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Library Science Online Degrees

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians must have a master's degree in library science in order to qualify for entry-level positions at public or school libraries. Librarians that have completed their master's degree at a university accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) also have more job opportunities. While there are several ALA-accredited universities, some students may not have an accredited school in their city or state. Fortunately, there are a few universities that have developed online or distance learning programs for those students that do not have access to an accredited school or that need the flexibility that an online program affords.

  1. MLIS Online Degree Program

    • The University of Pittsburgh offers students an opportunity to earn a master's degree in Library and Information Science through their FastTrack Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Online Degree Program. According to the university, the degree can be completed in two years and prepares students to work in a variety of jobs at school, public, medical and special libraries. The degree program is accredited by the ALA and allows students to specialize in areas such as records management, information technology, or resources and services. Although students use online tools to take their courses, they are also required to take part in weekend seminars held on campus.

      University of Pittsburgh
      135 N. Bellefield Ave.
      Pittsburgh, PA 15260
      800-672-9435
      ischool.pitt.edu

    Master's of Science Degree in Library and Information Science

    • The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign has a distance learning program called the Library Experimental Education Program (LEEP). The program is accredited by the ALA and prepares students to begin their careers as entry-level librarians. Students enrolled in this program have an opportunity to earn their master's degree through a combination of online courses and short on-campus sessions held each semester. Students can choose between part-time or full-time schedules to complete their studies in one or more years. Students enrolled in the master's degree program can specialize in reference and information services, data curation, community information systems or other specializations offered by the school.

      University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
      Graduate School of Library and Information Science
      501 E. Daniel St., MC-493
      Champaign, IL 61820
      217-333-3280
      lis.illinois.edu

    Master of Arts in Information Resources and Library Science

    • The School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) at the University of Arizona offers students the option to take virtual learning courses to earn their master's degree. Using the university's online tools, students can complete the majority of their courses. According to the university, face-to-face meetings at the Tucson or Phoenix campuses may be required to complete a few of the courses. Graduates of the 36-credit, ALA-accredited program will be prepared to work in publishing, archives and several other fields related to information resources.

      University of Arizona
      School of Information Resources & Library Science
      1515 E. First St.
      Tucson, AZ 85719
      520-621-3565
      sirls.arizona.edu

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