An affordable master’s in library science online degree program offers a flexible path to earn a graduate degree and advance your career. Are you interested in learning more about the most affordable online masters in library science? If so, you are in the right place!
A master’s in library and information science can start someone down a number of advanced career paths. This degree isn’t just for librarians, it’s for people with a love of knowledge, data, learning, and teaching. With a master’s in library science online, it’s possible for graduates to take on any of several roles. The most common role that people think of is that of a librarian.
It’s true that in most cases, a master’s in library science online is an absolute requirement to become a librarian. Many people assume everyone they see working in a library is a librarian, but that’s not true. Some of those people are library assistants or other staff.
How We Ranked Most Affordable Master’s in Library and Information Science Online
For Fast Online Master’s ranking of the most affordable accelerated Master’s in Library and Information Science, editors focus on accredited colleges and universities. These graduate programs are ranked in order of tuition rate. Data comes from IPEDS and Niche.
Featured Schools:
1. Appalachian State University
App State Online offers one of North Carolina’s most affordable Master’s in Library Science (MLS) degree. Its online MLS program requires 36 credits and prepares graduates for work in rural libraries or within a school system.
Appalachian State University’s accelerated master’s in Library Science online degree program is CAEP accredited. It is also recognized by the American Association of School Librarians. This ASU degree prepares graduates for careers as reference librarians. Graduates also work as library media specialists, youth services librarians, library directors, and public services librarians. Additionally, online students may complete this degree as a dual program with a Master of Arts in Education Media.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
2. UNC Greensboro
The School of Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro offers an affordable & well-respected online master’s in library program. It is among the top ALA-accredited online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science in the Tar Heel State. Optional concentrations for this online MLIS program include a license in Instructional Technology or a license as a School Librarian.
This online degree program requires the completion of 36 graduate semester units. However, prospective students do not need to submit a GRE score. Classes include information sources & services, information organization & access, foundations of library science online, and also library and management in information organization. Students also take a capstone experience via a portfolio or supervised field experience.
Degree: Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
3. The University of Southern Mississippi
Through USM Online, the University of Southern Mississippi offers one of the state’s most affordable master’s programs in Library Science. USM’s Master’s in Library and Information Science degree program is ALA and CAEP accredited. Students can complete this library science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in as few as twelve months.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program is a forty graduate credit degree that includes classes in library information science, cataloging, and classification, foundations of librarianship, research methods in library science, and collection development, plus a master’s thesis. Those interested can pursue a dual 61 credit graduate degree with this MLIS with an MA in Anthropology, History, or Political Science.
Degree: Master’s Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
4. The University of Missouri
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri offers a Master’s in Library and Information Science. This degree that is ALA-accredited. US News and World Report ranked the University of Missouri’s Master’s library science programs mandates that degree candidates complete a minimum of 39-semester units.
Coursework for Mizzou’s Accelerated Master’s in library science degree programs is in eight-week modules. Classes include digital libraries and media, community and diversity leadership, the management of information collections and agencies, and also information services systems, & technologies. A graduate can find a rewarding career as a research analyst, an emerging technologies librarian, a children’s librarian, a medical reference library archives specialist, or a library acquisition specialist.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
5. The University of Oklahoma
The Dodge Family College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Oklahoma offers a Master’s in Library, and the Information Science. The online degree program is the only ALA-accredited Masters in Library and Information Science degree program in Oklahoma. Students have the options of specialty tracks to match their interests and career goals and the choice of an exam, the completion of a portfolio, or a written thesis.
Degree candidates enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s affordable online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science are required to finish at least 36 graduate semester units to meet OU’s graduation criteria. This accelerated online master’s in library prepares graduates for rewarding work in children’s services, administration, data analytics, circulation, public services, information technology usability analysis, and reference or administration services.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
6. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University (A&M Commerce Online) offers two of the Lone Star State’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in library science with its Master of Science or its Master of Education – in Education Technology & Library Science. All coursework for this Master’s in Library and Information Science Online degree program can be completed online, with no campus visits required. There is a minimum GPA of 3.0 for these graduate degrees in library science from Texas A&M University.
