Best Online Master’s in Library Science Degrees of 2024

Librarians have a valuable job in our society. They champion our access to information; support our freedom to read, learn, and research what we want; and track down whatever materials we can’t find ourselves.

If a career in library science sounds right for you, an online master’s in library science degree might be a great fit. Here’s how to get started:

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The American Library Association (ALA) accredits 68 programs at 64 institutions across the U.S. ALA-accredited programs often post their status prominently on their websites.

A degree from an ALA-accredited program can qualify aspiring information literacy specialists for many professional jobs, including leadership roles in schools and public systems.

Not only do most employers like to see accredited degrees, but attending an ALA-approved program can help you build a valuable professional network of peers, professors, and alumni.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average master’s degree costs $20,513 per year in tuition alone. As a gross national average, that figure can look much different when broken down school by school. Keep in mind that the sticker price is merely a ballpark figure for the cost of a degree.

Online learning, studying in the state where you live, and choosing a public institution are three simple ways to lower college costs.

Remember, too, that earning a master’s in library science can raise your salary above the national average, so the cost of not attaining your degree may be higher than going to school.

Suppose you dream of working in an academic or school library, or aspire to a leadership role in an archive or information management company. In that case, you probably need a master’s in library science.

This degree can build on any undergraduate major to provide you with essential skills in research, organization, data management, and information analysis. These skills transfer easily into many other fields, even if you never opt to become a librarian.

An MLIS opens your future up to more than conventional information management roles. Library science graduates can work as chief information officers, managing editors, senior information specialists, instructional designers, or chief curators.

Earning your degree online can improve your digital skills while saving time and money. Consider these benefits of earning your library science degree online:

You can expect to make a median annual salary of $64,370 as a librarian, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Jobs in elementary and secondary schools paid the most, at $68,450 per year in 2023. Local government positions paid the least at $60,770 each year.

State colleges and universities offered a median pay of $66,260 for librarians, while general information roles paid $59,730.

In addition to studying to become a librarian, a master’s in library science degree gives you plenty of concentration options. Depending on your preferences, you can focus on specific areas that can benefit you later in your career.

Some popular specializations include the following:

Graduates with a master’s in library science often become public librarians, school librarians, or specialized librarians working in corporate, law, or medical settings.

The library science degree also gives you the skills, knowledge, and credentials to take on various other roles, including working in businesses, museums, and administrative services.

Graduates can also work outside of libraries and become teachers or researchers. The table below contains some library science careers.