Everyone knows how to Google a question, but few people know exactly how to find a reliable resource for their next research project.
Librarians, on the other hand, know exactly where to look, and can help you find the perfect reference resource for an essay. College students in particular understand how helpful a good librarian can be and how much of a difference they can make during their studies.
Featured Programs
Librarians play a vital role in the information technology network of any school or business. They’re the unsung heroes who compile library catalogs, search for new books and magazines to fill the shelves, and know exactly where to go to locate an obscure book. They have a lot to do and need to have lots of experience and education to do the job effectively.
Not everyone is cut out to be a librarian, and becoming one requires a specialized degree. The best online Master’s in Library Science degrees are only found at the best schools with the right programs. Thankfully, all of these degrees can be pursued online.
Online degree programs can prepare you to become a librarian through in-depth curriculums and experienced faculty. They’ll also offer enough flexibility for any student; you can pursue your education on your own time.
What is a Master’s degree in Library Science?
Most libraries and academic fields or in schools require the head librarian or overseer position to have a Master’s in Library Science Degree.
A Master’s in Library Science Degree is the degree most commonly held by actual librarians. Although libraries are run by many staff members who hold a variety of degrees, only Master’s in Library Science degrees can properly prepare someone for becoming the chief librarian at a specific location.
If you want to ever run your own library and decide critical things, like the books included on the shelves or what direction to take a library, you have to get this degree. It takes a multidisciplinary understanding of information sourcing, organization, and research to effectively create a library where things are in logical places for perusal.
A Master’s in Library Science degree prepares people for understanding and organizing educational and fictional resources amidst a vast database of books. Navigating an entire library’s worth of knowledge is a difficult task without the experience and professionalism provided by this type of degree.
In addition, these degrees provide students with extensive knowledge of preserving, maintaining, and cataloging all the materials in the library. These skills help individuals maintain a library’s usefulness and allow a library to expand its collection.
How Much Can You Earn with a Master’s degree in Library Science?
On average, librarians make around $50,000 per year with plenty of variation depending on location and seniority. Librarians with more experience typically earn more than librarians just starting out.
In addition, librarians that take on more administrative roles, like becoming a Library Director, can earn upwards of $80,000-$100,000 per year. Librarians with more specialized jobs, like archivists or curators, can leverage their extra experience and critical role in a library to earn more money, as well.
This number is high because Librarian positions are somewhat rare. Job turnover tends to be quite low, as librarians end up remaining at the same school or library for a long time before ever moving on. Libraries are common, but usually only require one or two administrative or head librarian positions to be run smoothly.
The rest of the staff generally do not have Library Science degrees or the same amount of responsibility.
If you do pursue a job with a Master’s in Library Science degree, you can expect to search for the perfect position for some time. Before you attain a higher position, your earnings may be low. It’s only once you achieve the title fitting the degree that you start to earn what the degree is worth.
What is Required for a Master’s degree in Library Science?
To obtain a Master’s in Library Science degree, you’ll need to first have a Bachelor’s degree. You can normally get this degree in any major, although academic pursuits will likely increase your chances of being accepted into a master’s program.
Once accepted, your library science program will include classes from the following subjects:
- Collection management
- Information technology
- Cataloging
- Reference services
- Communications
- English and writing
- Business and administration
There are a few required classes in every Library Science degree that you’ll take no matter your program. These classes are things like Information Sources and Services, which teaches you how to identify and spread reliable sources of information, and Collection Development, which teaches you how to decide which works should be included in a library and how to shore up weak spots in your catalog of knowledge.
In addition, most Master’s in Library Science degree programs are accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation or ALA, while others are not. Accredited programs have greater placement rate after graduation and are known to have effective curriculums and experienced faculty.