Texas A&M University’s accelerated Master’s in Library and Information Science Online degree program also offers two certification areas – School Librarians and Technology Applications, with a one-year completion timeframe. The MS in library science requires 30 credit units, whereas the Master of Education in library science requires 36 graduate credit units. Featured coursework for this online master’s in library includes the administration of school libraries, cataloging, classification, and introduction to educational technology, plus a practicum.
Degree: online Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED)
More: Program Website
7. Emporia State University
Emporia State University’s School of Library & Information Management (ESU SLIM Distance) offers an affordable Master’s in Library and Information Science Online degree program that offers degree candidates the opportunity to explore a dynamic curriculum that includes a theoretical based, plus hands-on practical skills. AS one of the leading online accelerated master’s programs in library science in Kansas, Emporia State University’s graduate degree provides the foundation skills and knowledge to become a successful library professional.
Emporia State University’s Master’s in Library and Information Science degree program requires 36 graduate credit hours in coursework that include research in the library science department, management in information organizations, collection development, and the organization of information, plus a culminating capstone project. In addition, Emporia State University’s accelerated online master’s in library offers five academic concentrations in youth services, archive studies, informatics leadership, and administration or health information for professionals.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
8. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University (Valdosta Distance) offers one of the leading online accelerated master’s programs in Georgia with its Master’s in Library and Information Science Online degree program, a degree that combines the study of library science with a technology discipline. This non-thesis graduate degree in library science from Valdosta State University offers degree candidates optional academic tracks in technology, cataloging and classification, reference sources and services, and library management.
Valdosta State University’s accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program has been developed to offer the flexibility and convenience required by working learners or busy professionals. Students graduating from Valdosta State University’s affordable Master’s in Library Science degree program must complete 39 graduate semester units. Career options for this degree include archivist, library director reference librarian, instructional technology librarian information service coordinator, information analyst, and also collection development librarian.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
9. The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s (UA Online) College of Continuing Studies offers a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program that students can complete entirely online. This 36 credit Master’s in library science programs from UA has been developed for working learners. ALA (American Library Association) accredited. This affordable graduate degree is offered as a cohort model each fall session.
The University of Alabama’s accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program can be completed in less than 24 months if students complete two classes per semester. UA’s online accelerated master’s programs in library science require core classes in information in communities, information and media, and professional paths, plus 27 hours in a school library media or archival studies academic concentration. Students graduating from UA’s online accelerated master’s programs in library science enter the workforce as librarians, media specialists, or information specialists.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS)
More: Program Website
10. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University’s (TWU Online) School of Library and Information Studies offers one of the leading ALA-accredited online accelerated master’s programs in library science with its MLS – Online Master of Library Science degree program. There are no campus visits required for Texas Woman’s University’s Master’s in Library and Information Science degree program is ALA accredited through 2025. Texas Woman’s University also offers a Master of Arts in Library Science degree program.
This 36-credit Master’s in Library Science Online affordable degree program from Texas Woman’s University offers eight academic tracks in health science, public, school, academic, or special libraries, plus community informatics, information technology, and technical services/cataloging. The core curriculum for this accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program includes information organization, information retrieval, foundations of library and information studies, and library management, plus a library science practicum.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
11. The University of Central Missouri
UCM Online offers two of Missouri’s most cutting-edge online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science. Students can choose from the Master of Science degree (MS) in Library Science and Information Services or master’s level certificate in Education with Librarianship option. Additionally, the concentrations include a generalist, a school library emphasis, or a combo school library and education specialist.
The University of Central Missouri’s affordable 36-credit accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program requires the completion of these classes – the foundations of librarianship developing and managing collections, technology in libraries, action research in school libraries, plus two practicums. The University of Central Missouri’s Master’s in Library Science Online degree program is recognized by the AALS – the American Association of School librarians as well as, CAEP accredited.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
12. Indiana University-Purdue
The School of Informatics & Computing at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis offers a Master’s in Library and Information Science. This online degree program is among the most respected online accelerated master’s programs in library science in Indiana. IUPUI’s online degree program has accreditation from the American Library Association. In addition, it offers six dual degree plans of study in history, JD law, nonprofit management, public management, health informatics, and philanthropic studies.
