Library Science and Media
Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media

Locate yourself in the world of information with your Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media from Ashford University®. In this online degree program, you will learn to evaluate technology for effective instructional delivery.
Degree Focus
Library science is a growing field of study as traditional libraries are transitioning to research support roles. This field will continue to grow due to the increase in online resources, virtual schools, and the evolving role of librarians and research assistants across all industries. This degree demonstrates your research skills and your ability to support information acquisition. You will study the application of technology to support learning and information access. The evolving role of librarians and the training necessary to become 21st century information experts will be explored through coursework in this degree program.
Career Opportunities
Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media include:
- Learning and development specialist
- Trainer
- Executive assistant
- Information broker
- Web master
- Web developer and specialist
- Local area network coordinator
- Educational sales
- Telecommunications specialist
- Process and systems specialist
- Archivists
- Curators
- Virtual reference specialist
- K-12 school librarian (need to earn certificate at a graduate or licensure program)
- Collegiate librarian (may need to earn certificate at a graduate or licensure program)
- Librarian administrator, coordinator, director
- School media specialist
- Library aid
- Research specialist
Certification / Licensure Terms and Conditions
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media program does not lead to certification or licensure. Completing the Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media by itself will not qualify a student for certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state licensure requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to the Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) page for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check with their state regulatory agencies' policies and procedures relating to licensure in that state on a regular basis. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification or employment in this field of study. For additional information, please refer to your state licensing board or agency.
Your courses are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media degree program will be able to:
- Apply the concepts and tools of inquiry to create learning environments and experiences to include multiple environments;
- Evaluate technology tools and applications for effective instructional delivery and research applications;
- Create learning opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners and cultures;
- Analyze media, literature and materials for inclusion in specific settings and programs, including multiple modalities; and
- Develop research skills and strategies to support accurate, efficient and appropriate information acquisition.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits
- Major Course Requirements: 30 credits
- Electives: 38 credits
You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University® to meet the residency requirement.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media
Locate yourself in the world of information with your Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media. Your online courses include such topics as cognition, instructional design, and literature for children and teens.
Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(30 credits, all courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
EDU 304 Introduction to Education
This course is designed to provide students with a broad view of the various components involved in education and schools today. An introduction to current legislation and trends in education as well as curriculum standards will be covered. The complex diversity of students today, as well as assessment and accountability issues, will also be addressed.
EDU 381 Curriculum & Instructional Design
Students will examine the pedagogy involved in designing, selecting and assessing curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners. The basics such as how to write learning outcomes based on academic standards to selecting the research based materials and activities to support student learning, will be covered. Evaluation of student learning will be included in the course.
EDU 382 Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
Students will explore the variety of learning differences found in the classroom today including linguistically diverse students, students with mild to moderate disabilities as well as Gifted and Talented learners. Specific strategies and classroom accommodations that may be used at all levels to meet the needs of all students will be addressed. Working as a member of a collaborative team will also be covered.
EDU 352 Foundations of Educational Technology
Strategies and ideas for the use of technology to enhance learning will be explored in this course. The latest in web applications will be explored and evaluated for their instructional application.
EDU 411 Reading & Cognition
The task of learning to read is a very complex process involving the application of perceptual, sensory, linguistic, and cognitive skills to making meaning of text. Exploration of the specific cognitive functions that are applied while reading and strategies supporting reading instruction and reading comprehension skills will be addressed. The implications of digital media on reading skills will also be explored in this course.
EDU 367 Elementary & Secondary School Media
This class will explore the role of the teacher librarian and role of the library media center at three different levels of education (elementary, middle, and high school). Students will research programs, library practices, teaching styles and management in the facilitation of a library media center.
EDU 440 Information Literacy
This course will provide students with hands-on experiences in strategies to access information in the 21st century, evaluate resources, and effectively use search engines to locate information. Students will learn web 2.0 tools in a systematic way using the "23 Things" tutorial by the California School Library Association.
EDU 441 Research & Analysis Skills
This course will introduce students to the theory and methods of evaluating research methods. It explores the ways in which professionals identify and frame research and evaluation questions, assess current scholarly literature on specific topics, locate and critically use primary and secondary source data, and formulate worthwhile evaluation projects. Emphasis will be placed on the research tools and processes professionals use and the role information professionals play in their development, dissemination, and use.
EDU 443 Literature for Children & Teens
This class will expose students to many different types of children and young adult literature, media, and resources. Students will develop material lists for different genres, explore current trends in student interests, and exhibit knowledge of library published journals.
EDU 495 Library Science & Media Capstone
The capstone course is an opportunity for students to demonstrate understanding of the Library Science and Media program outcomes through the application of concepts and tools of inquiry to create learning environments, evaluate technology tools and applications for instruction and research, create learning opportunities for a variety of learners, and analyze literature materials for inclusion in specific settings and programs.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.


