Today, information is as abundant and accessible as ever. The following 25 Best Master's Degrees in Library Science equip individuals to manage this information in compelling and dynamic ways. 

In today's Information Age, we can access a world of knowledge at our fingertips. But the amount of information available to us can be overwhelming if not optimally organized and presented. That's where librarians and information specialists come in.

The following 25 Best Masters' Degrees in Library Science emphasize the significance of information in modern society. Each program trains students to procure, present, and protect the information in a variety of settings. Through electives and specializations, students can personalize their plans of study to meet their career goals in the world of information. Graduates may work in academic, public, school, and special libraries, in historical archives and government information agencies, and beyond. Information specialists' work helps promote learning, awareness, and intellectual freedom in society. 

With the growth of digital media, a master's degree in Library Science is as relevant and vital as ever. According to the 2019 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians earned a median salary of $59,050 in 2018. The demand for librarians is growing at a projected rate of nine percent, which is about as fast as average. Information technology occupations are growing at a project rate of 13 percent, with a median salary of $86,320 in 2018. Experts are needed to preserve not only rare books and historical documents but also online materials and data, and to connect people and information through both traditional and dynamic, technology-driven sources.

Methodology

The staff of Grad School Hub has compiled the following 25 Best Masters' Degrees in Library Science for the 2019-20 academic school year based on public data released from educational, commercial, and government databases. Data contributed from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, and the U.S. Department of Labor plays a significant role in how graduate degree programs are ranked because institutional transparency is essential for deciding which career path is right for you. Based on this data, GSH organizes information into five weighted categories, which are:

  • Alumni Feedback: 20% 
  • Continued Enrollment: 20% 
  • Degree Selectivity: 10%
  • Graduate Expenses: 25%
  • Projected Annual Salary: 25%

A more comprehensive evaluation of how each category is determined and scored is accessible through our Ranking Methodology page. 

Here are the 25 Best Masters' Degrees in Library Science for 2019 – 2020!

#25 – University of Oklahoma

Master of Library and Information Studies

Norman, OK

Website

The University of Oklahoma offers a 36-credit Master of Library and Information Studies. The degree program combines coursework and practical experience in library studies. It is designed to build students' skills in the access, management, organization, storage, and use of information. Students have the option to focus on an area of library and information studies such as information technology, school library media, and reference services. Students can choose to culminate the program through a comprehensive exam, portfolio, or written thesis. Graduates go on to work in settings such as academic and public libraries, archives and special collections, government information centers, and the publishing industry.

UO was established in 1890 by the Oklahoma Territorial legislature. Located in Norman, it is the flagship institution of the University of Oklahoma system. OU is a public, space-grant research university. The university's library system has eight locations on campus and is the most extensive research library in the state of Oklahoma. The primary site is the Bizzell Memorial Library. The system also includes the Architecture Library, Engineering Library, Fine Arts Library, Geology Library, and the Physics and Astronomy Library. Unique collections include the Bizzell Bible Collection, the Western History Collection, and science volumes hand-noted by Galileo Galileo. The university's School of Library and Information Studies is the only program in Oklahoma accredited by the American Library Association.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,119 in-state; $19,778 out-of-state 

#24 – University of Kentucky

Master of Science in Library Science

Lexington, KY

Website

The University of Kentucky offers a Master of Science in Library Science through its School of Information Science. The degree program trains graduates for librarian careers in academic, health sciences, or public settings. The curriculum can be completed entirely online on a full- or part-time basis. The degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of study. Concentration options include Academic Libraries, Health Information, and Youth Services and Literature. Course offerings include Data Analysis & Visualization, Information Architecture, and Information in Society. The program offers opportunities to complete professional field practicum experiences and to study abroad in countries such as Germany or The Netherlands. Students may apply for an Alternative Spring Break internship in Washington, D.C., in settings such as the Library of Congress or the Smithsonian Libraries. Students may also choose to pursue a School Librarian Certification.

