Undergraduate degrees in library science typically require general education coursework in the liberal arts and sciences followed by a range of specialized courses in topics such as information technology, collection assessment and development, knowledge organization and information services.
Many schools in the United States offer library science programs at this level. Southern Connecticut State University offers a bachelor of science degree with a major in library-information service. Based in Pennsylvania, Kutztown University offers both a bachelor of science degree in library science and a bachelor of science degree in education with a dual major in library science for students who are interesting in pursuing librarian positions in elementary or secondary schools. Also located in Pennsylvania, Clarion University offers a bachelor of science in education with a major in library science, in addition to an online bachelor science in liberal studies with a concentration in library science. Based in Illinois, the College of DuPage offers both a certificate and an associate in applied science degree in library and information technology. The College of Southern Idaho also offers an associate degree in library and information science.
The majority of library science programs are at the master's degree level. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there are 62 accredited master’s programs throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. An undergraduate degree in any subject area with an excellent GPA is the general requirement for admission into a master’s degree program in library science.
The University of Denver, Kent State University, University of Kentucky, University of Pittsburgh, University of North Texas, University of North Carolina, University of Maryland, Louisiana State University, Long Island University, Pratt Institute, Rutgers University, University of South Florida, University of Tennessee and University of Washington all offer accredited master of library and information science (MLIS) degrees. Southern Connecticut State University offers a master of library science that includes an optional school media specialist certification. Clarion University in Pennsylvania offers a similar combined master of science degree program in library science and school librarianship, as well as a combined juris doctor (JD) law degree and library science degree for students interested in careers in law librarianship. Indiana University offers a master of library science and a master of information science with a range of specialization options, including archives, art librarianship, digital libraries and music librarianship. The University of Iowa offers a master of arts in library and information science with optional certification in school media or health informatics. The University of Oklahoma offers both a master of library and information studies and a master of science in knowledge management.
Doctoral programs build on the theoretical knowledge and skills gained in master's degrees through additional advanced coursework and a written thesis or dissertation project with an oral defense or examination.
Syracuse University offers a Ph.D. in information science and technology and a doctorate of professional studies in information management. The University of Arizona offers a Ph.D. with an emphasis in information resources and library science. Indiana University offers a doctorate in information science, in addition to several master's degree programs. The University of Michigan offers both a masters and doctorate degree program with a range of specializations, including archives and records management, information analysis and retrieval, human-computer design, community informatics, information policy, social computing and the preservation of information. The University of Wisconsin offers a doctorate in library and information science with an optional minor in the history of print culture in America.