Master’s in Library Science Online Programs

Convenience

Online MLS programs take advantage of the latest technologies to reduce the amount of time you need to spend on-campus. In fact, some programs don’t have any in-person requirements at all. Many learners enjoy this convenient component of online MLS learning because they can complete classes from home or just about anywhere with a wifi signal. Schools that offer asynchronous courses add yet another layer of flexibility, as this format doesn’t require you to log in at particular times or attend live class meetings. In other words, you can complete your coursework and meet your deadlines on your own time. This is especially helpful for working adults with career or familial obligations.

Affordability

Online master of library science programs also tend to be quite a bit cheaper than traditional on-campus programs. Much of the time, you’ll receive a reduced or in-state tuition rate as an online learner regardless of where you live. You also save money by avoiding costly commutes to campus, including savings on gas or parking fees, subway fare, or bus passes. You save obvious costs like room and board but also on miscellaneous fees that colleges often charge on-campus students. This includes campus activities fees, transportation fees, student legal services, recreation events, and more.

Time

Another possible perk you can take advantage of in your online master’s in library science program is the accelerated program option. In these programs, remote learners can complete their MLS degree in as few as 12 months. The accelerated option works great for students who can’t commit to a two-year full-time program. While accelerated online master’s in library science programs may be hard to come by, they do exist. Keep in mind that accelerated programs may not offer your chosen concentration. It will be important for you to weigh the pros and cons of spending less time in school versus getting training in your preferred areas of the field.

Internships

Your online master’s in library science program might require you to complete an internship, externship, or practicum for hands-on learning experience. The specifics of these requirements vary among programs. If you’re an out-of-state learner, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to locate a practicum location on your own. Your school will need to do a little investigating after you submit your desired location to give their final approval but finding an appropriate location might be up to you. That could be more challenging than it seems. You’ll need to locate a place that has the time and space for you, as well as the appropriate technologies to satisfy your department’s requirements.

Technical issues

Another challenge that online learners often face are those technological issues that tend to plague us at the very worst moments. You can be finishing a final paper and, at the last minute, your wifi or power goes out. Since you’re working from home, most troubleshooting aspects of any tech problem will be up to you. Sure, you can call your internet provider or electric company, but it might be hours or days until a service technician arrives. Many professors provide their remote students with some leeway in these situations, but some schools have very strict policies on deadlines.

Your online coursework for the MLS degree will come in one of a few formats. There are fully online programs, hybrid programs, and programs that have 100% online coursework with an in-person internship or practicum requirement. Depending on whether your classes are delivered synchronously or asynchronously, you’ll either attend live lectures and participate in real-time discussions online or view pre-record lectures and other instructional content whenever you choose. Classes might also require students to engage with others in the class and professors in an online discussion board.

Every online master’s in library science program you consider will be a little bit different.. You should expect that each program will have its own approach to taking you through the required knowledge for the field, including resource management, digital asset management, advanced research skills, professional ethics, and leadership skills. Here are some of the major learning outcomes you can expect from any online master’s in library science degree program.

Yes, you can complete some MLS programs entirely online with no on-campus or in-person obligations. Other programs may follow a hybrid course format, requiring you to complete classes both online and in-person. Degree requirements vary among schools, as some require you to complete an internship, externship, or practicum at an approved location for hands-on learning. Alternatively, you’ll find programs that ask learners to complete a final project, create a portfolio of work, or take a comprehensive exam in order to graduate. These options can usually be finished remotely.

In a full-time, accelerated programs students can sometimes complete their degrees in three consecutive semesters, or about one calendar year. Part-time learners can take up to three or four years to complete the program, depending on their workload. Additional factors that will affect the duration of your program include whether or not your department requires in-person requirements like on-campus residences or internships or a final project, portfolio, or final exam. If you have transferable credits from previous graduate work at another school, you might be able to save time and money by getting credit for those. Check with your prospective department or registrar to get more information on transfer credits for master’s in library science degree-seekers.

The cost of your online master’s in library science will vary among schools and depends on several factors. Firstly, public schools tend to offer lower tuition rates than private schools. Your tuition rates might also be higher if you’re an out-of-state learner even if you’re completing classes online. The duration of your program, or how long it takes you to satisfy your credit requirements will also has some bearing on how much you’ll spend over time. Lastly, the more funding you’ve secured ahead of time through grants and scholarships greatly affects how much you’ll pay out of pocket. Here is the per credit cost at a few universities to give you an idea of what to expect.