UK was founded in 1865 by lawyer and educator John Bryan Bowman. Formerly an agricultural and mechanical college, it is now a public land-grant university. It has grown into the largest institution of higher education in Kentucky by student enrollment. Located in Lexington, the campus includes 15 libraries. The largest is the William T. Young Library, a federal depository specializing in the humanities, life sciences, and social sciences. The American Library Association accredits the university's MS in Library Science. U.S. News & World Report ranks UK at No. 147 in National Universities, No. 140 in Best Value Schools, and No. 75 in Top Public Schools. At the graduate level, the university is ranked at No. 20 in Best Library and Information Studies Programs and fourth in Health Librarianship.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,363 in-state; $28,861 out-of-state 

#23 – University of Pittsburgh

Master of Library and Information Science

Pittsburgh, PA

Website

The University of Pittsburgh offers a Master of Library and Information Science through its School of Computing and Information. The degree program is designed to build students' creative and entrepreneurial skills for the contemporary information landscape. It requires 36 credits of study. Required courses include Data and Information in Systems, The Information Professional in the Community, and Lifecycles of Data and Information. Students can focus on a particular thematic area, such as Children and Youth Services, Information Technology, or a School Library Certification Program. The degree can be completed in three consecutive terms of full-time study or on a part-time basis in 12 terms, or four years. Graduates leave prepared for careers in archival, corporate, entrepreneurial, government, library, museum, and nonprofit settings. 

Founded in 1787, Pitt is the nation's oldest continuously chartered school west of the Allegheny Mountains. Today, it is a state-related research university and part of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. It operates a main campus in Pittsburgh and four additional campuses throughout Western Pennsylvania. Through the Oakland Library Consortium, Pitt students have access to the library system of the nearby Carnegie Mellon University, including the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The American Library Association accredits Pitt's MS in Library and Information Science program. U.S. News & World Report ranks Pitt at No. 70 nationally, No. 55 in innovation, and No. 26 among public schools. At the graduate level, the university is ranked at No. 10 nationally in library studies and first in Health Librarianship.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,290 in-state; $36,980 out-of-state 

#22 – University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Master of Library & Information Science

Milwaukee, WI

Website

The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee offers a Master of Library & Information Science. The highly customizable program can be completed online or on campus. Students must complete a minimum of 36 graduate credits. Required courses include Information Access and Retrieval and Organization of Information. The program offers concentration options such as Archival Studies and Information Technology, as well as specializations such as Digital Libraries and Special Libraries. It also provides a School Media Certification option. Students can culminate the curriculum with a master's thesis or field experience. They may also choose to pursue a concurrent master's degree in a subject such as Anthropology, Music, or Urban Studies. 

UW – Milwaukee was established in 1956 as a teacher training school. Today, it is a public university categorized in the top tier of research universities by the Carnegie Foundation. Located in Milwaukee, it is a member of the University of Wisconsin System and the second-largest university in the state. The American Library Association accredits the university's MLIS program. The main UWM campus library is the Golda Meir Library, which was named for alumnus and former Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir. The vast library includes the extensive American Geographical Society Library. U.S. News & World Report ranks UWM at No. 14 in Best Library and Information Studies Programs at the graduate level. The university is also listed at No. 12 in Digital Librarianship and ninth in Archives and Preservation.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,387 in-state; $23,424 out-of-state 

#21 – Catholic University of America

Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Washington, DC

Website

The Catholic University of America offers a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. The degree program emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork and internships. It requires 36 semester hours of graduate credit. The core curriculum covers areas such as ethics, information management, and technological applications. Students may choose to focus the remainder of their program on an area such as Cultural Heritage Information Management, School Library Media, or Law Librarianship. The curriculum culminates in a comprehensive exam. The degree program is typically completed within three years. Graduates of the program are prepared for work in academic libraries, special libraries, and information organizations. 

CUA was founded in 1887 by U.S. Catholic bishops. It is now a private pontifical Catholic university. The campus is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The community is known as "Little Rome" for its several Catholic institutions. The university has 22 research facilities and seven specialized libraries. The university's MS in Library and Information Science is the only LIS master's degree program offered in Washington, D.C. U.S. News & World Report ranks CUA at No. 129 nationally and No. 70 for best value. The university is ranked at No. 32 in Best Library and Information Studies Programs at the graduate level.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,400

#20 – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Master of Library Science

Kutztown, PA

Website

The Kutztown University of Pennsylvania offers multiple routes to its Master of Library Science degree. Students may choose to pursue degrees with initial or extended certifications. The standard MLS without certification is ideal for students interested in working in corporate or public libraries. It requires 36 credit hours of study. The core curriculum covers areas such as collection development, information organization, information sources and services, and library management. Required courses include Collecting and Curating Print and Digital Resources, Educational Program of the School Library Media Center, and Technologies for the 21st Century Educator. Students may choose to complete an independent study or an internship in a public or unique library setting. The program culminates in a comprehensive portfolio and review.

