Online Teacher Librarian Credential
Advance Your Teaching Career in K-12 Libraries
Prepare for your next step as a professional leader in K-12 school libraries. The fully online California Teacher Librarian Credential program equips you with specialized skills to excel as an instructional partner, technology expert and program administrator.
Learn 100% online at your own pace while balancing your active career. Our curriculum is approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and meets all California state requirements, ensuring you emerge ready for diverse school media center environments.
Expand your opportunities by easily pairing your credential with an American Library Association-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree.
Program Information
Modality
Online
Program Length
2 years · 31 units
Cost Per Unit
$596* for Spring 2027
Applications Open
July 1 – December 1 for Spring start | August 1 to May 1 for Fall start
Start Terms
Fall · Spring
How to Apply
General Requirements
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Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0.
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Standardized entrance exams (like the GRE) are not required.
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Access to a computer with an Internet connection and appropriate software.
Program-Specific Requirements
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You must hold a valid single or multiple-subject credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) before applying for the Teacher Librarian Credential program.
Out-of-State Eligibility
If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you. Additionally, you are advised to verify your eligibility with your state's Department of Education.
Graduation Requirement
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Complete the required 31 units of approved course work, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, including a mandatory capstone field experience.
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Application opens July 1; deadline of December 1 for Spring admission.
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Application opens August 1; deadline of May 1 for Fall admission.
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Apply through Cal State Apply and submit the required documents.
Attend a Virtual Info Session
Join us to learn how our online Teacher Library Credential program will give you a real-world edge!
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Valuable Learning Experiences
The online California Teacher Librarian Credential program equips you with the skills to build practical toolkits for your current or future classroom. From mastering school library budgets to orchestrating digital Maker Spaces, your course work translates into immediate educational impact.
- Field Experience Capstone: As a Teacher Librarian student, you will complete a school field experience course, where you will work in elementary and secondary school library settings.
- Learn From Industry Leaders: Our award-winning faculty members bring years of school library administration and digital literacy expertise directly into your virtual classroom.
- Accelerated MLIS Pathway: You have the option to earn your Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS) by completing just four additional courses (12 units).
- Join a Supportive Network: Benefit from an active network of professionals who understand the real-world demands of modern California school districts.
Featured Courses
What Can You Do With a Teacher Librarian Credential?
As a credentialed teacher librarian, you will serve as a vital instructional partner, digital curation expert and curriculum collaborator who empowers students and supports teachers. Your specialized training prepares you to lead modern school library media centers and shape information equity across California school districts.
In-Demand Skills: About 14,900 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year through 2031.
Bay Area Salaries: School librarians and public instructional specialists in the Bay Area earn a median salary of $84,000 - $96,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Teacher Librarian
- School Media Specialist
- Library Media Teacher
- District Librarian
- Digital Literacy Specialist
Top Companies
- California Public School Districts
- Private and Charter K-12 Schools
- County Offices of Education
- Public Library Systems (with MLIS option)
Top Sectors
- K-12 Public Education
- Educational Technology
- Library and Information Science
- Public Sector Administration
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Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
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Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
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