It is not oversimplification to say that a librarian is, by definition, an information sharer. If you are a librarian, you already know the great feeling you get when you help people find a book or article or piece of knowledge that will change their lives. Perhaps you have been intending to upgrade your degree, for any number of reasons. It may be that you simply wish to attain more skills in your job, or you may want or need to increase your pay. Going for that master’s degree in library science will accomplish both these goals. Earning your degree online will allow you to continue working while you go to school and take care of your day-to-day obligations.
The job titles available to you with a master’s degree are numerous, and they include the following: genealogist; media coordinator; archivist; database administrator; information services manager; adult services librarian; school librarian, K-12; children’s librarian; cataloguer; law librarian; museum collection specialist; and other roles and titles that might not even exist today.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth for the profession, about as fast as the average for all professions, adding that “there will be a continuous need for librarians to manage libraries and help patrons find information.” If you are a more technical and data-driven sort, the positions will likely pay significantly more. The median pay in 2018 was $59,050, about $28.39 per hour. Here are some representative jobs and their median annual pay, as of 2018 (BLS).
Library Assistant — $29,640
Library Technician — $29,640
Archivist — $48,400
Librarian — $59,050
Database Administrator — $90,070
Information Systems Manager — $142,530
The library science programs at the colleges and universities in this list have been researched and ranked according to the data charts below. Where a tie has occurred in rankings, weight has been added for schools with lower tuition costs.
ALA (American Library Association) Accreditation — 5 points
Regional Accreditation — 3 points
Cost per Credit Hour:
- $500 and under – 5 points
- $800 and under – 4 points
- $1,000 and under – 3 points
- $1,400 and under – 2 points
- $1,700 and under – 1 point
USNWR Ranking –
- Top 5 – 5 points
- Top 20 – 4 points
- Top 30 – 3 points
- Top 50 – 2 points
- 51 and up – 1 point
#17 – Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, Connecticut
MLIS Online
ALA Accreditation: Candidate for Accreditation (decision 6/20)
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,056
Points: 10
Website
Southern Connecticut State University has a 36 credit hour, online MLIS degree. To apply, submit two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, and $50 fee, but GRE scores are not required. The library science department communicates all important information to students through the Listserv of SCSU_SCALA. The curriculum for Southern Connecticut State University’s online master of library and information science includes the following: management of library and information agencies; literacy, literature, and reading in schools and public libraries; collective development and management; multimedia hub for smart services; integrating technology and media in K-12 curriculum; and community information centers: public libraries re-imagined.
#16 – Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
MLIS Online
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #37 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,743
Points: 11
Website
The 36 credit hour, master of library and information science degree featured at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is a 100% online, asynchronous program with no on-campus requirements. Students can opt to earn a dual degree with a graduate certificate or master’s degree in history or another approved discipline. Nine career-specific specializations are available. Management of information systems is one of the core, required courses. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College asks for the following materials when applying for their online MLIS: transcripts showing a 3.0 minimum GPA; three letters of recommendation; resume; statement of purpose; and $25 fee.
#15 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania
MS in Information and Library Science Online
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: rank not published
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $770.10
Points: 12
Website
At Clarion University of Pennsylvania you can take the 36 credit hour, MS in Information and Library Science (MSILS) degree online. In fact, the program was the first of its kind in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is only available online, and boasts of its two concentrations: reference and user services; and local and archival studies. Curriculum includes the following courses: information sources and services; organization of information; administration and management of libraries; apprenticeship in information agencies; leadership for libraries and information. Clarion University of Pennsylvania requires transcripts, a resume, and a $40 fee to apply for their online, MS in Information and Library Science degree.
#14 – Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois
Online MS in Library Science and Information Science
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $630
Points: 12
Website
Chicago State University offers an online master of science in library science and information science (MSLIS) degree that has four specializations: school libraries; archives and record management; academic libraries; and public libraries. The program is 30-43 credit hours, with 15 hours of required courses. The curriculum includes foundations of the information profession, organization of information, management and organization of libraries, database design of information storage and retrieval, a field practicum, and information technology for libraries and information agencies. To apply to Chicago State University for their online MSLIS, submit transcripts, a resume, a personal goals statement, and $25 application fee.
#13 – East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
MLS Online
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #43 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $893.82
Points: 13
Website
The 39 semester hour, 100% online master of library science degree available at East Carolina University has three focus areas: academic library; public library; and school library media. The program consists of 8 required, core courses, to be taken in consecutive series and include the following: foundations of library and information studies; technology for library services; organization of information in libraries; library administration and management; and collection development. Application to East Carolina University’s online MLS requires transcripts and a $75 fee. Applicants who hold a graduate degree in library science and seek school licensure must submit transcripts for evaluation.
#12 – North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
Online MIS
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #37 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $891.64
Points: 13
Website
At North Carolina Central University, you can take a 36 credit hour, online master of information science degree that has three tracks; networking and communication program; strategic information management program; and health informatics program. Seven core courses are required, and these include information systems in organizations, communications science, database systems, and information systems projects. North Carolina Central University does not require GRE scores to apply to their online MIS degree program, but calls for transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, resume, and $50 application fee.
#11 – Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Online MLS
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies: rank not published
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $490.57
Points: 13
Website
Emporia State University’s 36 credit hour master of library science degree is a completely online cohort model program, except for two face-to-face weekend intensives during the semester. Some courses are entirely online. Four concentrations are available: archives studies; informatics; leadership and administration; and youth services. The curriculum includes information-seeking behavior and reference services, management in information organizations, and a capstone course. When applying to the online MLS given by Emporia State University, submit transcripts showing an overall, minimum 3.0 GPA or a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and a $50 fee.