IUPUI’s Master’s in Library Science online degree program offers nine academic paths, including academic librarian, archives management, digital curation, youth services, technical services specialization, facilitated learning, and public librarianship. Students graduating from IUPUI’s Master’s in Library Science degree program re-enter the workforce as a cataloging specialist, a historical interpreter, and information access manager, or a public services librarian.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
13. The University of North Texas
The University of North Texas’s (North Texas Online) College of Information offers a Master’s in library science programs that is recognized among the leading accelerated Master’s in Library and Information Science Online degree programs in Texas and beyond. Degree candidates enrolled in UNT’s Master’s in Library Science degree program must complete twelve classes for a total of 36 graduate credit units.
The University of North Texas’s online accelerated master’s programs in library science are ALA-accredited and available entirely online. This accelerated graduate degree offers students concentrations in archival studies & imaging technology generalist, youth librarian, information organization, music librarian, or law librarian/legal informatics. Graduates of the University of North Texas’s Master’s in library science programs find rewarding careers as library assistants, library technicians, AV specialists, or health information specialists.
Degree: online Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS)
More: Program Website
14. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University (Sam Houston Global Ed) Graduate School offers a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree program that is ranked among the best online accelerated master’s programs in library science in Texas and beyond. The curriculum for Sam Houston State University’s Master’s in Library and Information Science Online degree program mandates that degree candidates complete 36 graduate credit units for graduation.
Featured classes for this accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program prepares students for PK-12 school librarianship including classes in information science, literature for young adults, school library administration, computer science applications for librarians, collection development, literature for children, and digital tech for the school library. Graduates of Sam Houston State University’s Master’s in Library Science degree program are eligible to sit for the state’s Librarian Certification exam.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
15. The University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky’s (Kentucky at a Distance) College of Communication and Information offers a top-ranked Master’s in Library and Information Science degree (aka the MLIS) that is accredited by the American Library Association. Degree candidates enrolled in this accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program must complete 36 graduate credit units to meet UK’s graduation criteria, including potential study abroad and practicum possibilities for earned credits.
The University of Kentucky’s affordable online accelerated master’s programs in library science offer both accelerated and affordable Master’s in library science programs. The core accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree programs from the University of Kentucky include the information in society, information representation and access, management in LIS and information seeking, retrieval and services, plus required IT classes and also seven electives.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
16. University of Northern Iowa
UNI Continuing and Distance Education offers a Master’s in Library and Information Science online degree program that is among the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science. The University of Northern Iowa’s Master of Arts in School Library Studies prepares degree candidates for those who want to become a teacher-librarian (K-12) or to qualify for an Iowa teacher librarian credential.
The University of Northern Iowa’s Master’s in Library Science degree does require one in-person session at the Cedar Falls campus. Featured coursework for this accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program from UNI includes library resources for young adults, information resources for inquiry learning, the introduction to the school library program, technologies for libraries, school library curriculum development, and leaders in school libraries, plus a practicum, among others.
Degree: online Master of Arts in School Library Studies
More: Program Website
17. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
The School of Library and Information Technologies at Mansfield University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. This library science program has ALA accreditation and recognition from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Mansfield University’s online degree program requires 32 to 34 semester units, depending on the path of study. These online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science are offered as a certification or non-certification concentration.
The featured core curriculum required by Mansfield University’s accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program includes instruction collaboration, collection management in the electronic age, library advocacy, access & legal issues in the school library and information literacy and academic standards, plus a library science field experience, among others. Degree candidates enrolled in this Master’s in Library Science degree can complete the degree in one year but have seven years to meet program requirements.
Degree: online Master of Education (MEd) in School Library and Information Technologies
More: Program Website
18. San Jose State University
The School of Information at San Jose State University offers one of California’s most innovative programs in library science. This ALA-accredited Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program requires 43 academic units. Students choose from a customizable curriculum that aligns with their interests and career goals. The school offers more than 200 internship opportunities, including those that are available virtually.
