Best Online Library Science Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Founded in 1899, Appalachian State University offers over 150 bachelor’s degrees and over 80 graduate programs between online and in-person learning for its 20,023 students. According to US News & World Report, the North Carolina-based university is the sixth-highest ranked school on the Regional Universities South list and is ranked second for best undergraduate teaching school and best school for veterans.

Master of Library Science

Core coursework in this Master of Library Science will cover topics on information services and sources, technology tools for academic libraries, methods of research, and critical issues in media and literature. Graduate students will need to complete either an internship or practicum or take the Applications of Librarianship Standards class at the end of their degree.

No thesis or proficiency test is required for graduation, but you’re required to receive proof of candidacy from the department showing your readiness for the job market or a doctoral program.

Master of Library Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $304/credit (in state); $1,138/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 73%

Master of Library Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE or MAT can be waived for those with GPA above 3.4 or 3.0 with five-plus years of working experience in a library
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Undergraduate degree
• Other Requirements: Resume, three references

Applying to Appalachian State University

1. Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
2. Complete the online application and pay the $65 application fee
3. Send official transcripts for any completed degrees
4. File your resume
5. Submit three professional references

Clarion University is ranked 39th on US News & World Report’s list of best public schools and boasts 28 national accreditations. The Pennsylvanian university, founded in 1876, offers over 175 programs across its enrollment of 4,465 students.

M.S.L.S. Information and Library Science

In this Master of Science in Information and Library Science program at Clarion University , online students learn from core courses including library integrated technology, information organization, and informational services and sources. Students will also complete three semester hours in a management course, three semester hours in an internship or research program, and a three-credit capstone experience.

Students will choose a concentration in either User and Reference Services, or Archival and Local Studies, or you can get your M.S.L.S in School Library Media. After graduation, you can optionally complete a post-master’s certificate of advanced studies to expand your professional skills.

M.S.L.S. Information and Library Science Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $516/credit (in state); $557/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 2 semesters at 15 credits per semester or 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 53%

M.S.L.S. Information and Library Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required for this program
• Application Fee: $40
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Resume

Applying to Clarion University

1. Complete the online application
2. Pay the $40 application fee
3. Provide bachelor’s degree transcripts
4. Send in transcripts from graduate-level work, if any
5. Submit your current resume

Drexel University was founded in 1891 and today offers more than 120 graduate and professional programs and has a total enrollment of 23,589 students across all degrees. This private research university is ranked among the Top 40 Comprehensive Research Universities in the United States by the Department of Education in its 2022 College Scorecard.

Master's in Library & Information Sciences

Drexel University's online MLIS degree is heavily focused on providing students a technological background, with classes on digital library technologies, resource descriptions and metadata, information ethics, and data and information. While some doubt the utility of library studies, Drexel cites the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ nine percent expected job growth for library and information science through 2030 as proof of the demand for professionals in the field.

With your degree from Drexel, you can expect to land jobs as library technicians, assistants, or archivists. But with this online program's tech-focus, you can also find work as a software developer, information research and computer scientist, or information systems and computer manager.

Master's in Library & Information Sciences Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education American Library Association (ALA)
• Tuition: $1,342/credit
• Required Credits: 45 credits
• Program Length: 1 - 2 years
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Master's in Library & Information Sciences Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.00
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: None for online programs
• Minimum Education: A four-year bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Letter of recommendation, resume, personal essay stating the purpose of pursuing your education

Applying to Drexel University

1. Submit application form
2. Provide official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
3. Submit your letter of recommendation
4. Submit your statement of purpose essay
5. Provide a resume

Founded in 1909, East Carolina University has kept up with the times, and now has more than 100 online degrees. This university focuses on utilizing the latest developments in technology across academic disciplines. Library Science is ECU’s College of Education’s largest program and generates the most school-library media-coordinator graduates out of any school in the state.

Master of Library Science

If you plan on becoming a librarian at a community college, university, or K-12 school, East Carolina’s ALA-accredited program might be the right fit for you. You can choose between three concentration areas, including academic, school, and public libraries. Tailored to fit unconventional students, this program offers asynchronous coursework for those with difficult schedules. Students also have the option to participate in an internship or study abroad program.

