Best Online Master’s in Library Science
Trips to the library used to be much more frequent — in 2022, library visits were almost 50% lower than a decade before. Every major North American city has experienced a decline in physical visits to public libraries. However, the decrease in library visits does not necessarily indicate a drop in people’s interest in libraries.
The demand for librarians and library media specialists will continue even as technology continues to transform their workplaces. In addition to providing information access, librarians also educate, host events, and provide public services. The best online library science degrees prepare you for evolving careers in private and public libraries, museums, and beyond.
Plan your career using this resource page. Here we breakdown online library science degrees, including
Top Online Master’s Programs in Library Science
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online master's degree in library and information science at the University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, offers high academic quality. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the master of management in library and information science program. With a master's degree, candidates often pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives on library science. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The admission requirements include a background in library and information science or a related field.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 55
Program Name: Online master of management in library and information science
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
- In-State$57,256
- Out-of-state$57,256
- In-State$46,272
- Out-of-state$46,272
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled48,321
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an online master's in library and information science. The MS in library and information science program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on library and information science. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends a background in library and information science or a related field for those applying.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 59%
Total Online Master's Programs: 30
Program Name: MS in library and information science
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,997
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,404
- In-State$14,188
- Out-of-state$33,127
- In-State$14,997
- Out-of-state$28,404
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled51,605
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a flexible online master's in information organization. The program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in library and information science. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in library and information science.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of Wisconsin-Madison at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 54%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master's in information organization
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,728
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,054
- In-State$9,273
- Out-of-state$36,333
- In-State$10,728
- Out-of-state$24,054
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled44,257
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its campus in Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama hosts a top-ranked master's in library and information science program. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous master of library and information studies program. With a master's degree, candidates may pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the library and information science field. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants with prior experience in library and information science or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
The University of Alabama at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 83%
Total Online Master's Programs: 23
Program Name: Master of library and information studies
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,780
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,250
- In-State$10,780
- Out-of-state$30,250
- In-State$10,780
- Out-of-state$30,250
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled38,100
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its campus in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University offers an online master's in library and information science. The master of library science program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. Applicants without a degree in library science or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Appalachian State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 77%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Library science (MLS)
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,839
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,271
- In-State$4,242
- Out-of-state$19,049
- In-State$4,839
- Out-of-state$18,271
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled19,280
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Online Library Science Degree?
- Promote literacy and spread knowledge
- Learn to preserve and organize information
- Convenient learning format, especially for working parents and caregivers
- Opportunities to specialize in areas like art, law, and medicine
- Find jobs in private and public schools, local government, and colleges
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections indicate that librarian employment will keep pace with the average from 2022-2032
- The top 10% of librarians earned more than $101,970 as of April 2024
Did you know?
- The U.S. employs about 141,200 librarians and media collections specialists
- The Library of Congress is the largest in the world, with roughly 164 million items
- Nearly 124,000 different kinds of libraries operate across the nation
- The New York Public Library and Boston Public Library rank as the second- and third-largest libraries by volume
- Operating budgets for 273 public libraries grew by 7.9% from 2022-2023
What to Expect From an Online Library Science Graduate Program
The best online library science programs prepare librarians and information professionals for the contemporary era. This degree covers the concepts, theories, and technology used in libraries and information industries.
The average master’s in library science requires about 30-36 credits. Over two years, you can prepare for careers in libraries and institutions that preserve information resources, such as museums and historical societies. Electives and concentrations let you deepen your knowledge in specific areas, such as archival studies, law librarianship, and music librarianship. Degrees may hold programmatic accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA).
Understand Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution meets the basic prerequisites for any master’s program. Since each library science degree is administered differently, they may require unique admission criteria. For instance, law librarian concentrations may require an applicant to hold a juris doctor degree from a school approved by the American Bar Association. The following includes common admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in any major
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Application materials that include a personal statement, resume, official transcripts, and 2-3 letters of recommendation
- GRE scores may be required or preferred
- Optional interview
Discover Popular Courses
Library science degrees prepare students for careers in information science, but specific courses and electives may vary. The following includes common courses offered by the best online library science degrees.
- Collection and access management
- Emerging technologies in libraries
- Information access and knowledge inquiry
- Information technology
- Management of information organizations
- Principles of cataloging and classification
- Research, assessment, and design
Explore Graduation Requirements
A master of library science degree includes lectures and practicum experiences that prepare you for the modern informational needs of various agencies and organizations. You must meet the requirements of a program to earn a master’s degree. You typically must complete the required core courses and electives, along with any final exam, capstone project, or thesis requirements. Some programs may incorporate an internship or practicum experience at a school library in the final year.
Colleges may require that you maintain minimum academic standards. Requirements could include earning either an A or B grade in core courses. Also, you may need to keep an overall 3.0 GPA throughout the program.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Library Science?
Traditionally, a master’s in library science leads to positions in libraries. Changes in technology have created greater opportunities in broader information-based careers. Graduates can pursue careers as archivists, information architects, or data management analysts.
Along with seniority, work setting can affect salary expectations. Entry-level archivists earned less than $34,310 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. The top 10% of archivists made more than $100,510. They earn a median annual salary of $62,100 in education services, compared to $52,000 at museums.
Working in traditional library settings allows professionals to specialize in roles like librarian, music librarian, law librarian, and medical librarian. Many graduates also pursue non-traditional careers as corporate recruiters, who can earn an average annual salary of $66,520, according to July 2024 Payscale data.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Archivist | $59,910 | 8% |
| Corporate Recruiter | $66,520* | Not Available |
| Data Management Analyst | $99,410 | 10% |
| Information Architect | $110,920* | Not Available |
| Law Librarian | $66,040* | Not Available |
| Librarian and Library Media Specialist | $64,370 | 3% |
| Project Manager | $98,580 | 6% |
| Special Collections Curator | $59,920* | 10.8% |
*denotes average annual income as of July 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Library Science?
Annual tuition and fees for a master’s in library science cost an average of $18,340 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Take note that no tuition estimate can provide a clear picture of what you will pay for your master’s in library science. Because every student’s situation is unique, you cannot predict the exact costs for each degree.
In-state residents almost always get a better tuition deal than out-of-state residents. However, schools may provide reciprocity tuition agreements. Online programs may also offer the same tuition rate to learners across all states.
Private schools often cost more than public schools. NCES data reveals that, in the 2021-2022 academic year, graduate students paid an average of $12,596 at public colleges, while enrollees in private institutions paid $28,017 at nonprofit and for-profit colleges.
You need not pay the tuition out-of-pocket thanks to the FAFSA. This form determines your eligibility for federal loans and grants. In addition to federal aid, you can also tap scholarships and private loans, if needed, though loans require repayment and scholarships do not.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Library Science Degrees
Master’s in library science degrees prepare graduates to collect, manage, and preserve information. They curate libraries by choosing the information and items to include in collections. This degree also teaches degree-holders to provide community service and work in leadership roles.