San Jose State University’s Master’s in Library Science online program offers a customizable curriculum. Additionally, all classes are online and a choice of a thesis or e-portfolio culminates the academic experience. Featured classes include big data analytics, health informatics, web usability, metadata, and also digital asset management.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
19. North Carolina Central University
The School of Library and Information Sciences at North Carolina Central University offers a master’s in Library Science. This online Master of Library and Information Science takes 36 credits to complete. Additionally, it offers degree candidates seven academic tracks from which to choose. And the program has ALA accreditation.
Applicants to the North Carolina Central University degree program must hold a baccalaureate, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students graduating from the NCCU program find many rewarding careers. Some examples are an archive and records manager, a law librarian, a school media coordinator, or also an academic librarian.
Degree: Master of Library Science
More: Program Website
20. The University at Buffalo
The Department of Information Science at the University at Buffalo offers a Master of Science in Library Science. It is among the Empire State’s leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs. Buffalo’s online program has accreditation from the American Library Association. Furthermore, students may attend this program as full-time or part-time students. And full time students can complete it in four semesters.
This UB Master’s in Library Science degree program offers students rolling start dates throughout the academic calendar. The featured coursework includes information life cycle, introduction to research methods, and also information users and uses. Concentrations for this degree include information services, information management, information organization, or information storage/retrieval.
Degree: online Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS)
More: Program Website
21. Florida State University
The College of Communications & Information at Florida State University offers a Master of Science in Information. It is among the leading MLIS programs in the Sunshine State. This information science program from Florida State University has ALA-accreditation and requires 36 graduate credit units.
The university’s Library Science degree includes classes like research methods in information studies, management of information organizations, and also introduction information policy. FSU’s MLIS program offers concentrations in cultural informatics, youth services generalist, web design, information organization, school libraries, leadership & management, reference services, and also public, academic, and special libraries.
Degree: online Master of Science in Information
More: Program Website
22. Middle Tennessee State University
The College of Education at Middle Tennessee State University offers a Master’s in Library and Information Science. This online program is among the leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science. Additionally, the Middle Tennessee State University graduate library science degree is NCATE and ALA-accredited.
Degree candidates enrolled in the MTSU program must finish a minimum of 36 graduate units to meet graduation criteria. It also includes six hours for field experience and another three hours for library science capstone project. Featured coursework for this Master’s in Library Science degree includes understanding research for evaluation in libraries school library management, and introduction to information intermediation and resources.
Degree: online Master of Library Science (MLS)
More: Program Website
23. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University (WKU Distance Education) offers. Master of Science (MS) degree in Libraries Informatics and Technology in Education (LITE) is one of the most innovative and affordable online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science. Western Kentucky University’s Master’s in Library and Information Science degree requires degree candidates to complete at least 30 graduate-level credits, of which 27 hours is the core curriculum.
Featured coursework for this accelerated program includes issues in libraries and informatics, the principles of education technology applications organization information, and also informatics in education. Additionally, students complete a Libraries Informatics and Technology in Education practicum. Graduates of this Western Kentucky University Master’s in Library Science Online degree program find rewarding work in cataloging, public service, library instruction, library services, or collection development.
Degree: online MS in Libraries, Informatics and Technology in Education (LITE)
More: Program Website
24. Kent State University
The School of Information at Kent State University offers a variety of online accelerated master’s programs in library science. KSU’s programs have accreditation from the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation. The Master in Library and Information Science degree program is 37 credits. Additionally, there are two dual accelerated degree programs partnering with an MBA or a Master of Education in Education Technology. The university also offers a K12 Library Media Licensure program plus doctoral options.
Kent State University’s Master’s in Library Science online degree programs are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer – with all classes available online. The featured core curriculum for these affordable online accelerated master’s programs from Kent State University. Classes include people in the information ecology, research and assessment in library science, and also information institutions and professions.
Degree: online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
25. PennWest University
The College of Business Administration & Information Sciences at PennWest University offers a master’s in Library Science degree. It is among Pennsylvania’s most innovative and well-respected online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science. The university’s accelerated master’s in Library Science online degree program the top fifteen programs in the nation.