What Are the Best Master’s degrees in Library Science?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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University of Southern Mississippi
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,108(in state) / $8,108(out of state)
- 3 program-specific scholarships
- 3 degree options
- Opportunity to study abroad in London
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThis degree program requires 40 hours of core and elective courses, with the additional advantage of being able to earn a graduate certificate at the same time for up to 12 credit hours. Tuition is affordable and online students pay the same rate as in-state students. The London opportunity takes place each summer.
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Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,000(in state) / $18,000(out of state)
- Available in 7-week or 15-week schedules
- 3 terms available
- $35 admission fee
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreThis program has been specifically noted by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, marking its excellent curriculum and great faculty. Students can choose between obtaining a regular Master’s degree or pursuing a Master’s of the Arts degree simultaneously for dual certification. This school also offers a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, though it is not online.
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East Carolina University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,749(in state) / $17,898(out of state)
- Can specialize in public or school library environments
- Focuses on library technology
- $75 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
90%OSR ScoreThis university has had a library science program since 1939. Its curriculum is attuned very well for nontraditional students who require flexible schedules. There’s plenty of opportunity for internships either at this university or other local libraries.
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Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $13,500(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Requires a teaching certification
- $35 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreThis program is so successful at delivering excellent librarians that it has a nearly 100 percent placement rate after graduation. There are three semesters to apply for and the online curriculum is very flexible. However, this program is fairly difficult to get into, requiring a teaching certification and three letters of recommendation.
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Southern Connecticut State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,757(in state) / $18,102(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- $50 application fee
- Recently accredited by the ALA
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreThis master’s program has rolling admissions so be aware that acceptance of your candidacy does not guarantee placement in the program. There are two concentrations to choose from: school library media or a more individualized path. The curriculum reflects an increased focus on digital resources in modern educational settings.
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Texas A & M University-Commerce
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,630(in state) / $11,100(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Lots of scholarship opportunities
- $30 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThis program focuses on educational technology and how it relates to library science. It’s particularly well-suited for those who will become school librarians. Many of its classes focus on aspects for such a career, although the skills are transferable to more general library positions.
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Simmons College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $20,988(in state) / $20,988(out of state)
- Three concentrations to choose from
- Online classes can be completed at your own pace
- No application fee
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreAll the professors at Simmons University have real librarian experience and bring this to every classroom or online interaction. The program is inherently customizable and allows students to choose the classes and electives that interest them the most. It also allows for a dual degree program so you can complete two master’s degrees simultaneously.
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,219(in state) / $18,937(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- The oldest accredited library science program in North Carolina
- Online courses are cheaper than in-person classes
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThis library science degree has been accredited by the ALA for a very long time. Its curriculum allows students to specialize in library positions in academic or public settings and incorporates ideas for international librarian positions as well. Instead of a thesis, a capstone project is completed by every student.
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The University of Alabama
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,780(in state) / $28,100(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Orientation required
- $40 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThis program combines online learning with the support network of a traditional college environment. Students will complete their coursework alongside other library students while working on their own schedule. Note that most professors require all students to meet up at least once a week.
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University of Arizona
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,486(in state) / $31,463(out of state)
- 37 credit hours
- Flexible course schedules
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThis program offers eight different concentrations, and some of them even allow you to obtain a graduate certificate to demonstrate your expertise. The curriculum prepares students to work not just in libraries but also in professions dealing with law and government. The few extra credits compared to most other programs allow for this focus and may help with job placement after graduation.
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Valdosta State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,482(in state) / $4,482(out of state)
- 39 credit hours
- Does not require face-to-face meetings during class
- $40 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThis master’s degree is a non-thesis program, requiring students to complete a capstone project instead. Its curriculum is extremely flexible to help students with nontraditional schedules. There are several specialization tracks available to further refine one’s curriculum.
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Sam Houston State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,391(in state) / $12,861(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Three semesters available
- $45 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThis master’s program has a curriculum that focuses on modern information literacy. Many of the classes focus on multimedia collections and digital library skills. In addition, students who already have a master’s degree or a teaching certificate and two years of teaching experience can get a School Librarian certification quickly to change positions at their school.
