Top 25 Affordable Master’s in Library Science Degrees Online

The University of Central Missouri's master's in library science online is geared towards teaching and training students to become school librarians in the K-20 system. The curriculum is a blend of library science classes and features a focus on information technology used in today's technologically advanced classrooms and schools. The degree is delivered entirely online and is accredited by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Acceptance into the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and a personal interview. UCM is ranked #87 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers an online library science degree for students seeking a distance learning delivery combined with rigorous curriculum. The curriculum is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous delivery and requires no on-campus visits. The UNCG program is the oldest accredited program in the state of North Carolina and is fully accredited by the American Library Association. GRE and other test scores are waived for individuals with a 3.5 or higher undergraduate GPA. Students can specialize their coursework for a variety of sectors and institutions including academic, public, government, public schools, and more. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNCG #231 in national universities.

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an online master's in library science fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) and designed for students seeking a fully online degree program with no on-campus requirements. The Southern Mississippi program includes courses such as cataloging and classification, collection development and management, foundations of librarianship, fundamentals of information science, and reference and information sources. The program includes a general track as well as a track that prepares students for school licensure. Graduates go on to work for a variety of organizations including government, private industry, non-profit, and other public sector entities. USM is ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

The University of Maryland University College offers a library science online program for individuals seeking graduate level education in the information sciences. Graduates go on to work for a variety of agencies and organizations including government, private industry, non-profit, and public institutions in positions such as librarians, archive professionals, child and youth services, information systems, researchers, and more. The program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Courses include achieving organizational excellence, creating information infrastructures, designing principled inquiry, and serving information needs. The UMUC program is ranked #5 in archives and presentations, #5 in information systems, and #5 in school library media by U.S. News and World Report.

The University of Houston's College of Education offers a library science online program for educators seeking a rigorous graduate level curriculum designed for elementary, middle school, and high school educators. The program consists of 33 credits and can be completed in only 18 months taking three courses per semester for three semesters. The program's mission is to teach and train students with the requisite skills to increase student learning regarding information and research as well as technology. Classes include administration of school library services, applications of technology, librarians as instructional partners, selecting literature and materials for young adults, and school library systems and services. UH is ranked #192 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

San Jose State University provides an online library science degree that prepares graduates for a career in information services within a wide variety of contexts and organizations. The program is 100% online including all coursework, internships, and research assistant opportunities. There are no on-campus orientations, classes, or events. The vast majority of coursework is asynchronous, meaning students can complete tasks as their schedule allows. The San Jose State program has been educating students since 1928 and has been online since 2009. The program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). U.S. News and World Report ranks SJSU #35 in regional universities West.

Murray State University offers one of the top online MLS programs for educators seeking certification in library media within an educational context. The program conflates library science courses with the latest technology platforms and trends librarians need to know to assist students with learning in a rapidly changing digital society. The program consists of 33 credits–all delivered online with the exception of three practicum courses where students gain valuable experience working under the supervision of a librarian in their local community. Students without prior certification must complete a semester of student teaching. U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU #32 in regional universities South.

Middle Tennessee State University offers a master's in library science online for individuals seeking graduate level curriculum in library sciences and technology they can use to leverage career growth and master additional skills and knowledge within the field. The program is 36 credits with all courses being delivered online. Students are required to complete two field experiences as a way to gain practical experience. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, submit three letters of recommendation, and write a 500-word statement. Major core courses include collection development and user services, librarianship, organizing library resources, reference materials and processes, and understanding research for evaluation in libraries. MTSU is ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Jacksonville State University offers an online master's in library science designed for currently licensed educators with a teaching certification in any area. Completing the Jacksonville State program, students will be eligible for master's level certification in library media for grades P-12. The admission process includes transcripts, FBI background check, GMAT/GRE/MAT scores, three letters of recommendation, teaching certification, resume, and interview. Courses include children and young adult literature, curriculum integration of technology, learning through interactive technologies, and psychological principles of learning. U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville State University #89 in regional universities South for its 2018 cohort of institutions.

Western Kentucky University offers a library science online program featuring a unique curriculum with a dual concentration in library information services and educational technology. The program prepares graduates for top positions as library media specialists, training specialists, and educational technology specialists within a wide variety of public and private organizations. Admission requirements include 3.0 GPA in last 60 credit hours, resume, two letters of recommendation, and minimum 3-page writing sample. Students without teacher certification who are seeking initial certification must submit GRE scores. The program consists of 33 credits, including concentrations in library media specialist and education technology specialist. WKU is ranked #32 in regional universities South.

LSU offers an online library science degree through its School of Library & Information Science. The program includes 36 semester credit hours, including 18 core credits and 18 elective credits. Required courses include information and society, information needs and information seeking, information technologies and systems, and organization of information. Although not required, students can choose specialization areas including academic librarian, cultural heritage management, adult services in public libraries, digital content management, youth services librarian, archival studies, and knowledge management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Louisiana State University #133 in national universities and #37 in best library and information studies programs.

The University of Kentucky is one of the top online MLS programs accredited by the American Library Association. The program is offered through UK's College of Communication and Information and is available fully online. Students can choose from a wide variety of concentrations such as academic libraries, health information, information technology and systems, public libraries, school libraries, youth services and literature, or a generalist option. Core classes include information in society, information seeking, information representation and access, and management in library information science. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Kentucky #20 in best library and information studies programs and #4 in health librarianship.

The University of Washington's Information School offers an online library science degree for individuals seeking the convenience of distance learning delivery combined with rigorous curriculum. Admission requirements include personal statement, diversity statement, three recommendations, resume, and transcripts. Students with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 are encouraged to submit GRE scores. The online MLIS degree requires a visit to the UW campus for a 3-day orientation. The entire program is 63 quarter credits and may include courses such as instructional and training strategies for information professionals, management of information organizations, and organization of information and resources. U.S. News and World Report ranks the UW MILS program #2 in library science programs.

Wayne State University provides online MLS programs for those interested in graduate level coursework working towards an American Library Association (ALA) accredited degree. The curriculum consists of 36 credits, including 18 core credits and 18 specialization credits. Specializations include library services, information management, and archives and digital content management. Common core classes include access to information, information technology, introduction to the information profession, and library administration and management. Admission requirements include bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, personal statement, and current resume. Applicants not meeting the 3.0 GPA threshold can apply under alternative admission standards. U.S. News and World Report ranks Wayne State University #223 in national universities.

The University of Illinois offers students an online master's in library science via distance learning. The degree is housed in the UI School of Information Sciences and is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The degree features a wide range of course options and only requires students to take two foundational courses, including information organization and access and libraries, information, and society. Once two courses are complete, students can choose a pathway that fits their career interests. Pathways include archival and special collections, data and asset management, information organization and management, knowledge management and competitive intelligence, research and information services, and Youth and K-12. U.S. News and World Report ranks the program #1 in best library and information sciences program.