Kutztown University was established in 1866 as a teacher training school. Today, it is a public university and a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university is a census-designated place just outside the borough of Kutztown in Pennsylvania. Campus facilities include a planetarium and observatory, an early learning center and curriculum materials center, and the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center. The campus is about a half an hour drive from Philadelphia and a two-hour drive from New York City. U.S. News & World Report lists KU at No. 137 in Regional Universities North and No. 44 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000 in-state; $13,500 out-of-state 

#19 – Kent State University

Master of Library & Information Science

Kent, OH

Website

Kent State University offers a Master of Library & Information Science through its School of Information. The degree requires a minimum of 37 credits of study. Core courses include The Information Landscape, People in the Information Ecology, and Research and Assessment in Library and Information Science. The curriculum culminates in a master's portfolio, though students who wish to pursue further education or research careers may also pursue a thesis. Students have the option to take interdisciplinary courses in areas such as health informatics, knowledge management, and user experience design. They may also choose to pursue a dual degree in a subject such as business administration or education. Graduates of the MLIS program go on to work in various companies, cultural organizations, information agencies, libraries, and museums. 

KSU was established in 1910 as a teacher training school. It has since become a public research university. The university was noted in the 1970s for its anti-Vietnam War student activism. In addition to its main campus in Kent, KSU operates schools and facilities across Ohio, as well as locations in New York City and Florence, Italy. The university offers the only MLIS program in the state of Ohio. It is accredited by the American Library Association and ranked at No. 19 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The site also ranks KSU at No. 191 in National Universities and No. 104 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,310 in-state; $20,396 out-of-state 

#18 – University of Arizona

Master of Arts in Library and Information Science

Tucson, AZ

Website

The University of Arizona offers a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. The degree program is offered through the university's College of Social & Behavioral Sciences and School of Information. It can be completed on campus or entirely online. Students may choose to concentrate in an area such as archival studies, digital information management, or medical and community health information. The degree requires 37 units of study. Core courses include Ethics for Library and Information Professionals and Research Methods for Library and Information Professionals. The curriculum culminates in a capstone internship experience. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in archives, government, information centers, libraries, and museums. 

UA was founded in 1885 as the first university in Arizona. Today, the public research university is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Located in Tucson, the campus includes the Arizona Health Sciences Library, the Science and Engineering Library, and the University of Arizona Poetry Center. Writer David Foster Wallace was a UA alumnus, and linguist Noam Chomsky is a UA professor. The American Library Association accredits the university's MA in Library and Information Science. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program at No. 22 in the nation. The university is also listed at No. 106 nationally, No. 97 for best value, and No. 46 among public schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,486 in-state; $31,463 out-of-state 

#17 – University of Alabama

Master of Library and Information Studies

Tuscaloosa, AL

Website

The University of Alabama offers a Master of Library and Information Studies. Applicants should have a recent graduate degree or five years of experience in the field. The degree program requires 36 credit hours of study. It follows a cohort model, meaning peer groups of students move through the coursework together, and is designed to be completed in a primarily online format, with live virtual sessions one evening per week. In addition, students are required to take a few weekend courses at the university's Gadsden Center. Required courses include Information Technologies, Organization of Information, and Research Methods. The curriculum also consists of a management component, with course options such as Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, and School Media Centers. Students also have the opportunity to pursue a State of Alabama School Library Media Certification.

