harder to figure out than you might think, and we can't determine an exact figure for your first bill.
The best plan is to contact the Bursar's Office for further information and/or do some exploring of their website:
http://www.bursar.uga.edu/
For Current Students
How do I fill out a Program of Study?
It's not easy. Consult the Graduation page for helpful resources and the links you need.
How do I apply for Certification?
Instructions can be found on the Certification Checklist.
What are the internship requirements?
We require a 100-hour field-based internship during the second year (usually) of study. It can span more than one semester, and is arranged individually to suit a student's current job and geographical requirements. In other words, the internship is extremely flexible and fits almost any students' situation. A Criminal Background Check is required, along with professional liability insurance. Read more about it here.