20 Best Library Science Programs

The popularity of online learning has increased drastically in the past years, particularly among post-secondary students. Additionally, more working-age Americans have realized that they need to sharpen their skills and further their education in the increasingly competitive job market. The popularity of online learning in various fields of specialization, including library science, may be attributed to its:

affordability
convenience
effectiveness
flexibility

Statistics show that more than 6.3 million Americans enrolled for an online course, throughout last fall. This is a significant improvement, bearing in mind that only 2 million Americans enrolled in these programs in 2003. Library science degrees are among the most popular online degree programs.

Not only do librarians manage collections, these professionals:

Featured Programs

evaluate
package
analyze
present information

Librarians also train other people on the use of this information. Online library information science (LIS) degree programs expose students to:

theories
research
approaches
practices of LIS

These library science degrees provide students with knowledge and training in areas like:

information architecture
uses and needs of information
information technology

Enrolling in an online library science degree will prepare you for a vast array of career opportunities.

Career Opportunities for online MIS graduates

Based on projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics the opportunities for librarians with library science degrees are expected to increase by 9% by 2030. With an MSI degree, these professionals become part of the modern librarianship—which leads various fields as it anticipates for and responds to future challenges in information era. Library science professionals work in a wide range of industries including:

public and university libraries
K-12 schools
special collections
government agencies
cultural institutions
consumer goods corporations
nonprofit organizations
academic libraries
consulting
information collection and delivery agencies
service corporations

Graduates from the best MLS programs have various career titles including:

Children’s Librarian
Reference Librarian
School Media Specialist
Systems Librarian
Research Analyst
Information Architect
Database Manager
Web Developer
Chief Information Officer
Cataloging Supervisor
News Librarian
Academic Librarian
Curator
Information Analyst
Systems Analyst

The salary earned by these professionals is equally appealing. The following are the average salaries earned by Librarians within various fields of specialization.

A librarian can earn between $41,000 and $69,000 a year.
A library director makes between $42,000 and $109,000 a year.
A reference librarian is paid between $34,000 and $62,000 a year.
Head librarians average $49,667 a year
An academic librarian makes about $54,539 every year.

Is A Master’s Degree in Library Science Important?

The best Master’s of Library Science Programs prepare you to contribute towards the evolution of the global information society. With your MLS degree, you will be in a position to strengthen and create links between:

technology
information
librarians
individuals

As mentioned earlier, the career opportunities for these professionals are robust. Enrolling in one of the best library science master’s programs will make you qualified to compete for those career opportunities.

What are the Best Colleges for Library Science Online Degree Programs Today?

Top MLIS programs offer students a strong foundation in both practice and research. In this regard, most of the best library science programs cover subjects like:

digital literacy
school media
information architecture
system design
leadership
classification
reference techniques
media technologies
cataloging

All the schools included in our library science program rankings are accredited by the American Library Association. They offer online master’s degrees in library and information science programs. Additionally, some of these top librarian schools are part of iSchools—a group comprised of information schools committed to improving the information field.

Selection Criteria

To create our ranking of the best schools for library science, we researched each of the institutions offering this program in the country. Our research was based on the key attributes of a reputable, highly effective, and recognized online degree program, including:

affordability
academic excellence
flexibility
previous ratings
types and sizes of available classes
faculty strength

After careful scrutiny of the various programs, we identified twenty of the best MLIS programs in the country today. If you are considering an online master’s degree in MLS, the following are some of the top library science programs to consider.

20. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona designed its online library and information science master’s degree to reflect the evolving and diverse work conditions in the industry. Additionally, the university incorporates a considerable level of flexibility in its program.

They allow online library science students to adjust their learning in accordance with their career goals and interests. In this regard, the university has more than 20 concentrations for students to choose from, including:

Digital Information
Special Librarianship
Law Librarianship
Academic Librarianship
Dual Degree in Journalism
Archives and Special Collections

Faculty members at the university also work closely with online MIS degree students to help them develop their customized studies to meet the course credit requirements. Students can design their courses according to their goals. No GRE is required for this online master’s in library science.