PennWest University’s ALA-accredited Master of Science in Library Science was developed as the first of its kind in the state. It offers concentrations in Reference and User Services or Local and Archival Studies. All coursework for the master’s in Library Science is online. So, students can complete the program as full-time or part-time students with start dates three times per academic year. This 36-credit program includes an internship plus organizing information and also integrated technologies in libraries.
Degree: online Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS)
More: Program Website
26. The University of Tennessee Knoxville
The University of Tennessee’s (UT Knoxville Distance Ed) School of Information Sciences/College o Communication & Information offers a Master’s in Library and Information Science online degree program that is one of the most innovative of Tennessee’s online accelerated master’s programs in library science. This affordable Master’s in Library Science online program from UTK requires the completion of 36 graduate semester units to meet the criteria for graduation, plus an orientation on campus for one day in August.
The University of Tennessee’s accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree program is accredited by the ALA and ranked the best by US News in the United States’ Southeastern Conference. In addition to a practicum, UTK’s Master’s in Library Science degree program offers students a customizable curriculum, with only three required core courses. Check out the graduate certificates available from UT in health informatics, school library media, or youth informatics.
Degree: online Master of Science in Information Sciences (MSIS)
More: Program Website
27. University of South Carolina
The College of Information & Communications at the University of South Carolina offers a MLIS. This online degree is among the nation’s top twenty MLIS programs, as noted by US News and World Report. Additionally, the ALA-accredited degree program requires 36 graduate semester credits. And half the credits are core curriculum.
Mandatory classes for USC’s master’s program include the foundational principles of library science, community engagement and services, and also information organization and access. This Library Science degree from USC facilitates a student’s electronic portfolio that demonstrates expertise in six areas of competency. These areas include information and its organization, research, technology, the provision of information services, professional development, and also lifelong learning.
Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
More: Program Website
28. The University of Maryland
The College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland offers a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. This program is among the leading online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science in the nation. Students enrolled in this library science graduate degree partake in research labs with the university’s 400+ educational & industry partners.
Degree candidates complete coursework in information technology, data analytics informatics information policy, youth learning information architecture, and also digital asset management. The University of Maryland’s accelerated Master’s in Library Science online degree program prepares graduates for many roles. Graduated find careers in the private sector, nonprofit sector, or throughout the government in one of the related agencies.
Degree: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
29. Louisiana State University
The School of Library and Information Science at Louisiana State University offers a Master’s in Library Science. This online program is the only ALA-accredited program in the state. Additionally, LSU’s master’s in Library Science is a non-thesis degree that students can complete entirely online. The online accelerated master’s programs from Louisiana State University are available in eight academic focus areas. Although a student may graduate as a generalist.
Louisiana State University’s Accelerated Master’s in Library Science Online degree requires the completion of 36 credit units and no campus visits. The core curriculum for this affordable graduate degree in library science includes information and society, information behavior, the management of information organizations, understanding research information technologies, and systems, and other organization of information, among others.
Degree: Master in Library & Information Science (MLIS)
More: Program Website
30. The University of Arizona
The College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona offers a MA in Library and Information Science. It is among the nation’s best online accelerated master’s programs in Library Science, according to US News and World Report. This Master’s in Library Science degree program from the University of Arizona requires degree candidates to finish a minimum of 37-semester credits at the graduate level.
Available academic concentrations include academic, public, special, and law librarianship, digital information management, archival studies, medical & communication health information, legal information, and also scholarly communication. Coursework for this ALA-accredited Master’s in Library Science Online degree program includes core requirements plus electives in the students selected concentration. Some of the classes are foundations of library and information services, organization of information, and research methods for library and information professionals.
Degree: Master of Arts in Library and Information Science (MA LIS)
More: Program Website
Information Science vs Library Science
Library Science and Information Science are different but are related disciplines in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Both disciplines share a common interest in the most efficient and effective ways to organize and access information.