Master of Library Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and American Library Association (ALA)
• Tuition: $263/credit (in state); $994/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 39 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at around 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 65%

Master of Library Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.7
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, 500-word admission essay

Applying to East Carolina University

1. Complete the online application form
2. Pay the application fee
3. Provide your official transcripts for all the institutes you’ve attended
4. Submit three letters of recommendation
5. Write a 500-word admission essay

Louisiana State University was founded in 1860 and has a total of 34,285 students enrolled in more than 330 programs across its 14 schools and colleges. The university is known for its wide variety of academic disciplines, including a college of agriculture, law, health sciences, mass communications, and veterinary medicine.

Master of Library and Information Science

As a part-time student or full-time student, you can opt to study one or more focus areas for your degree, such as Academic or Public Librarianship, Cultural Heritage Resource Management, Digital Content Management, Youth Services Librarianship, Archival Studies, and Records and Information Management.

For your online courses, you’ll complete 18 hours in core classes such as collection development for children, information resources, and archival theory, and 18 hours in elective courses. With this degree, you’ll be ready for a career in various types of librarianship, digital content, information management, or archival studies.

Master of Library and Information Science Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $485/credit
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 70%

Master of Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.75 for probationary admission; 3.0 for unconditional admission
• Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT or equivalent, unless have GPA above 3.0
• Application Fee: $50; $70 for international students
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: Resume, three references

Applying to Louisiana State University

1. Apply through the graduate school
2. List three references to later fill out the school’s online form
3. Attach your resume
4. Submit your academic transcript
5. Write a statement of purpose of at least 1,000 words

Syracuse University is a research university ranked 59th on US News & World Report’s list of best universities in the nation. The school was founded in 1870 and has a total enrollment of 21,322 students enrolled in one of its 200 undergraduate majors, 200 plus advanced degrees,  or 69 online programs.

Library and Information Science Master's Degree

Consider studying at Syracuse University if you want to someday become a school, law, or medical librarian, data officer, web developer, UX researcher, or records manager. In this program, you can choose between two different degree paths, either getting the Certificate of Advanced Study or pursuing one of the professional pathways.

You can get a certificate in either enterprise technology leadership, security management, data science, or enterprise technology leadership. Professional pathways include specialties such as children and youth services, digital information systems, data curation, user services, information research and analytics, or community engagement. A school media version of the degree is also available which qualifies you to work as a library media specialist.

Library and Information Science Master's Degree Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,734/credit
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online

Library and Information Science Master's Degree Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required, but optional
• Application Fee: $75 normal deadline; $45 before early priority deadline
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Resume, two letters of recommendation, personal statement
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%

Applying to Syracuse University

1. Complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Submit your resume and academic transcripts
4. Provide two letters of recommendation
5. Submit a personal statement

The University of Arizona is a public research university that was founded in 1885 and has since, through community services such as offering education, formed sustainable relationships with the Indigenous tribes in the area. Between its four campuses and online platform, the school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 300 fields of study for its 45,601 students.

Master of Arts: Library & Information

Once you determine your ideal career path, you’ll choose a degree concentration in archival studies for special collections, digital curation, health information, or librarianship in a public, special, or academic library. Core courses include organizing information, research methods, and information services, and electives on managing collections, preserving collections digitally, and documenting cultures. You will also complete a capstone internship and an ePortfolio.

Master of Arts: Library & Information Science Overview9

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and American Library Association
• Tuition: $900/credit
• Required Credits: 37 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 65%

Master of Arts: Library & Information Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests:  None
• Application Fee: $85
• Minimum Education: Undergraduate degree
• Other Requirements: Statement of purpose of 700 to 1,000 words, current resume, two letters of recommendation

Applying to University of Arizona

1. Submit online application
2. Sent in all unofficial transcripts from any institutions attended
3. Provide your current resume
4. Write a 750- to 1,000-word statement of purpose
5. Get two recommendation letters

Originally founded as a medical college in 1846, the University at Buffalo has since expanded to host the largest number of programs in New York state. More than 140 bachelor’s degrees and more than 300 master’s, certificate, and professional programs educate its 32,347-strong student population. The research university is ranked the number one public university in New York state , according to the Wall Street Journal’s and Times Higher Education’s college rankings.