19. University of North Texas

UNT offers both an MS in Library Science and an MS in Information Science. By incorporating a 120-hour field experience requirement into the coursework, the MIS degree program by the University of Texas equips online learners with relevant skills and experience to work in such industries as:

Education
Research
Law
Corporate
Medical

The Masters in Library Science online Texas program is offered in small class sizes, which allows for one-on-one interactions between students and their online tutors. Most of the coursework for this program can be completed online. However, the university requires its online library and information sciences students to check in at the campus a couple of times a semester. The program is specifically designed to offer user-oriented education on technology. Some of the Master’s degree library and online science course concentrations offered by the institution include:

General Program of Study
School Librarianship
Information Organization
Information Systems

UNT is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

18. Texas Woman’s University

The Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is one of the top schools of Library and Information Science in the country. Their online library and information sciences master’s degree program is ideal for students who would like to learn in an environment that is gender collaborative.

The program offered by TWU is not only flexible but also very affordable. As compared to other MIS degree options in this list, this is the second most affordable option.

The coursework for the program is subdivided into core courses, core courses, electives, and the final examination—all of which require 36 credit hours. The degree is aimed at helping students get the appropriate work experience and fit into the library and information careers of their choice.

The coursework for this low-cost MIS program also requires students to take up internships approved by their faculty advisers.

This completely online Masters in Library Science is ALA accredited.

17. University of North Carolina

The Master of Library and Information Science degree program at the University of North Carolina is one of the popular MIS degree options today. The university offers this online degree through its School of Education, Department of Library and Information Studies. Students can take any of the six library and information sciences specializations offered by the university, including:

Information Organization and Access
Library Administration and Management
Media Production Services for Library Programs
Foundations of Library and Information Studies
Information Sources and Services

This library science degree program offers training that mirrors real life and the work environment. The faculty in the university works closely with the MIS students to encourage them to take up practicum and volunteer experiences.

16. Florida State University

The MIS program at Florida State University is offered by the School of Information, College of Communication & Information. The program focuses on:

professional foundations
information organization
policy and management
research

With regards to diversity, the University offers three main Master’s degrees:

Master of Arts in Information
Master of Science in Information
Master of Science in Information Technology

Each of these programs is delivered entirely online through preset class schedules. Students taking this program need to be available for classes for two hours every day between Monday and Thursday. To accommodate the needs of international students and those with busy schedules, the University offers several online class times. Some of the specializations offered by Florida State University include:

School Media
Youth Services
General Librarianship
Technology and Networking
Information Organization

15. University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee MLIS degrees

The library and information science master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin is offered through its Milwaukee Systems e-campus. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for the various technological and information changes in the work environment.

The program is administered in three main parts, including:

core courses
practicum
concentration courses

The degree is comprised of 36 credits. Students can pursue a wide range of career goals and interests within a single program. The university offers nine dual-degree tracks—both master of science and master of arts options.

If you want to further your education in library and information sciences but do not want to branch into other fields, this is the right program. To meet this need, the University of Wisconsin offers a total of 11 specializations.

14. University of Maryland, College Park

Through its College of Information Studies, the University of Maryland offers one of the best online masters in library and information science. The coursework is split into:

specialization classes
knowledge areas
thesis/study work

Students are required to take 36 credit hours.

As a member of the iSchool Foundation, the University strives to establish a strong basis for future information and technological advancements with its MLIS program. With regard to flexibility, students can choose to study entirely online or use the hybrid learning program offered by the University. With the hybrid MLIS program, you will choose which hours to learn online and when to attend classes physically at the campus.

This Master’s in Library Science degree program is one of the most expensive in our ranking, but the cost may be justified by its success rate. Before graduation, 91.2% of students had jobs. Within two months, 97.2% of graduates were employed. The University of Maryland was ranked #8 for overall Best Library and Information Studies Degree Program by U.S. News and World Report.

No GRE or GMAT is required for this Master’s in Library Science if this U.S. applicant has a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above, or has completed a previous graduate program.

13. Wayne State University

Flexibility is among the desirable aspects of the library and information science program offered by Wayne State University. The 36 credit hours required by the program are split into 18 credit-hour sections. One of the sections is allotted to the student’s area of specialization, and the other one to common core education.

