Program: Youth Services and Literature Graduate Certificate - University of Southern Mississippi

Mar 29, 2025

2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin

Overview

The Youth Services and Literature Graduate Certificate prepares students for educational or library careers related to children and young adult literature, programs, and services. The 15-credit hour certificate includes online courses related to literature, programs, and services for youth (birth to age 18). The certificate may be earned with or post-MLIS degree or as a post-master’s certificate for those holding a master’s degree in a related field. If earned together with the MLIS, 12 hours can be counted toward both the certificate and the MLIS degree.

Campus: Online 100%

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must submit the following documents:

Statement of Purpose - In a 1-2 page essay, describe your interests in the youth services and literature certificate, your career goals, and potential contributions to the career field.
Résumé

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

After successfully completing the required coursework, students are required to complete an e-portfolio that includes assignment examples, reflections, and course descriptions.

See General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information for graduate requirements and expectations.

Course Requirements (15 hours)

Required Courses (6 hours)

LIS 517 - Literature and Related Media for Children 3 hrs. or
LIS 518 - Literature and Related Media for Young Adults 3 hrs. AND
LIS 519 - Programs and Services for Youth 3 hrs.

Choose three of the following ; one course must be 600-level or higher (9 hrs.)

LIS 517 - Literature and Related Media for Children 3 hrs. OR
LIS 518 - Literature and Related Media for Young Adults 3 hrs. (select course not chosen above)
LIS 528 - Storytelling 3 hrs.
LIS 559 - Public Relations & Marketing in Libraries 3 hrs.
LIS 589 - School Library Practicum 1-3 hrs. (3 hrs. required: must have youth emphasis) or
LIS 689 - Library Practicum 2-4 hrs. (3 hrs. required: must have youth emphasis)
LIS 590 - Library Instruction 3 hrs.
LIS 607 - The School Library and the Curriculum 3 hrs.
LIS 629 - Studies in Early Children’s Literature 3 hrs.
LIS 634 - History of Children’s Literature 3 hrs.
LIS 641 - Public Libraries 3 hrs.
LIS 670 - Topics in Services to Library Clientele 3 hrs. (youth-related topic)
CIE 768 - Children’s Literature for the Early Years 3 hrs.
FAM 650 - Development of School-Aged Children and Families 3 hrs.
FAM 652 - Intimate Relationship Development 3 hrs.
Certificate Assessment: After successfully completing the required coursework, students are required to complete an e-portfolio that includes assignment examples, reflection, and course descriptions.