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,848(in state) / $28,656(out of state)
- Ranked 7th in the country by U.S. News and World Report
- Many library specializations available
- Opportunity to create your own specialized curriculum
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThis is a Master of Information program with a concentration in library and information science. Its broader curriculum focus can prepare students for careers not just in libraries but in other business careers as well. The program focuses on data science and management, not just library data needs.
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Western Kentucky University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,780(in state) / $16,260(out of state)
- Requires two letters of recommendation
- 36 credit hours
- $45 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThis program offers students the ability to pursue a full degree in library science or certification for current teachers. The degree path prepares students for becoming librarians in educational settings more than general settings. The orientation is not required for online students.
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University of South Florida-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,350(in state) / $19,048(out of state)
- 39 credit hours
- Must submit a portfolio to demonstrate competencies
- $30 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis degree program can adequately prepare students for leadership roles. A special technology elective is required for all students in the program. There are three different start dates to allow for flexible scheduling.
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University of Central Missouri
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,016(in state) / $14,033(out of state)
- Three semester start dates
- Can take this program without a teacher’s certification
- $30 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThe curriculum at this university focuses on library science and leadership skills to prepare students to coordinate a dedicated team of educational personnel. Its focus remains on school librarians, and it mostly accepts students with some prior educational experience. The class scheduling is extremely flexible and can be completed on your own personalized timeframe.
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University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,119(in state) / $19,778(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Can’t transfer many credits to the program
- $40 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis degree program allows students to pursue two paths to graduation: one with a thesis or one without a thesis but with a capstone project instead. Both curriculum paths focus on modern digital library techniques and resources. In addition, a strict requirement of “B” letter grades are required for any non-elective courses.
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University of North Texas
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,450(in state) / $12,920(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Several two-semester scholarships available
- $75 applications fee
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis program can be pursued either part-time or full-time depending on your schedule and needs. However, it does require six days of in-person classroom attendance so it’s best pursued by Texas residents. Thankfully, the tuition for Texas residents is low.
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Texas Woman's University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,672(in state) / $12,142(out of state)
- Can pursue a dual Heal Studies degree
- Can obtain certification to become a school librarian
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis program is entirely online and does not require any in-person classroom attendance. It offers various program tracks that students can choose to specialize in, ranging from public libraries to academic libraries and even to special libraries in law firms and government agencies. These tracks are similar but require a few different courses to be completed.
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University at Buffalo
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,870(in state) / $22,210(out of state)
- $50 application fee
- 36 credit hours
- Requirements are flexible if you already have a Master’s
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThis program offers full-time and part-time options so students can pursue the degree even if they must juggle responsibilities. Most people finish in two years, but accelerated scheduling is available to complete it more quickly. The fully-online curriculum isn’t education-focused. Rather, it prepares students for librarian jobs in all manner of locations.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,186(in state) / $28,773(out of state)
- 40 credit hours
- Schedules are suited for day or evening classes
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreStudents can choose between thesis or non-thesis graduation tracks depending on their preference. The curriculum is well-suited for students seeking to be school librarians or reference librarians in other positions such as business or law. There are two scheduling options available to provide for some flexibility.
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St John's University-New York
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,835(in state) / $17,835(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Program emphasizes social service
- 96% of graduates receive aid of some kind
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis program is taught by experienced faculty who have been librarians in both educational and business contexts. The university infuses the curriculum with an ethics spin, as St. John’s is a Catholic school. An electronic portfolio is required for graduation to showcase your work to potential employers.
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San Jose State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,176(in state) / $16,680(out of state)
- 43 credit hours
- Courses may occasionally require live session attendance
- $55 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis program offers a customized curriculum; graduate students can create a specialized schedule to fit their interests and career objectives. In addition, the university maintains more than 200 internship opportunities for librarian students. Some of these internships are virtual to provide for online students.