The flexibility offered by this online Masters in Library and Information Science degree program is further enhanced by the fact that students can choose their preferred specialty from the several specializations offered by the school. Some of the specializations you can opt for with this MLIS program are:

Information Management
Archives and Digital Content
Library Services

12. The University of Alabama

The MLIS degree program at the University of Alabama is offered through the School of Library and Information Studies. The skills instilled by this program prepare students for leadership positions in various library and intelligence careers. The MLIS program applies a synchronous schedule and requires students to complete 36 credit hours.

This Master’s in Library and Information Science degree program is offered online through Bama By Distance. The program follows a cohort model that promotes enhanced peer interactions. Students meet virtually during preset class hours. They interact with each other and ask their tutors questions at the same time.

11. Drexel University Online

The online Master’s in Library and Information Science program offered by Drexel University instills a unique skill set in almost all areas of information management. The school was previously rated as America’s Best Graduate School by the U.S. News & World Report. To achieve optimal results, the program focuses on six main specializations, including:

Digital Libraries
Archival Studies
School Library Media
Library & Information Services
Knowledge Management and Competitive Intelligence
Youth Services

Regardless of the specialization you choose, this ALA-accredited library science program guarantees an impressive career outcome. To help students remain focused on career outcome objectives, the school facilitates exceptional student-adviser interactions. Students with industry experience may also get credit for previous work experience and schooling.

There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for this MLIS at the University of Maryland for students with a GPA of 3.2 and above.

10. University of Texas- Austin

This top-ranked MSIS at the University of Texas-Austin’s School of Information is a two-year program that prepares graduates for careers in:

Technology
Education
Government
Law
Business

The University of Texas-Austin is one of the founding members of iSchools, an organization that focuses on advancing the information field. iSchool offers research labs in:

User Experience
Digital Archives
Conservation
Information Retrieval

Students in this Master’s in Library and Information Science must complete a capstone project and an electronic portfolio. Faculty and staff are committed to supporting students in their career search and placement.

9. University of Southern California

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) offered by the University of Southern California is probably the most popular program included in this list—with regard to cultural and academic considerations.

While it is one of the most expensive options on this list, graduates are prepared for high-level positions.

The program is offered through the USC Marshall School of Business. This school is reputed to be one of the most innovative schools in library and information sciences in the region. Their top MMLIS program is specifically designed to instill the required skills to help students fit into the modern era of library and information. Course offerings include:

Management Communication for Leaders
Collection Development and Management
Information Description, Organization, and Retrieval

Students can complete their library science degree in just 20 months. The University of Southern California is ranked #22 top colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

8. Kent State University

The top library science degree program at Kent State University is a great choice for students planning to work in settings like:

museums
information agencies
companies and agencies
cultural organizations

Their course offerings provide students with an exceptional skill set in demand by top employers. Pathways of study include:

Applied Data Science
Information and Knowledge Organization
Information Access and Discovery
Data Information Technology

Students interested in K-12 School Librarianship can complete the School Library Media K-12 major. Dual degree options include:

Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Business Administration
Master of Library and Information Science in School Library Media K-12 and Master of Education in Educational Technology

This American Library Association-accredited program is also one of the most popular MIS programs in the country, having been included in a top 20 list by the U.S. News & World Report. The success rate associated with the MIS program offered online by Kent State University is also desirable; most graduates from this school are able to get jobs within six months after completion.

7. University of Kentucky

The Master of Science in Library Science offered by the University of Kentucky is an ALA-accredited program. Students will develop a solid foundation with skills and education that are relevant to the library and information work environment. Students have the opportunity to study abroad and gain international experience.

The program offers unique practicum opportunities for its online Master of Library and Information Science students.

The curriculum features flexible asynchronous coursework, making it a great choice for working professionals. Schedules can be individualized, and students may choose to complete a full-time or part-time program. Concentration areas include:

Academic Libraries
School Librarian
Youth Services and Literature
Health Information
Information Systems

Online students benefit from the UK’s great low in-state tuition rates. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Kentucky in the top 5 for Health Librarianship.

6. University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina MLIS degrees

The College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina features a high-quality online Master of Library and Information Science. Students can take the program entirely online or combine online and on-campus coursework.

Students can complete their degree in just 18 months using the Fast Track option. This accelerated Master of Library and Information Science degree program is specifically designed for students with busy lives. Although the program may be fast-tracked, it focuses on the outcome of its students. To ensure a positive academic experience, students are assigned to faculty advisers to help them with career choices.