Information and Library Science, MS

Core classes within this Master of Science in Information and Library Science degree cover research methods, information usage, and the life cycle of information. Students can also opt to specialize in either music librarianship or law librarianship. Additionally, you can gain real-world, educational experience by taking one of the program’s many special projects, directed study courses, or practicums.

Information and Library Science, MS Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition : $471/credit (in state); $565/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 75%

Information and Library Science, MS Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required through Fall 2022; subject to change
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Three references for future recommendation letter submission, statement of purpose

Applying to University at Buffalo

1. Complete online application
2. Pay the $50 application fee
3. Provide three references to later complete online recommendation letters
4. Submit your unofficial transcripts
5. Complete a statement of purpose stating your career ambitions

Originally a seminary school, the University of Denver was established in 1864 and is now home to 13,865 students of all backgrounds. The school offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 120 graduate and professional programs.

Master’s in Library and Information Science

Students in this program can take the general form of the degree, or choose to focus on archiving for special libraries, which teaches how to manage digital collections, digitization projects, records, and archives. At the end of your program, you’ll compile a portfolio of your work and either complete a capstone project or participate in a 100-hour internship.

This program is ideal for those that wish to work as a museum or digital archivist for special libraries, community outreach or business research specialist, an expert in data curation, or manager of digital libraries.

Master’s in Library and Information Science Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $985/credit
• Required Credits: 58 quarter credits, equaling ~38 normal credit hours
• Program Length: 19 classes over 21 to 27 months
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 75%

Master’s in Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, resume, statement of purpose, and diversity statement (if applicable)

Applying to University of Denver

1. Fill out online application
2. Provide two letters of recommendation
3. Turn in resume
4. Write statement of professional goals
5. Submit your diversity statement, if applicable

Established in 1892, the University of Rhode Island is a public research university that has been awarded more than $100 million in competitive grants. Though the school has an impressive enrollment of 17,649, the school maintains a personable education across its 203 programs with a 16-to-one student-to-teacher ratio.

Master of Library and Information Studies

In this track program, you can choose to focus on your preferred area of studies, such as digital media, information equity, leadership, and school library media. You’ll learn from core courses on organizing information, learning about information science and technology, and understanding user information needs. Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to jump into a job as a school librarian, archivist, information specialist, or curator.

Master of Library and Information Studies Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $823/credit (in state); $823/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 9 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Master of Library and Information Studies Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Statement of purpose between 500 and 800 words, two letters of recommendation, resume

Applying to University of Rhode Island

1. Submit online application
2. Write a 500- to 800-word statement of purpose
3. Get two letters of recommendation
4. Provide unofficial digital transcripts
5. Send current resume

An information systems manager ensures that all the computers and systems used within an organization are secure and operate effectively. The job also entails being responsible for and overseeing the types of applications, hardware, and software used.

• Median Salary: $159,010
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 482,000
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington

Using the skills acquired in studying information science, you can become a software developer in librarianship and beyond. If you wanted to work in librarianship, you could design computer programs for database creation.

• Median Salary: $110,140
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington

As a database administrator or architect, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and organizing information into a database. This includes troubleshooting security issues as well as making it accessible to users.

• Median Salary: $98,860
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 168,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Washington, California, Connecticut

Librarians are responsible for collecting, organizing, and issuing the resources provided by the library. These resources most often include books, audio files, and films. The types of library professionals vary between institutions, with careers in librarianship including academic librarians, public librarians, youth librarians, or archive librarians.

• Median Salary: $61,190
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 143,500
• Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, Washington, California, Maryland

Archivists take on the role of managing, storing, and writing descriptions for the information kept within an organization's physical and digital archives. The type of material they work with varies from physical texts, digital materials, audio and visual material, pictures, and maps.

• Median Salary: $50,120
• Job Outlook: 19% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 35,000
• Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, Maryland, Connecticut, New York