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School of Education | Information, Library, and Research Sciences (ILRS) | ILRS customizable pathways

Learning that fits you

All ILRS programs offer room to customize your learning—through electives, concentrations, applied projects, or interdisciplinary coursework—so your degree aligns with your professional and personal goals.

ILRS programs include a culminating experience—often called a capstone—that brings your learning together in a meaningful, applied way.

Rather than restating coursework, the capstone focuses on application and reflection. You’ll demonstrate what you know, how you’ve grown, and how your skills connect to professional practice or community impact.

Across ILRS programs, capstones emphasize:

  • Real‑world application
  • Reflection on learning and growth
  • Integration of program learning outcomes
  • Preparation for next career steps

Important: Capstone formats, requirements, and timelines vary by program.

Program-Specific Capstone Pathways

The sections below provide program‑specific capstone overviews and links to required resources. These details are intended for students currently enrolled in ILRS programs.

Instructional Technology & Design
Library & Information Science

M.S.I.T.D. — General Program Capstone

Capstone overview

In the final semester, students complete two major components:

  • A professional portfolio aligned with program learning outcomes
  • A capstone goal project, consisting of a 120‑hour field‑based experience

Students may complete their project within their current work environment or through an approved placement aligned with career goals.

Key features

  • Portfolio development
  • Field‑based project
  • Advisor and instructor support
  • Career‑aligned experience

🔗 MSITD capstone details and forms

M.S.I.T.D. — ITF Licensure Program Capstone

Capstone overview

The ITF Licensure capstone includes a professional‑level field experience focused on instructional technology leadership in a school or district setting.

Students complete:

  • A portfolio aligned with program learning outcomes
  • Alignment with ISTE Coaching Standards (licensure track)
  • A supervised, 120‑hour goal project

*For ALL students earning their master’s degrees – whether on the general or K-12 track – your portfolio must align with our Instructional Technology and Design Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs). For those on the K-12 077 licensure track, your portfolio must ALSO align with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Coaching Standards.

Please note: if you are adding the 077 license to an existing graduate degree, then you will only align your work with the ISTE standards. 

Key features

  • Sustained professional interaction with a licensed school 077 ITF, District ITF, or school administrator who will serve as your site supervisor.
  • Needs assessment and implementation project
  • Professional evaluation

🔗 ITF Licensure capstone details and forms

M.L.I.S. — General Program Capstone

Capstone overview

MLIS students complete the capstone during their final semester. The experience includes applied work—such as a field experience or approved project—and a professional portfolio demonstrating achievement of program learning outcomes.

Students already working in a library may have the option to complete a project‑based experience rather than a traditional placement.

Key features

  • Applied, real‑world experience
  • Professional portfolio
  • Alignment with MLIS program learning outcomes (PLOs)
  • Customizable based on career goals

Plan ahead: Your interests may evolve during the program, and that’s expected. Save everything! Advisors will help you align your capstone with your goals as you progress.

🔗 MLIS Capstone details and forms

M.L.I.S. — School Library Licensure Capstone

Capstone practicum overview

The School Library Licensure capstone provides a professional‑level practicum experience in a working school library. Students apply learning through sustained practice under the supervision of a licensed school librarian or administrator.

Key features

  • 120 contact hours in a school library setting
  • Supervision by a licensed school librarian or administrator
  • Needs assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation
  • Portfolio aligned with professional standards

🔗 School Library Licensure capstone details and forms

Schedule

  • All students take LIS 693 the Capstone during their last semester in the M.L.I.S. program.
  • When you enter the program: Talk with your advisor about the licensure requirements for school librarianship and review your working plan of study. Due to the requirements there is very little room for electives, so plan ahead.
  • Make sure to upload your assignments to your Hallmark Planning Guide (found on your working plan of study) at the end of each semester.
  • One semester before your final semester:
    1. Talk to your advisor to access the Final Semester Checklist and complete each step prior to beginning your practicum.
    2. Register for the Capstone Practicum. Tell us which libraries or school districts and levels you would like to work in. If you have a school library program you are interested in working in please let us know.
    3. Complete your Background Check (This is a requirement by the University. Even if you are hired by the school district you will be in during LIS 693, it is required. Cost $28)
    4. If you have any questions about your placement or requirements contact Tammy S. Gruer gruert@uncg.edu

Assignments

  • Evidence Based Goal Project- Determined by needs assessment
  • Collaborative Teaching Lesson (Must include Lesson Plan, Recording, and Reflection)
  • Hallmark Project- Students will compile an electronic portfolio to document proficiency with the AASL Standards for the Initial Preparation of School Librarians.
  • Professional Development Plan (Must include Lesson Plan, Reflection)