Masters in Library Science
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Librarians and library media specialists work for local governments, schools, and professional organizations. They collect, curate, and preserve collections of print and digital publications using research and database tools. Finding the best online master’s in library science to suit your professional goals can be a challenge. But it is worth the search. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 4-11 percent increase in librarian jobs, 2018-2028. Master’s in library science graduates can assume leadership roles in their organizations, or they can choose to move on to a Ph.D. This guide is designed to give prospective students a running start in finding the best online MLS programs.
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Online MS in Library Science
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Best Online Masters in Library Science Programs
Universities across the country offer online master’s in library science programs. There are many specialization options and types of library science degrees. To determine the best online MLS programs, we vetted universities on many factors, including affordability, faculty publications, accreditation, library specializations, program reputation, graduation, and post-graduation employment rates.
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
| #2 University of Wisconsin-Madison 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 | $10,728 | 88% |
| #3 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
| #4 University of Washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195 | $18,198 | 84% |
| #5 University of Pittsburgh 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260 | $23,530 | 83% |
| #6 Syracuse University 900 South Crouse Ave., Syracuse, New York 13244 | $38,880 | 83% |
| #7 University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 | $8,350 | 75% |
| #8 University of Missouri 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,264 | 71% |
| #9 The University of Alabama 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 | $10,780 | 71% |
| #10 East Carolina University East 5th Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27858 | $4,749 | 66% |
| #11 University of Kentucky South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky 40506 | $12,055 | 66% |
| #12 SUNY at Albany 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222 | $11,310 | 63% |
| #13 Kent State University Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 44242 | $11,766 | 62% |
| #14 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | $35,181 | 69% |
| #15 University of North Texas 1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203 | $5,900 | 56% |
| #16 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #17 University of Colorado Denver 1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400, Denver, Colorado 80217 | $6,786 | 52% |
| #18 Emporia State University 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, Kansas 66801 | $6,394 | 50% |
| #19 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 | $8,786 | 49% |
| #20 Wayne State University 656 West Kirby Street, Detroit, Michigan 48202 | $16,285 | 48% |
| #21 University of West Georgia 1601 Maple St, Carrollton, Georgia 30118 | $4,338 | 45% |
| #22 Texas Woman’s University 304 Administration Dr, Denton, Texas 76204 | $4,973 | 43% |
| #23 Texas A&M University-Commerce 2600 South Neal Street, Commerce, Texas 75428 | $3,630 | 43% |
| #24 Valdosta State University 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, Georgia 31698 | $4,572 | 40% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Online Masters in Library Science Programs
A student’s major concern in searching for a university is to find an affordable online master’s in library science. Franklin University reports that the master’s degree tuition for a typical public or private university ranges from $30,000 to $40,000. To help you out, we have researched and compiled a list of schools based on affordability:
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M University, Commerce 2600 South Neal Street, Commerce, Texas 75428 | $3,630 | 43% |
| #2 East Central University 1100 E. 14th Street, Ada, Oklahoma 74820 | $4,298 | 37% |
| #3 Northeastern State University 600 N Grand, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464 | $4,500 | 33% |
| #4 Valdosta State University 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, Georgia 31698 | $4,572 | 40% |
| #5 North Carolina Central University 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707 | $4,740 | 49% |
| #6 East Carolina University East 5th Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27858 | $4,749 | 66% |
| #7 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608 | $4,839 | 73% |
| #8 Texas Woman’s University 304 Administration Dr, Denton, Texas 76204 | $4,973 | 43% |
| #9 University of North Carolina, Greensboro 1400 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402 | $5,219 | 59% |
| #10 University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 | $5,558 | 50% |
| #11 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #12 Chicago State University 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60628 | $5,850 | 17% |
| #13 University of North Texas 1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203 | $5,900 | 56% |
| #14 Emporia State University 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, Kansas 66801 | $6,394 | 50% |
| #15 University of Central Missouri 108 W South Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 | $7,524 | 51% |
| #16 University of Houston, Clear Lake 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, Texas 77058 | $7,920 | 80% |
| #17 University of South Alabama 307 N University Blvd, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 | $7,956 | 46% |
| #18 Murray State University 218 Wells Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071 | $8,214 | 55% |
| #19 University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 | $8,350 | 75% |
| #20 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 | $8,786 | 49% |
| #21 Purdue University 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 | $8,826 | 50% |
| #22 Middle Tennessee State University 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132 | $8,946 | 47% |
| #23 Jacksonville State University 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 | $9,600 | 41% |
| #24 Western Kentucky University 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 | $12,140 | 48% |
| #25 University of Washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195 | $18,198 | 84% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Masters in Library Science Programs
An online master’s in library science degree prepares future librarians for academic settings, K-12 schools, museums, galleries, governmental agencies, and corporate libraries. Programs take from one-to-three years to complete. Students take core classes and then concentrate on a specialized curriculum that matches their career choices.
