Chicago State University - College of Education-Library, Information and Media Studies (LIMS)

The Department of Library, Information and Media Studies (LIMS) offers the following two master’s degree programs:

The department also offers the following post-baccalaureate certificates/endorsements:

All LIMS programs have been redesigned to reflect Chicago State University’s urban mission: to empower librarians, information professionals and educators in transforming their urban constituencies into globally networked hubs of the knowledge society.

New concentrations in LIMS curricula prepareLIMS graduates to work in school, public, academic and special librarians, or archives and special collections and records management. Special competencies and skill sets of LIMS graduates will include telecommunications management, and urban informatics.
Besides on-campus programs, the department deliver fast track programs to cohorts at off campus sites locations in partnership with local school systems.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS): This 36-credit hour program prepares certified teachers for master’s degrees in Library Science and the Library Information Specialist Type 10 Certificate. Our graduates design and manage library media centers in Chicago area K-12 schools. This MSLS program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and is in pre-candidacy for American Library Association (ALA) accreditation.

Master in Technology and Education (MSTE): The Masters of Science in Technology and Education prepares professionals to design and manage technology-mediated instructional systems. Job positions for graduates of this program include instructional designers, technical trainers, e-learning managers and curriculum coordinators in educational institutions, technology research and business and industry.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Information Technology Certificate: This certificate is an 18-credit hour program that prepares students to take the necessary certification exams to work as network administrators and computer technicians. Examples of these certificates: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), IT Essentials (CompTIA A+), Network+, and Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP®).

Telecommunications Management Certificate: This 21-credit hour program is designed for students who already have bachelor’s degrees and wish to become entry-level network administrators, computer system specialists and telecommunications technicians. Graduates of this program learn to analyze telecommunications networks and structures, provide security for computer networks and repair potential networking problems for software companies, Internet publishing, wireless communication providers and computer-based businesses

Urban Informatics and Learning Certificate: A 24-credit hour program, the Urban Informatics and Learning Certificate prepares graduates to facilitate learning using digital media in formal and informal environments. They could work as program managers, media specialists, information literacy instructors and learning resource coordinators in schools, libraries, museums, theme parks and community agencies.

ENDORSEMENTS
Library and Information Specialist: This program qualifies certified teachers to earn the Illinois State Library Information Specialist Endorsement after taking 24 credit hours of course work and passing the state content-area test, Library Information Specialist (Field 175). Those seeking Middle School Endorsement take two additional courses, bringing their total credit hours of course work to 30. Graduates of these programs serve as paraprofessionals in school library media centers.

INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY FORMAT
LIMS programs are offered in a flexible learning format, with a balance in delivery methods between face-to-face, online and hybrid (a mix of face-to-face and online) formats. Face to face classes meet in the evenings, typically between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm. Since most of our students work and are raising families, such flexibility in instructional delivery is designed to meet students' busy schedules, as well as cater to diverse learning styles.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS