Earn the Master in Library Science online from Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers an online, ALA-accredited MS in Library and Information Science that prepares students to help communities access and understand information, technology, and media resources. The program can be completed in 18 months, and no GRE scores are required to apply.
- ALA-accredited
- Can be completed in 18 months
- Optional specialization in School Media
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Thanks to rapid advances in technology and systems, librarianship today is radically different from librarianship just a couple of decades ago. With this change has come the emergence of online master of library science programs as the most efficient way to jumpstart your career in librarianship. An online master of library science program prepares you for the changing environment of digital trends and ensures a comprehensive understanding of library resources, both tech-based and otherwise. Some responsibilities of a librarian in a school setting include service to faculty and students, reference, circulation, technical services, serials management, manuscripts, music, digital files, media services, teaching, management, and more.
With technology becoming so integral to the field of library science, enrolling in a masters in library science online program is an easy way to begin developing the tech skills necessary to be a librarian in the digital age. A master’s degree from an accredited institution is essential to becoming a practicing school librarian. This, along with state certification, will allow you to become a librarian at any grade level.
Online Masters in Library Science Admissions Requirements
Each online library science master’s degree program has its own set of prerequisites, so you should contact your accredited institution for detailed information regarding its policies. With that being said, here are some example components that might go into an application for an online MLS program:
- Application: Fill out an initial application, which you can find on the website of the accredited institution of your choice. Paper and online forms are both generally accepted.
- Bachelor’s degree: You should have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution prior to applying to an MLIS program.
- Transcripts: Request transcripts in advance of the application deadline, and upload one official copy of each transcript from any postsecondary schools you have attended.
- Personal statement: Write a personal statement, which is typically in the form of an essay. You may be required to submit multiple essays to fully express the intent and purpose of your application. Below are some common topics that should be mentioned in a statement.
- Your main academic and personal interests
- Experiences in school or work that have helped to prepare you for this course of study
- Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen
- Why you wish to study at the university
- Your plans for the future after you earn your degree
- Resume/CV: Upload a copy of your most recent resume or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
- Letters of recommendation: Submit your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies with each school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.
- Test Scores: Many schools require GRE General Test scores or TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students; however, some programs do not require test scores at all.
Masters in Library Science Online Curriculum
The curriculum and number of credits required to complete a master’s program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. However, a typical online MLIS program includes courses in:
- Information organization
- Library and information studies
- Research methods
- User center information services
- Information technology
Online Masters in Library Science Concentrations
Many students completing a masters in library science online have the option of concentrating their studies in a specific field of librarianship. Although concentration options vary widely from program to program, here are a few example concentrations and descriptions of what their curriculum might look like:
School Media
Gain enhanced insight into developing and managing educational media and providing library services and resources to students of all ages.
Information Management
Learn skills in managing information acquisition, utility, retention, and transfer to help organizations succeed.
Librarian Career Outlook
After completing an online MLS program, the next step is to get licensed. This certification will enable you to officially work in the field of your choice. Every state has its own licensure requirements to become a school librarian. The median annual salary for a librarian was $59,050 in 2018. School librarians with a MLS or MLIS degree can work at the elementary through high school level. Take a look at an in-depth look into the career prospects for librarians.
In addition to these common school librarian roles, there are also specializations and different roles that a recent graduate from an online MLS program can pursue, including:
- Academic librarianship
- Archival or special collections librarianship
- Cataloging or metadata
- Digital librarianship
- Digital preservation
- Information technology and information science
- Library management
- Museum studies
- Public librarianship
- Reference librarianship
- Special librarianship
- Youth services
- Children’s librarianship
- Teen librarianship
Finding the Best Master of Library Science Online Program for You
| University and Program Name | Number of Credits | Study Length |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Denver
Master of Library and Information Science SPONSORED | 58 | As few as 21 months |
|
Syracuse University
Master of Science in Library and Information Science SPONSORED | 36 | As few as 18 months |
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All Online Master of Library Science (MLS) Programs
Teach.com has compiled a comprehensive list of all the master of library science online programs in the United States along with their classroom setting, accreditation Status, degree type and credit requirements. In searching for the best online master of library science program that fits your needs, carefully consider the structure of the coursework and the admissions requirements to make your decision. Find a school that interests you and find out what it takes to graduate with an online master of library science!
| University and Program Name | Number of Credits | Study Length |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University Master of Library Science | 36 | 2 years |
| Clarion University Master of Science in Information and Library Science | 36 | 2 years |
| Dominican University Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 2 years |
| East Carolina University Master of Library Science | 39 | 2 years |
| Emporia State University Master of Library Science | 36 | 1.5 years |
| Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis Master of Library and Information Science | 39 | 2 years |
| Louisiana State University Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 1.5 years |
| Murray State University Master of Arts in Education in Library Media | 33 | 1.5 years |
| North Carolina Central University Master of Library Science | 36 | 1.5 years |
| Northeastern State University Master of Science in Library Media and Information Technology | 33 | 1.5 years |
| Sam Houston State University Master of Library Science | 36 | 1.5 years |
| San Jose State University Master of Library and Information Science | 43 | 2 years |
| St. John's University Master of Science in Library and Information Science | 36 | 1.5 years |
|
Syracuse University
Master of Science in Library and Information Science SPONSORED | 36 | As few as 18 months |
| Texas A&M University at Commerce Master of Educational Technology in Library Science | 36 | 2 years |
| Texas Woman's University Master of Library Science | 36 | 1.5 years |
| The University of Alabama Master of Library and Information Studies | 36 | 2 years |
| State University of New York at Buffalo Master of Science in Information and Library Studies | 36 | 2+ years |
| University of Central Missouri Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services | 33 | 1.5 years |
|
University of Denver
Master of Library and Information Science SPONSORED | 58 | As few as 21 months |
| University of Houston at Clear Lake Master of Science in School Library and Information Science | 33 | 1.5 years |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Master of Science in Library and Information Science | 40 | 2 years |
| University of Kentucky Master’s in Library Science | 36 | 2+ years |
| University of Maryland Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 2 years |
| University of Missouri Master of Library and Information Science | 39 | 2+ years |
| University of North Carolina Greensboro Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 2+ years |
| University of North Texas at Dallas Master of Science in Library Sciences | 36 | N/A |
| University of Northern Iowa Master of Arts in School Library Studies | 33 | 2.5+ years |
| The University of Oklahoma Master of Library and Information Studies | 36 | 2 years |
| University of Pittsburgh Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 1+ years |
| University of South Alabama Master of Education in Educational Media | 30 | 1.5+ years |
| University of South Carolina Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 2 years |
| University of Southern California Master of Management in Library and Information Science | 40 | 2 years |
| The University of Southern Mississippi Master of Library and Information Science | 40 | 1+ years |
| University of Washington Master of Library and Information Science | 63 | 3 years |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies | 39 | 2+ years |
| Wayne State University Master of Library and Information Science | 36 | 2 years |
| Valley City State university Master of Education Program – Library and Information Technologies | 37 | N/A |
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Appalachian State University
Master of Library Science
Boone, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
Clarion University
Department of Library Science
Master of Science in Information and Library Science
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Information and Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Local and Archival Studies, Reference and User Services, School Library Media
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Offiical transcripts
- CV/resume
Dominican University
College of Applied Sciences
Master of Library and Information Science
River Forest, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Personal essay
East Carolina University
College of Education
Master of Library Science
Greenville, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, School Library
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
Emporia State University
School of Library and Information Management
Master of Library Science
Emporia, Kansas
Name of Degree: Master of Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Archive Studies, Health Information Professionals, Informatics, Leadership and Administration, Youth Services
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Statement of goals
- Interview
- Valid ID
Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis
School of Informatics and Computing
Master of Library and Information Science
Indianapolis, Indiana
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Academic Libraries, Archives and Records Management, Digital Curation, Facilitated Learning, Public Libraries, School Library, Technical Services, Youth Services
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Louisiana State University
School of Library and Information Sciences
Master of Library and Information Science
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
Murray State University
College of Education and Human Services
Master of Arts in Education in Library Media
Murray, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Education in Library Media
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
North Carolina Central University
School of Library and Information Sciences
Master of Library Science
Durham, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- CV/resume
- TOEFL/IELTS, financial statement (for international applicants)
Northeastern State University
College of Education
Master of Science in Library Media and Information Technology
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Library Media and Information Technology
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Sam Houston State University
Master of Library Science
Huntsville, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Teaching certification
- Interview
- Writing sample
- Teaching experience (2 years)
San Jose State University
Master of Library and Information Science
San Jose, California
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 43
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
St. John's University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Queens, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Academic Libraries, Archives and Records Management, Public Libraries, Special Libraries, Youth Services
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview
- Statement of purpose
Syracuse University
School of Information Studies
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Syracuse, New York
In its tradition of preparing students to shape our world through the power of information, Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) offers a Master of Science in Library and Information Science degree delivered online. The program is accredited by the American Library Association and prepares students to help communities better access and understand information and media resources. Students may also specialize in School Media to prepare for library and information roles in elementary and secondary school settings. The program can be completed in 18 months. No GRE scores are required to apply.
Length of Program: As few as 18 months
Credits: 36
User Services and Community Engagement, Data Curation and Services, Organization and Management of Information and Knowledge, Children and Youth Services, Digital Information Systems, Information Research and Analytics
Texas A&M University at Commerce
Master of Educational Technology in Library Science
Commerce, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Educational Technology in Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Essay
- Teaching/principal certification
- CV/resume
Texas Woman's University
School of Library and Information Studies
Master of Library Science
Denton, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- One letter of recommendation
The University of Alabama
School of Library and Information Studies
Master of Library and Information Studies
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Studies
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Academic Libraries, Digital Stewardship, Information Literacy, Public Libraries, Special Libraries, Social Justice, Youth Services
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
State University of New York at Buffalo
Graduate School of Education
Master of Science in Information and Library Studies
Buffalo, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Information and Library Studies
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Unofficial/official transcripts
- Statement of goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE, proof of funds (for international applicants)
University of Central Missouri
Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services
Warrensburg, Missouri
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations:School Library
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Official transcripts
- Interview
University of Denver
Morgridge College of Education Online
Master of Library and Information Science
Denver, Colorado
Serve as a steward of your community’s history. Earn a Master of Library and Information Science online from University of Denver’s ALA-accredited program in as few as 21 months. With no GRE required, apply now to learn to empower your community by improving information access and promoting intellectual freedom.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 21 months
Credits: 58
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you attended; if admitted, official transcripts will be required
- Statement of professional goals
- Diversity statement
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University of Houston at Clear Lake
College of Education
Master of Science in School Library and Information Science
Houston, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in School Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Teaching certification
- One letter of recommendation
- Teaching experience
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
School of Information Sciences
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Champaign, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 40
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate degree
- Official transcripts
University of Kentucky
College of Communication and Information
Master’s in Library Science
Lexington, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master’s in Library Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate courses
- Unofficial transcripts
- Four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
- 3.0 GPA
- Statement of Purpose
- Current resume or CV
University of Maryland
College of Information Studies
Master of Library and Information Science
College Park, Maryland
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate courses
- Unofficial transcripts
- Four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
- 3.0 GPA
- Statement of Purpose
- Names and e-mail addresses of three academic or professional references
- Current resume or CV
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only)
University of Missouri
The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies
Master of Library and Information Science
Columbia, Missouri
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 39
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Master of Library and Information Science
Greensboro, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:School Library, Instructional Technology Licensure
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
- TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
University of North Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Library Sciences
Denton, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Library Sciences
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Archival Studies and Imaging Technology, Information Organization, Law Librarianship and Legal Informatics, Music Librarianship, Youth Librarianship, School Library Certification
Admission Requirements:
- Résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Field Experience required (120 Hours)
University of Northern Iowa
College of Education
Master of Arts in School Library Studies
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in School Library Studies
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2.5+ years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- 3.0 GPA
The University of Oklahoma
School of Library and Information Studies
Master of Library and Information Studies
Norman, Oklahoma
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Studies
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL Scores for non-native speakers
- 3.0 GPA
University of Pittsburgh
School of Computing and Information
Master of Library and Information Science
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 2 Recommendations
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL Scores for non-native speakers
- 3.0 GPA
University of South Alabama
Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences
Master of Education in Educational Media
Mobile, Alabama
Name of Degree: Master of Education in Educational Media
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 2 Recommendations
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL Scores for non-native speakers
- 2 Years full-time teaching experience
- 2.5 GPA
University of South Carolina
College of Information and Communication
Master of Library and Information Science
Columbia, South Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 2 Recommendations
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL Scores for non-native speakers
University of Southern California
School of Business
Master of Management in Library and Information Science
Los Angeles, California
Name of Degree: Master of Management in Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 40
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
The University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Library and Information Science
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 40
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Personal statement
- Short answer response
- Recommendations (three required)
- Resume/CV
- Program mode preference
- Transcripts
- Extenuating circumstances (optional)
- Scholarship information (optional)
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL Scores for non-native speakers
University of Washington
Information School
Master of Library and Information Science
Seattle, Washington
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 63
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Personal statement
- Diversity statement
- Essay
- Short answer response
- Recommendations (two required, three recommended)
- Resume/CV
- Program mode preference
- Transcripts
- Extenuating circumstances (optional)
- Scholarship information (optional)
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL Scores for non-native speakers
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Information School
Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies
Madison, Wisconsin
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 39
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.00 GPA
- Submit a personal statement
- Current Resume/CV
- 3 letters of reference
- Transcripts
Wayne State University
School of Information Sciences
Master of Library and Information Science
Detroit, Michigan
Name of Degree: Master of Library and Information Science
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Library Users and Communities, Library Tools and Resources, Library Systems and Infrastructure
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.00 GPA
- Submit a personal statement (pdf)
- Current Resume/CV
Valley City State university
Master of Education Program – Library and Information Technologies
Valley City, North Dakota
Name of Degree: Master of Education Program – Library and Information Technologies
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 37
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.00 GPA
- Submit a personal statement
- Current Resume/CV
- 3 letters of reference
- Transcripts
Last Updated May 2020