Online Masters in Library Science Degree Types
There are three-degree types conferred at universities that grant accredited, online Masters in Library Science degrees. The nomenclature may vary by university. Some programs may use various names for their MLS. These can also be called a Master of Librarianship, Master of Information Studies, or Master of Library and Information Studies. Study each university’s curriculum as well as education requirements for each program. Here are the three major degrees:
MS Library Science
The online MS in Library Science has both theoretical and practice components. Students are typically required to complete a master’s thesis or take additional courses beyond the required total. Students pursuing the MS in Library Science may find the widest possible variety of jobs within the profession. The MS in Library Science can also serve as a foundation for work toward a doctorate.
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
The online MLIS degree is a technological upgrade to the MS Library Science and has become the standard degree for working librarians. It combines the traditional MS in Library Science curriculum with a concentration in leadership, information storage, and print and digital archives management.
MA Library Science
The MA in Library Science is a terminal degree. Students focus on the liberal arts as they apply to library science. The MA concentration introduces students to many of the same topics as the MS degree but does not require a graduation thesis.
Specializations in Masters in Library Science Programs
In pursuing a Masters’s in Library Science, students choose a concentration that prepares them for their chosen career within the larger field. Specializations build the qualifications required for the kind of library or data system where graduates plan to practice. Concentrations include:
| Academic Libraries | Students focus on the knowledge base and best practices for work in a college or university library, including academic publications, research, and digital collections. |
| Public Librarianship | Courses prepare the graduate for managing, budget planning, and staffing in a public library. The focus is on research management and decision making. |
| Children’s Librarianship | Working as a librarian in a school setting has its own unique skills. Librarians must stay current with programming trends and curating for a K-12 audience. |
| Specialty Libraries | MLIS specializations for libertarians plan to work in libraries with a collection focus such as medical or law libraries. Often courses in professional terminology are required. |
| Digital Libraries Specialization | This library and information science degree ready digital specialists to serve universities, businesses, governments, and private organizations. This specialization includes training in information architecture, data organization, and multimedia. |
Curriculum and Skills Gained in master’s in library science Programs
From their very first librarian course online, master’s students begin gathering the essential skills necessary for success in their careers. These include using analytical reasoning and clear communications/interpersonal relations in working with all populations. Other key skills include collection documentation and management, research methodology, technology, and education. Here’s a sampling of common courses to examine:
| Reference and Information Literacy Services | This online librarian course provides an overview of print and electronic resources related to service delivery in varied communities. |
| Archival Theory, Principles & Practice | Study of the principles and theories in acquiring, arranging, preserving, and cataloging collections. |
| School Library Management | A survey of best-practices for librarians in K-12 schools. A review of the responsibilities of the school librarian/library director. |
| Intelligence & Analytics | This comprehensive study focuses on archival data security, research, data analysis. |
| Information Resources | In preparation for employment in reference services, the course focuses on methods for scholarly, reference, and general resources. |
Accreditation for Online Masters in Library Science Programs
Accreditation is a voluntary university process using an independent association to measure academic quality and student support. Both employers and other educational institutions may require applicants who have graduated from online MLS programs accredited by a regional or national organization. In addition, students who attend a school that is not accredited are disqualified from Federal financial aid packages. The American Library Association is the accrediting institution dedicated to librarian programs. Only ALA-approved colleges should be on your list of prospective schools. There are also regional accreditation agencies that evaluate programs. To learn more about accreditation, visit our guide. Here are the pertinent accrediting organizations:
- American Library Association ALA-accredited master programs meet national guidelines for academic quality.