Established in 1820, UA is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama. It is a public sea- and space-grant research university. Located in the heart of Tuscaloosa, UA is the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System. The university was notably a center of activity throughout the Civil Rights Movement and the American Civil War. Its University Libraries system consists of six libraries, including those specializing in business, government documents, health sciences, science and engineering, and special collections. The university's MLIS degree is accredited by the American Library Association and ranked at No. 28 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The site also ranks UA at No. 129 nationally, No. 80 for best value, and No. 61 among public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780 in-state; $28,100 out-of-state 

#16 – Syracuse University

Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Syracuse, NY

Website

Syracuse University offers a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. Offered through the university's School of Information Studies, the degree program covers contemporary librarianship in communities and organizations. Students can choose from 11 focus areas, including but not limited to, data librarianship, historical materials, management, and youth services librarianship. The degree requires 36 credits of study. Core courses include Information Policy and Reference and Information Literacy Services. The curriculum also consists of a two- to three-day graduate immersion residency workshop. The degree program is typically completed within two years. Students may also choose to pursue a LIS degree with a School Media specialization, which can be completed in a hybrid or fully online format.

Syracuse traces its roots to a seminary founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lima, New York. Today, it is a private research university in Syracuse, New York. Its main library is the Ernest S. Bird Library, which includes a special collections center with works by such figures as Descartes, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, and Voltaire. It is also home to the personal library of Leopold Von Ranke, and first edition works by Rudyard Kipling. The university's LIS program has been accredited by the American Library Association since 1928 and is ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It ranks fourth in both its Digital Librarianship and School Library Media specializations, and second in Information Systems. The site also lists the university at No. 53 nationally and No. 51 for best value.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $36,000

#15 – University at Albany

Master of Science in Information Science

Albany, NY

Website

The State University of New York at Albany offers a Master of Science in Information Science. The interdisciplinary degree program covers the areas of data analysis, information management and processing, and library science. It offers five concentration options: Archives and Records Administration, Data Analysis, Information Management and Technology, Intelligence Analysis, and Library and Information Services. Core courses include the Administration of Information Agencies, The Information Environment, and Research Methods. The program also requires a 150-hour supervised internship in an information services agency. The internship experience culminates in a paper or project report. Graduates are prepared for careers as historic document archivists, information architects, intelligence analysts, and special collections librarians. 

SUNY Albany was founded in 1844 as an educator preparation school. Today, the school is a public research university and a constituent of the State University of New York System. The university operates two campuses in Albany County and one in Rensselaer, New York. It has two libraries, which together hold more than two million volumes. The libraries offer information literacy and user education programs. The university's MS in Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association and ranked 22nd in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News also ranks SUNY Albany at No. 140 in National Universities, No. 82 in Best Value Schools, and No. 70 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,870 in-state; $22,210 out-of-state 

#14 – Simmons University

Master of Library and Information Science

Boston, MA

Website

Simmons University offers a Master of Library and Information Science. The customizable degree program may be completed in a hybrid or fully online format. Students can choose from Archives Management, Cultural Heritage, and School Library Teacher program concentrations. The curriculum consists of 36 credit hours of study. Course offerings include Book Publishing and Librarianship, Information Services for Diverse Users, and Social Informatics. The program also offers opportunities for hands-on internships, site visits, and work experiences across New England. Graduates of the program go on to careers as digital librarians, school media specialists, web developers, and more.

Simmons University was founded in 1899 by clothing manufacturer John Simmons. On the undergraduate level, it is a private women's university. The university's graduate programs are co-educational, accepting students regardless of gender. The campus is located near the Back Bay Fens parkland in Boston, Massachusetts. A notable alumnus of the MLIS program is the information architect, professor, and writer Alex Wright. The university's MLIS program is ranked 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It ranks fourth in children and youth services and third in archives and preservation. The site also ranks Simmons the 11th best university in the northern United States and fourth nationally for best value.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,988 

#13 – University of Southern California

Master of Management in Library and Information Science

Los Angeles, CA

Website

The University of Southern California offers a Master of Management in Library and Information Science. The degree program can be completed entirely online to meet the needs of working professionals. It emphasizes leadership and management skills in the fields of library and information science. The curriculum consists of 12 courses, totaling 31 credits. Core courses include Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals, Collection Development and Management, and Management Communication for Leaders. Elective offerings include Library and Information Technology Management and Strategic Information and Competitive Analysis. The curriculum culminates in a Research and Professional Application capstone. The program spans five 15-week semesters and can be completed in as few as 20 months.

