Post-Master’s Certificate in Instruction for Information Professionals

California State University, Long Beach                                                         Policy Statement 25-23

October 16, 2025
 

Post-Master’s Certificate in Instruction for Information Professionals

(This new, self-support certificate was approved by the CSULB Academic Senate on October 8, 2025, and approved by the President on October 15, 2025.)

The Certificate in Instruction for Information Professionals equips students with the specialized skills needed to design, implement, and assess effective information literacy instruction in academic settings. This hands-on program prepares graduates to excel as instructors in higher education, where they foster digital literacy and research proficiency among college and university students through evidence-based pedagogical practices and technology-enhanced learning experiences.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), library or educational experience. Students may pursue this certificate concurrently with other graduate programs or as a standalone credential for professional development.

Program Structure: The 12-unit certificate consists of three core courses (9 units) and a capstone project (3 units) that can be completed in one academic year. The program is designed for working professionals and is offered entirely online and asynchronously for flexibility.

Degree Requirements

Complete the following courses:

• LIS 601: Foundations of College-Level Information Literacy Instruction
  • 3 Units
  • Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
• LIS 602: Digital Tools and Technologies for Information Literacy Instruction
  • 3 Units
  • Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
• LIS 603: Assessment in Academic Libraries
  • 3 Units
  • Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

• LIS 690: Capstone
  • 3 Units
  • Prerequisites: LIS 601, LIS 602, LIS 603