St. John’s
University

Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Total Credits: 36

$1,355/credit

University of
Kentucky

Master of Library
Science

Total Credits: 36

$607/credit

Drexel
University

Master of Library and Information Science

Total Credits: 45

$1,342/credit

Application requirements for the MLS are fairly similar among colleges and universities, with only a handful of variations. Most online master’s in library science programs require you to possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Schools often consider 3.0 or higher GPAs to be competitive. Not all programs require you to submit GRE scores for consideration. Some programs will accept scores from the Miller Analogies Test, while others ask for no standardized test scores at all. Lastly, you might need to participate in an admissions interview or demonstrate computer/technology literacy. These programs tend to be moderately competitive, with acceptance rates hovering between 50-70%.

No, you can apply for an online master’s degree in library science with a bachelor’s degree from just about any field. It’s certainly possible that incoming students with a bachelor’s degree in the hard sciences might be slightly more prepared than those coming from non-STEM majors, although this should not deter you from applying or pursuing a career in library science.

No, many online programs today don’t require you to submit your GRE scores for consideration. While some programs might require your standardized test scores as part of the application process, submitting your GRE scores might also be optional. You could consider sending in GRE scores to supplement your MLS application, especially if you have strong scores and your application is lacking in other areas.

In most cases, MLS degree-holders will not need to obtain additional licensure or certification to work in the field. Public school librarians in some states need to possess licensure or certification as a teacher in the state before they can obtain librarian certification. To obtain licensure, you’ll need to earn a passing score on the Praxis Library Media Specialist test. In other cases, you’ll only need your MLS degree and no additional certifications in order to work in schools or other professional settings. For the latest requirements for librarians, check with the state department of education where you plan to work.

Most learners with an online library science degree pursue work as a school librarian or college-level library science teacher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals make a mean annual wage of $59,500 and $77,170, respectively. Depending on their training and interests, MLS degree-holders can also find jobs working as archivists, who make a median annual wage of $53,950. BLS projects that available positions for librarians in the U.S. will increase by 5% by 2029, which is slightly higher than the average growth for all other occupations in the U.S.

PhD in Library Science

If you have an interest in conducting advanced research or teaching at the college level, a PhD in library science is a great choice. You’ll be able to further develop your knowledge in a specialized area of the field, increase your earning potential, and work on research projects that pertain to your expertise. Your master’s degree in library science qualifies you to apply to any PhD program in this area. Like most PhD programs, you can expect to spend four or more years completing your degree requirements.

PhD in Library, Archival, and Information Studies

Take your MLS studies to the next level with more specialized training. This degree prepares you for administrative and leadership roles, as well as advanced research positions, in archives, museums, and universities. You’ll learn archival-grade preservation techniques for digital and hardcopy media in addition to studying the philosophical aspects of human experience and recorded artifacts. You’ll also need four or more years to complete this degree.

PhD in Informatics

Graduate programs in informatics combine the study of information and computers. They’ll give you the chance to study human-computer interaction design, the creation of computational methods, educational app development, and user experience. Depending on the program, you might be able to specialize in an area of the field, such as art and cultural informatics, spatial informatics, health and medical informatics, or bioinformatics. Upon completing this degree, you’ll be ready for jobs in software development, data science, cybersecurity, UX design, and much more.

Master of Arts in History

Students with an interest in library science may also find a rewarding path in a history program. These degrees help you develop specialized knowledge in a historical time period and location. From Latin America and the Middle East to medieval times and comparative gender studies, an MA program in history allows you to cast a wide net and study exciting topics. Degree-holders move on to careers as teachers, political scientists, archivists, historians, and more.

Master of Arts in Folklore

If you’re thinking about a library science degree, you certainly have a deep interest in how information is disseminated and informs peoples’ daily lives. With formal training in folklore, you can study the spoken word, stories and storytelling, music and instrument-making, writing, poems, art, and much more. Many folklore degree-holders pursue careers as teachers, historians, archivists, arts organization leaders, among many other roles.