Founded in 1880, USC is a member of the Association of American Universities. The university's innovations include antivirus software, DNA computing, and the Domain Name System. It is home to a network of 24 libraries and information centers. This network consists of the university's digital library, and libraries focused on cinema, medicine, and philosophy. The American Library Association accredits the university's MMLIS program. U.S. News & World Report lists USC No. 37 in Best Value Schools, No. 28 in Most Innovative Schools, and No. 22 in National Universities.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,200 

#12 – Drexel University

Master of Science in Information, Library & Information Science major

Philadelphia, PA

Website

Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Information with a major in Library & Information Science. Offered through the university's College of Computing & Informatics, the program builds students' skills in collaboration, data analysis, innovation, and leadership. It can be completed online or residentially on a full- or part-time basis. The curriculum consists of 15 courses, totaling 45 credits. Library Science courses include Leading and Managing Information Organizations; Organization of Data and Information; and Users, Services & Resources. Students culminate the program through a project-based capstone or research project. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in archives, corporations, government agencies, and libraries.

Drexel was founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony Drexel. Previously an institute of technology, it is now a private research university. It operates three campuses across the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area. A key feature of the university is its cooperative education program, which offers students the opportunity to gain paid, full-time work experience in their field. The American Library Association has accredited the university's MS in Information in Library & Information Science since 1924. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program No. 11 in Best Library and Information Studies Programs at the graduate level. U.S. News also ranks Drexel No. 102 in National Universities, No. 67 in Best Value Schools, and No. 13 in Most Innovative Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,156

#11 – University of Michigan

Master of Science in Information

Ann Arbor, MI

Website

The University of Michigan offers a Master of Science in Information through its School of Information. The professional degree program prepares students for innovative careers in information management. Students can choose from three broad interest areas in archives and library science, data science, and user experience and computing. The MSI program consists of 48 credits of study. All students are required to spend at least two academic years in residence and to complete an internship experience. Students have the option to culminate their studies through a professional mastery course or a research thesis. The degree program can be completed in two years on a full-time basis or in three to four part-time years. 

Founded in 1817 in Detroit, U of M is a public research university in Ann Arbor, with regional campuses in the Michigan towns of Dearborn and Flint. It is considered one of the most prominent research universities in the nation. The U of M library system consists of 19 libraries and 24 separate collections, totaling more than 13 million volumes. The university was the original home of the JSTOR research journal database. At the graduate level, U.S. News & World Report ranks U of M fifth in Library and Information Studies Programs, and first in both Archives and Preservation and Information Systems. The site also lists the university 27th overall nationally, 12th in innovation, and fourth among public schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,368 in-state; $45,156 out-of-state 

#10 – Indiana University Bloomington

Master of Library Science

Bloomington, IN

Website

Indiana University Bloomington offers a Master of Library Science degree program. The program has a strong focus on digital media in the realm of information and librarianship. It requires 36 credit hours of study. Course requirements include Perspectives in Librarianship, Representation and Organization, User Services and Tools, and an internship in the field. Optional courses include Database Design, Human-Computer Interaction, and Metadata. Students will gain hands-on experience working with archives, manuscripts, and rare books. The majority of MLS students work at IU libraries and documentary institutions on campus. Graduates are prepared for careers in academic, public, and special libraries.

Founded in 1820, IU is the flagship institution of the Indiana University system. The public research university is also the largest in the system by enrollment. The American Library Association accredits the university's MLS program. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program the ninth-best graduate-level Library and Information Studies program in the nation. The site also ranks IU 89th in National Universities and No. 38 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,956 in-state; $30,125 out-of-state 

#9 – Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Master of Information

New Brunswick, NJ

Website

Rutgers University offers a Master of Information degree through its School of Communication and Information. The degree program is data-driven, career-oriented, and intensive in information technology. It can be completed online or on campus. Students can choose from seven concentration areas, including archives and preservation, interaction design and informatics, and school library media. Course offerings include Human Information Behavior, Interaction Design, Research Methods, and Planning Outreach Services. The curriculum culminates in the production of an electronic capstone portfolio. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as archivists, data scientists, knowledge managers, librarians, technologists, and web designers. 