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Universities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and British Columbia are evaluated by the NWCCU
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) NECHE offers accreditation to universities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) WSCUC represents accreditation for Universities in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Rim.
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)/Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) MSCHE is the regional accreditation organization for Delaware universities, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) HLC is the regional accreditor for universities in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Ohio.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) Universities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America turn to the SACS-COC for accreditation.
Timeline for graduation from Masters in Library Science Programs
Completing a master’s degree in library science online can take from one to two years. Universities often grant five years to complete a master’s. The flexibility of online master’s programs means that it’s up to each student to set their own timelines. A student committing to full-time work on the degree will finish sooner than a student who must attend on a part-time basis. Part-time students may have to fit their studies around their work or to raise a family. Other factors affecting program length include needing additional financial aid or deciding to change your research area.
Online Masters in Library Science Programs Admission Requirements
There are no “one-size-fits-all” requirements for acceptance to universities offering the online Masters in library science. Every program establishes its own admissions policy. Applicants must also satisfy university-wide requirements to attend the program. Study each school’s admission requirements and hit the deadline for applications. Here are several common requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
Among the major prerequisites for Library Science Masters is completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree may be from any college major. Undergraduate studies in liberal arts and computer science provide a solid foundation for work toward the online master’s in library science.
Transcripts
All universities require graduate school applicants for transcripts of their undergraduate and post-graduate work. Transcripts validate the bachelor’s degree and indicate past academic performance.
Letters of Recommendation
Round up three or four letters, depending on the university’s requirements. Library programs prefer letters from former professors. They may also be submitted from current or former work managers. Letters speak to the student’s knowledge, character, work, and academic potential.
Resume
Having prior experience in a library setting is a plus. A resume documents the experience and identifies employers.
MLIS Application Essays (Statement of Purpose)
The statement of purpose is a personal essay describing the student’s career goals and why this particular program best serves those goals.
Online Masters in Library Science No GRE Programs
Some universities offering an online Master’s in Library Science do not require a GRE score in their admissions requirements. For many students, that is a boon. They do not have to spend time and money paying and preparing for the exam. In lieu of the GRE, these universities evaluate the admissions requirements. Here are some programs offering a master’s in library science online with no GRE required:
One Year Library Science Masters Programs Online
One-year MLIS programs are accredited and reduce the amount of time to complete the program. Students who can keep up with the accelerated pace can quickly enter the field and enjoy total tuition savings. The universities offering these programs may also waive requirements for a GRE. Here are some one-year MLIS programs to give you an idea of what is involved:
How to Pay for Online Master’s in Library Science Programs
The cost of tuition and fees to complete your online master’s in Library Science may seem discouraging, but fortunately, you do not have to pay for it all on your own. There are several pathways to funding your degree. Some require repayment, and some do not.
Techniques for Paying for Your Online Master’s in Library Science
Financial Aid
When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the US, the Department of Education evaluates your financial needs and recommends the amount you can receive in subsidized or unsubsidized loans, work-study, and federal grants programs. Your FAFSA results are forwarded to your university.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants are awarded by the federal and state government, your online master’s in the library science department, or the university where the program is conducted. For example, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) awards $5,000 in individual research grants that do not need to be repaid.
Fellowships
Fellowships are for research and fieldwork. They are offered by universities, library associations, and governmental organizations. Fellowships underwrite field experiences that may be crucial to completing your degree or in landing a job.
Read more about financial did on the Best Financial Aid Guide.