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,387(in state) / $23,424(out of state)
- Ranks as #14 by U.S. News and World Report
- Can obtain school media certification simultaneously
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis program has been accredited since 1976 and has a flexible online curriculum. Up to four concentrations may be pursued by students, with additional specializations available during study. The university also offers several coordinated degree options if you wish to earn a dual degree.
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Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,370(in state) / $8,370(out of state)
- 39 credit hours
- 100% online
- $70 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThe curriculum from this university focuses on professional leadership and library administration. It implements digital technology and modern solutions to prepare students for running a library in today’s environment. There are five different areas of librarianship explored in the curriculum, and each has a set of advanced elective courses that a student must pursue. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis has the option to pursue rare specializations in digital curation and archives.
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Appalachian State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,839(in state) / $18,271(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Only offered as part-time
- Dual Master’s degree with Educational Media available
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThis program can deliver instruction into online formats. The synchronous version has students meet up in a virtual classroom one evening per week, while the other allows coursework to be completed on the student’s own schedule. However, meetings with the instructor are still required with the latter schedule.
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Syracuse University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $36,000(in state) / $36,000(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Each focus has different electives
- $75 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThis online library science program has been accredited since 1928 and has a curriculum which emphasizes community information retrieval. The curriculum also offers 11 different librarianship focuses complete with extra electives. A residency workshop is required for graduation.
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Kent State University at Kent
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,310(in state) / $20,396(out of state)
- Three letters of recommendation required
- 37 credit hours
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThis program prepares students to fulfill librarian positions in both academic and research contexts. A dual degree option with Business Administration is available for those seeking librarian employment in the private sector. Four separate electives are available for minor concentrations.
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Wayne State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,336(in state) / $33,217(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- No minimum course requirement in each specialization
- $25 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThis program focuses on librarianship in a leadership role so that students are prepared to be administrators in information organizations. Students can choose between three different specializations: library services, information management, and archives and digital content management. Be aware that certain concentration classes are only available on campus.
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Emporia State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,084(in state) / $18,924(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Assistantship opportunities available
- Four different concentrations are open to students
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThis program has a dedicated online curriculum that does require some face-to-face interaction via webchat. In addition, students can complete an 18-credit Archives Studies certificate for additional employment opportunities after graduation. The alumni network of this university is particularly robust.
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North Carolina Central University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,740(in state) / $17,694(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Flexible course schedules
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThis program is 100 percent online and offers up to seven different concentration tracks to choose from for specialization. Students will appreciate a very flexible scheduling system and multiple ways to take classes. The program has been rated as one of the most affordable online library science degrees.
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University of Houston-Clear Lake
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,308(in state) / $16,290(out of state)
- 33 credit hours
- Can be completed in just 18 months
- Three semester start dates
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThis program offers a degree in School Library and Information Science. Naturally, it’s particularly suitable for those who wish to become school librarians. The curriculum includes classes on collaboration, integration of technology in learning, and implementing literacy programs for students at a school.
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $22,290(in state) / $36,980(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Can be completed in three semesters
- $55 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis program’s curriculum has been developed to anticipate changes in the digital information environment. Six thematic specializations are available to prepare students for employment in a particular library position.
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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,854(in state) / $27,968(out of state)
- Three semester start dates
- 36 credit hours
- Ranked # 5 for Library Media by U.S. News and World
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis library science program includes nine hours of required classes while the bulk of the curriculum can be tailored towards a specific librarian position. Generously, up to 12 credit hours can be transferred from other U of SC schools. An electronic portfolio is required for graduation.
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Middle Tennessee State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,262(in state) / $22,860(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Alternative electives can be chosen based on focus
- $30 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis program is offered entirely online except for two required field experiences to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. The curriculum focuses on a theme of leadership and development of a library’s catalog through user understanding. Currently, this program is seeking accreditation by the ALA.