Founded in 1766, Rutgers the oldest and flagship Rutgers campus consists of smaller schools throughout New Brunswick and Piscataway, New Jersey. Historically a private liberal arts college, Rutgers is now a public state research university. It is also a land-grant institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. The New Brunswick campus is counted among the nation's "Public Ivies." The American Library Association accredits the university's Master of Information program. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program seventh nationally and first in School Library Media. The site also lists the university No. 56 overall nationally and No. 17 among public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,848 in-state; $28,656 out-of-state 

#8 – University of Maryland, College Park

Master of Library and Information Science

College Park, MD

Website

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a Master of Library and Information Science. The degree program incorporates social engagement and a technological focus in its approach to information science. It can be completed online, in person, or a hybrid format. Students can choose from programs of study in areas such as Archives and Digital Curation, School Libraries, and Youth Experience. The MLIS program requires 36 credit hours of study. The core curriculum consists of four courses: Achieving Organizational Excellence, Creating Information Infrastructures, Designing Principled Inquiry, and Serving Information Needs. Students can choose to complete a field study experience or research thesis to graduate within three years. Founded in 1856, UMD is categorized in the top tier of research universities by the Carnegie Foundation and counted among the nation's "Public Ivies." Its MLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association and ranked eighth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The site also lists the university No. 63 overall nationally and No. 22 among public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,294 in-state; $26,532 out-of-state 

#7 – University of Washington

Master of Library and Information Science

Seattle, WA

Website

The University of Washington offers a Master of Library and Information Science. The degree program can be completed in an in-person or online format. The residential program is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time basis, and online students can progress through their studies at their own pace. Students have the option to pursue a Law Librarianship program or School Library Media Endorsement. MLIS students are also offered opportunities to study abroad, complete a directed fieldwork internship, and engage in research projects and events. Graduates of the program are equipped for information management roles in corporate, nonprofit, and library settings. 

Founded in 1861, UW is the flagship institution of the six public universities in Washington state. The university has a main campus in Seattle's University District and satellite campuses in the Washington towns of Tacoma and Bothell. The university includes one of the largest library systems in the world, with more than 26 university libraries. U.S. News & World Report ranks UW's MLIS program second in the nation and first in Law Librarianship. The site also ranks UW No. 59 in National Universities, No. 37 in Most Innovative Schools, and No. 20 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,207 in-state; $27,255 out-of-state 

#6 – Florida State University

Master of Science in Information

Tallahassee, FL

Website

Florida State University offers a Master of Science in Information degree program. The program covers areas including information architecture and technology and youth information needs and services. The program requires 36 semester hours of study, which can be completed entirely online. Students may choose to follow a specialized program of study in an area such as cultural informatics, health informatics, or web design. Core courses include Information Organization, Management of Information Organizations, and Research Methods in Information Studies. Each student must also satisfy at technology skills requirement, with course options such as Digital Libraries, Managing Makerspaces, and Network Administration. Students may also choose to pursue a master's thesis, though it is not a requirement for the degree.

Founded in 1851, FSU is the oldest continuous higher education site in Florida. Located in Tallahassee, it is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. FSU is a public sea-grant and space-grant research university. The FSU Library System home to one of the most significant document collections in Florida. The university's MS in Information program is accredited by the American Library Association and ranked 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The site also lists the program first in School Library Media. The university is ranked No. 70 in National Universities, No. 37 in Most Innovative Schools, and No. 26 in Top Public Schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,684 in-state; $24,116 out-of-state 

#5 – University of Wisconsin – Madison

Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies

Madison, WI

Website

The University of Wisconsin – Madison offers a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies. The degree program can be completed either residentially or online on a full-time or part-time basis. It is a generalist program, meaning it covers a variety of careers involving information. It requires 39 credits of study. Requirements include three core courses, at least one course in both management and technology, a field experience, and an electronic portfolio. Once they complete the requirements, students can focus on one concentration area or mix courses across areas. Concentration areas include Archives in a Digital Age, Data & Analytics, Librarianship, and User Experience & Information Technology. Students have the option to enhance their degree with a certificate in Innovation and Organizational Change or Leadership.