Scholarships for Masters in Library Science Students
Scholarships are often the first choice among student financial aid resources since they do not have to be repaid. The American Library Association is one of the largest scholarship-granting organizations in the MLIS arena. Here are four examples of available scholarships:
David H. Clift Scholarship
Who can apply? Students who are enrolled in an American Library Association-accredited masters in library science program.
Amount: $3,000.
George A. Strait Minority Scholarships
Who can apply? The American Association of Law Libraries sponsors this scholarship open to minority students attending an accredited library graduate school program.
Amount: Varies each year.
Marshall Cavendish Scholarship
Who can apply? Applicants must be enrolled in an ALA-accredited master’s program with no more than 12 completed semester hours.
Amount: $3,000.
Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship
Who can apply? Open to an American Library Association or library support staffer enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program.
Amount: $3,000.
FAQs about Library Science Masters Programs
These are some of the most common questions asked by potential students of the Master of Library and Information Science programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MLIS?
The Master of Library and Information Science degree is the terminal degree for professionals working in collecting resources — paper and digital.
What is a Library Science Degree?
How can I get a master’s in library science?
Where can I get a Library Science Degree?
How long does it take to become a Librarian?
Why is accreditation important?
Careers and Salary Outlook for Library Science Masters Graduates
Employment of librarians and related professions is predicted to rise between 4 and 11% during the 2016-2028 decade. Library Science master’s graduates work in a broad range of academic, education, technological firms, public and private organizations. We have researched careers that cover the spectrum of library and archival jobs. Each listing below cites the job title, the predicted growth in employment, and the role’s median annual salary.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2016-2028) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarians and Library Media Specialists | $59,500 | 5% | Librarians and Library Media Specialists research professional, non-profit, educational, and governmental organizations. |
| Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers | $49,850 | 11% | Archivists oversee the collections in museums or other institutions for accuracy and preservation. |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,290 | 6% | K-12 Instructional Coordinatorswork with teachers to develop curriculum, determine educational resources, and review course effectiveness. |
| K-12 Teachers | $61,660 | 4% | Graduates of a master’s in library science degree program can add an educational license to qualify to work in the classroom. |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Certifications and Licensing for Library Science Masters Graduates
Many professions view licensure, certification, or specific endorsements to work in the field. This does not hold true for work in library or library research settings. But school librarians are required to hold certifications or licensure as a schoolteacher in their selected subject area. Be sure to examine librarian requirements in the state where you plan on working. Earning a Certificate in Library Science does not qualify you for work in a school setting. In some states, school and public library applicants must take and pass the exam for a PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist.
PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist (K-12). Participants are given 2 hours to answer 120 questions on the exam. The PRAXIS Exam creators, ETS, have free study materials. The University of Kentucky maintains a list of teacher’s certification requirements for all states.
Additional Resources for Library Science Professionals
Both MLIS students and working librarians rely upon outside associations and organizations to build upon or launch their careers. Your university libraries are a great place to begin your research or interview professionals during the school year. But many students find that they need additional help in research, networking, or career information. There are online job boards, library science publications, scholarly papers, and career advice at your fingertips. The following resource selection will help find all of that along with additional training, librarian toolkits, industry news, research findings, and scholarships.
American Library Association. The ALA provides support and information for students who intend to work in library careers. Their professional toolkit contains scholarships, community relationships, professional ethics, and library jobs listings.
CareerOneStop Blog. A great job resource for students pursuing a master’s in library science online, the blog offers a range of library job-seekers resources. It maintains listings of free job search sites, salary finders, resume assistance, and much more.
Library Journal. Founded more than 140 years ago, Library Journal is a home for news, trends, book reviews, library technology articles, and studies on academic and public libraries. A great resource if you are an MLIS student.
The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). A division of the ALA, the ACRL represents 10,000 libraries and individuals. Resources include updates on advocacy issues, awards and scholarships, mentoring, networking, and career assistance.
The Association of Research Libraries. The association hosts a networking forum for MLIS students at major public and private universities, public institutions, and federal government agencies. Learn about advocacy, career salaries, scholarships, research library trends, and issues.
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