Library Science
- focuses on the management, organization, and also access of information within library collections
- deals with the physical aspects of organizing information such as cataloging, curating, and also archiving
Information Science
- focuses on broader aspects of managing, organizing, and also retrieving information from both digital and physical sources
- involves more conceptual aspects such as classification, tagging, and also metadata
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Library Science Degree Cost?
The cost of an online Master’s in Library Science degree can vary greatly depending on the school you choose and the number of credits you need to complete the degree. Generally, the total cost of an online Master’s in Library Science degree will range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more. Some schools may offer discounted tuition or tuition based on a flat rate for the entire program. Additionally, many schools offer financial aid options to help make the degree more affordable.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Library Science?
The duration of an online master’s degree program in library science depends on the school and the student’s personal situation. Some schools offer accelerated programs that students can complete in as little as fifteen months. While others offer programs that take up to three years to complete.
Furthermore, the credit load students take per semester can affect the length of the program. And if a student takes courses part-time, the program can take even longer. Thus, the most accurate answer to this question depends on the student’s course selection and pace of study.
What are the Admission Requirements for a Masters in Library Science Program?
- Must have completed high school and have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Complete an application with application fee before the application deadlines.
- Offical ranscripts with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Completion of a minimum of 15 credit hours of applicable, degree-required courses, such as Introduction to cataloging & classification, Information resources & services, Library administration, research & management, and Reference sources & services.
- Knowledge of basic computer skills, such as word processing, Internet research, and database use.
- Evidence of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
- Professional experience in a library setting (volunteer or paid) is often encouraged.
- Most programs require the completion of coursework before a student can be admitted.
- In some cases, applicants might be asked to take a written or oral exam.
- Submission of a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores.
Is a Master’s in Library and Information Science Worth it?
As with most cases, a masters comes with the benefit of increasing salary, easing the transition into better roles, and generally allowing a person to do more in their chosen career than they could do otherwise. Since a masters is a requirement to become practically any type of librarian, it’s a good idea to achieve the degree fast through any of the accredited online accelerated master’s programs, when possible.
Even with a steadier master’s in library and information science online program, the student can balance their life, work, and education more practically. That’s because online programs typically allow for far more flexibility.
For someone already taking on a bachelor’s degree in a related field, it makes sense to go for a master’s as well so they can enter the field with a graduate degree. For those already working in the field, earning a masters in library science online can represent the final key that will open the door to take them into better positions, salaries, and options.
Online accelerated master’s programs exist to facilitate that need, and they can help make the whole thing worth it. When seeking an accelerated master’s in library science online program, applicants should make sure the program satisfies the requirements and standards set by the American Library Association.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Library and Information Science?
With an online master’s in library science, it’s possible to become a librarian with a specialization. For example, the requirements to work in a public library and a school library can vary greatly. There are various other types of librarians as well:
- School Librarian
- Law Librarian
- Public Librarian
- Academic Librarian in Academic Libraries
However, a master’s in library science offers more careers than librarians and library specialists. A master’s in library and information science can also lead to management positions. The degree opens opportunities to become a library manager or library director. Some other positions obtainable with a masters in library science online include:
- Archivists
- Data curators
- Information organizers
- Digital collections specialists
- Fact-checkers
- UX designers
Generally, if the job involves information gathering, organizing, or analysis, the odds are an MLIS will get someone through the door. Someone with a masters in library science online can leverage their degree to start in a different career. But with better pay and a greater possibility to assume a higher title from the start.
How Much Can I Make with a Masters in Library and Information Science?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median pay for librarians and library media specialists with a master’s is around $61,000. Median pay means half of the librarians make less than that figure, and half make more. The salaries associated with MLIS jobs can vary based on the location and industry someone works in.. Median pay means half of the librarians make less than that figure, and half make more. The salaries associated with MLIS jobs can vary based on the location and industry someone works in.
PayScale shows that different specializations play a large role in how much an MLIS graduate can make. For example, it shows that librarians with information technology infrastructure library skills can earn far more than other types of librarian specializations. That can always change as salary also depends on demand.
An accredited master’s in library science online degree won’t change the salary outlook for job seekers since it’s the same exact degree as one earned through any other type of degree program. So, applicants shouldn’t worry about that in the slightest.
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