Founded in 1848, UW-Madison is an establishing constituent of the Association of American Universities. The American Library Association has accredited the university's MA in Library and Information Studies since 1924. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program No. 14 among graduate-level Library and Information Studies programs nationwide. The site also lists the university No. 49 nationally and No. 15 among public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,728 in-state; $24,054 out-of-state 

#4 – University of Texas at Austin 

Master of Science in Information Science

Austin, TX

Website

The University of Texas at Austin offers a Master of Science in Information Science. The professional degree program offers a flexible curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership roles in the information field. It consists of 40 semester hours of coursework. The core curriculum consists of three core courses: Information in Social and Cultural Context, Perspectives on Information, and Understanding Research. Students are offered several focus area options, including Archives, Digital Humanities, Health Informatics, Librarianship, and Web Development. Students may also choose to pursue a School Librarian Certificate. The program culminates in the student's choice of a master's report or thesis, a professional experience project, or a school library practicum. All students must also complete an electronic portfolio.

Founded in 1883, UT Austin has the eighth-largest single-campus enrollment in the United States. The campus is home to 17 libraries, including the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. The Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center holds one of the remaining 21 complete copies of the Gutenberg Bible, one of the earliest and most valuable printed books in the world. U.S. News & World Report ranks UT Austin fifth in graduate Library and Information Studies programs nationwide. The site also lists the university No. 49 nationally, No. 16 in innovation, and No. 15 among public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,490 in-state; $22,178 out-of-state 

#3 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Champaign and Urbana, IL

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The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. The degree program can be completed residentially or online. The online program uses real-time virtual classrooms. All students must attend an on-campus orientation. The program includes two required courses: Information, Organization, and Access and Libraries, Information, and Society. Students can follow one of six possible professional pathways, such as Archival and Special Collections, Data and Asset Management, and Youth and K-12. Students are offered opportunities to participate in extracurricular and networking activities and to engage in internships and field experiences.

U of I was established in 1867 as an industrial institution. Today, it is the flagship research institution of the University of Illinois System. The U of I library system houses the second-largest university library collection in the United States, after Harvard University. It includes more than 20 departmental libraries, which hold more than 24 million items. The American Library Association has accredited the university's MSLIS program since 1926. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program the No. 1 graduate-level Library and Information Studies program in the nation. It also lists the university No. 46 overall in the country and No. 13 among public institutions.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,186 in-state; $28,773 out-of-state 

#2 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Chapel Hill, NC

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. The degree program incorporates real-world application through assistantships, community service, research, and work experience. It requires 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. Students can choose from informal concentrations such as Academic Libraries, Digital Libraries, and Special Libraries and Knowledge Management. Required MSLS courses include Human Information Interactions, Information Resources and Services, and Resource Selection and Evaluation. All students must also fulfill an information technology competency requirement and write a master's paper. 

Chartered in 1789, UNC-Chapel Hill is one of three schools to hold the title of the oldest public university in the United States. The public research university is the flagship campus of the 17-member University of North Carolina system. UNC is counted among the nation's "Public Ivies." Chapel Hills' library system holds more than seven million volumes, and the university's North Carolina Collection is the most extensive collection about any single state in the nation. The university is also home to ibiblio, one of the world's largest public information collections. The American Library Association has accredited the university's MSLS program since 1934. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program third in the nation, and first in both digital and health librarianship. The site also ranks UNC No. 30 overall nationally, eighth for best value, and fifth among public schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,943 in-state; $27,154 out-of-state 

#1 – University of California, Los Angeles

Master of Library & Information Science

Los Angeles, CA

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The University of California, Los Angeles, offers GSH's top Master of Library and Information Science program. The degree program covers archival, information science, and library theory, as well as information seeking, retrieval, and technology expertise. The core curriculum consists of four required courses: Artifacts and Cultures, Description and Access, Systems and Infrastructures, and Values and Communities. Students may choose from five approved specializations: Archival Studies, Informatics, Library Studies, Media Archival Studies, and Rare Books/Print and Visual Culture. Students are also given opportunities to engage in professional internships with organizations across Southern California. The program culminates in each student's presentation of either a portfolio or research thesis. 

UCLA was established in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California. Today, it is a public research university and a member of the 10-campus University of California system. A land-grant institution, UCLA is a member of the Association of American Universities. It is also considered one of the nation's "Public Ivies." The university's library system holds over nine million volumes across 12 libraries and 11 additional facilities. The university's MLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association and ranked No. 14 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News also ranks UCLA No. 23 in innovation, No. 19 overall, and the No. 1 best public university in the nation. 

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,502 in-state; $26,604 out-of-state