Students taking this MLIS program can choose from three unique areas of specialization, including:

Information Services
Library Services to Children and Young Adults
Cultural Heritage Institutions

Based on a student survey, almost 67% of graduates received a promotion or raise upon completion of the degree. MLIS graduates are working in:

colleges
schools
communities
industries
businesses

5. Rutgers University- School of Communication and Information

The School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University equips its online students with the necessary pedagogy and education to succeed in the competitive job market. The program is designed to help students be more proficient in the formulation and implementation of organizational structures that allow for access to information.

Basically, this ALA-accredited program is a part-time asynchronous degree program and may be completed in three years. With regards to flexibility, the program offers several specializations, including:

Interaction Design and Informatics
Archives and Preservation
School Library Media
Technology
Information and Management
Data Science
Library and Information Science

Additionally, the program offers several starting dates for their students to choose from, as well as a highly customizable schedule. There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for this Master of Information degree for students who meet the criteria for strong academic records. U.S. News and World Report ranked Rutgers 7th in School Library Media.

4. University of Washington- Information School

University of Washington Information School MLIS degrees

The Master of Library and Information Science program offered by the University of Washington is aimed at connecting students to information. This MLIS degree provides a solid foundation for a variety of career paths due to its strong curriculum. Course offerings include:

Research, Assessment, and Design
Organization of Information and Resources
Concepts, Services, and Issues for Information Professionals
Information Behavior

The flexible curriculum allows students to choose electives like directed fieldwork or independent study. Courses are delivered in a convenient asynchronous format that is ideal for working professionals. While courses are offered online, students are required to come to campus for a three-day mandatory orientation. During this time, students will meet their peers and instructors and get a feel for the program.

3. Valdosta State University

The Department of Library and Information Studies at Valdosta State University offers a Master of Library and Information Science. Their program is one of the most flexible and affordable on our list. According to a similar ranking, this MLIS was ranked a ‘Best Buy’ MLIS program.

Students complete 39 credit hours to earn their degree. The core curriculum allows students to gain expertise in four key areas, including:

Administration
Resources for Clients
Services in the Knowledge Society
Technical Knowledge

In addition to the enhanced flexibility of online courses, the program allows individuals to further their studies by specializing in a specific area of library and information science. Specializations include:

Reference Sources & Services
Cataloging and Classification
Technology
Library Management

2. University of Illinois

University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign MLIS degrees

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Other offers an MS in Library and Information Science. Other than the once-a-semester visit to campus, students can complete most of their coursework online.

The program requires 40 semester hours delivered in a flexible synchronous format featuring Web-Based Information Science Education (WISE). This technology allows for a seamless and interactive connection between colleges, students, and the faculty. This MIS program features a strong curriculum with unique course offerings that include:

Information Organization and Access
Use and Users of Information
Youth Services Community Engagement
Libraries, Information and Society
Information Modeling
Introduction to Technology in LIS
Reference and Information Services

The ALA-accredited MIS program at the U of I is a clear manifestation of the school’s stellar reputation. The program is preferred for high-quality education and post-education assistance. After graduation, students are offered career advisement to help them find good jobs. U.S. News and World Report ranks this MS in library and information science at U of I as the best of its kind.

1. University of Wisconsin- Madison

University of Wisconsin Madison MLIS degrees

Based on our ranking criteria, the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison takes the top position on this list of the best MIS program providers. We arrived at this decision after analyzing the various attributes of the program, including:

flexibility
class size
fields of specialization
strength of curriculum

Not only is the Madison school a member of the iSchools, but they also offer a flexible MIS program. Students may choose any of the five specializations offered by this program, including:

Librarianship
Archives in a Digital Age
Data/Information Management and Analytics
Information Technology and UX
Information Organization

In addition to its flexibility, this best MIS program offered by the Madison school features a strong curriculum that comprises of three tiers. The curriculum offered by this program offers such courses as:

Cataloging
Foundations of Reference
Information Ethics and Policy
Collection Management
Archives Administration

Additionally, the program offers small class sizes. This makes it more convenient for students to interact directly with their peers and instructors. The program allows students to practice information and librarianship services at a professional level through:

e-Portfolio
core courses
electives
a 120-hour practicum

This MA in library science and information studies program waives its GRE admission requirements.