#10 – University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online MLIS (Licensure)
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $479.12
Points: 13
Website
The University of Southern Mississippi has a 31 credit hour, 100% online master’s of library information science (licensure) degree with a dual program, if desired, that leads to MLIS and Instructional Technology degree (30 hours). Coursework includes archiving, cataloging, reference, collective development management, research, presentation, and digital libraries. The University of Southern Mississippi online MLIS (Licensure) program calls for 22 hours of required courses, a choice of electives, a comprehensive exam, and a three-hour master’s project. To apply, submit transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, application essay, resume, and $60 fee.
#9 – Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York
Online MSLIS
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #4
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,620
Points: 14
Website
The online master of science in library and information studies degree offered by Syracuse University is 36 credit hours and can be completed in 18 months. The three core themes of the program are a focus on the users of library and information services, the use of technology to provide exemplary services, and management of information services and systems. Syracuse University’s MSLIS has been ALA accredited since 1928, and the online format consists of weekly classes, multimedia coursework, and collaborative learning experiences. To apply, send resume, transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a personal statement, and $75 fee.
#8 – University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Online MLIS
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #14 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,397
Points: 14
Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s 36 credit hour, online masters of library information science degree has been continuously accredited by ALA since 1976. The four concentrations are: archival studies; information organization; information technology; and public library. Students may choose from six specializations: academic libraries; digital libraries; information law, policy, and ethics; information literacy; public libraries (children and adult services); and special libraries. In addition, a coordinated degree program may be arranged from nine degree areas, leading to school media certification. To apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for their online MLIS, submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and $75 fee.
#7 – Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in LIS
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #11
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,303
Points: 14
Website
Drexel University’s online master’s in library and information science degree is a 45 credit hour, 15 course program that will take 1-2 years to complete, with 3 foundation courses, five electives, and a capstone course. The curriculum has the following courses: data and digital stewardship; issues in information literacy; public library service; and introduction to archives. When applying to Drexel University for their online master’s in library and information science degree, send transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, one letter of recommendation, resume, and statement of purpose. No application fee is required.
#6 – University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Online Master’s in Library Science
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #20 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,111
Points: 14
Website
The online Master’s in Library Science degree given by the University of Kentucky comes with the possibility of a practicum and studies abroad, as well as spring break opportunities to study significant libraries in Washington, DC. Asynchronous classes allow for flexibility and include the following topics: information systems design; information architecture; introduction to data science; management in LIS; and information representation and access. When applying to the University of Kentucky for their 36 credit hour, online master’s in library science degree, you should submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a $65 fee.
#5 – SUNY at Albany
Albany, New York
Online MS in IS School Library
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #22 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $944
Points: 14
Website
SUNY at Albany has a 100% online master of science in information science school library degree that calls for transcripts, resume, departmental questionnaire, three letters of recommendation, and a $75 application fee. Curriculum for the 36 credit hour program includes literature for children, the information environment, information and knowledge organization, curriculum and supportive resources, and administration of school libraries-media centers. The program may lead to initial teaching certification as a library media specialist. SUNY at Albany requires field experience, and there are two required, university-supervised internships for their online MS in IS School Library degree.
#4 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
MSLS Online
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #3
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,122
Points: 15
Website
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a 48 credit hour, online master of science in library science degree that has nine specializations of informal course plans, including adult services in public libraries, children and youth services, digital libraries, school library media coordinator, and special libraries and knowledge management. Some required courses are human information interactions and management for information professionals. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has maintained ALA accreditation since 1934, and asks for the following when applying to their online MSLS program: three letters of recommendation; GRE scores; transcripts; resume; statement of purpose; and $90 fee.
#3 – Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
MLIS Online
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #19
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $725
Points: 16
Website
The 100% online master of library and information science degree at Kent State University is the largest graduate program at the school. School library media is the available concentration, and students may also choose to complete their MEd in a dual program, which would earn a license to work at any level K-12 as a library/media specialist. Admission to the 42 credit hour, online MLIS degree program at Kent State University at Kent requires transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, application essay, three letters of recommendation, and $45 fee.
#2 – University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
MS in LS Online
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #20 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $674.79
Points: 16
Website
The University of North Texas’s master’s degree in library science is a 36 credit hour, “mostly online” program that requires six days of in-person attendance. The curriculum includes the following courses: metadata and networked information organization/retrieval; management of information agencies; law libraries and legal informatics; youth librarianship; digital image management; and distributed learning librarianship. To apply to the University of North Texas for their MS in LS online degree, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a $75 fee.
#1 – The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online MSLIS
ALA Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Best Library & Information Studies Ranking: #28 (tie)
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $420
Points: 16
Website
At the University of Alabama, you can opt to take your degree entirely online. The 36 credit hour, cohort-model, online master of science in information studies degree does require an on-campus orientation. The program may be completed in two years by taking two online courses per semester. Coursework includes the following courses: organization of information; introduction to libraries and information science; academic libraries; and school media centers. Application to the University of Alabama’s online MSLIS degree calls for 3.0 minimum GPA, $65 fee, and one of these three requirements: GRE scores; bachelor’s degree within the last five years; or five years of demonstrated experience in the field.
OCR Staff
December 2019
Other Rankings of Interest: