Library science connects people with information. Librarians design organization and classification systems, help scholars conduct research with archival sources and foster a love of reading in students. Librarians may work in public libraries, schools, businesses, or universities.
Librarian jobs offer above-average salaries and the potential for growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median librarian salary exceeds $60,000 per year, with school and academic librarians earning higher average salaries.
Earning a master's in library science (MLS) online gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. This article introduces the most affordable online MLS programs in the country to help prospective students find a program that fits their goals, interests, and budget. It also covers the career and salary outlook for library school graduates and scholarship opportunities for MLS students.
Library Science Master's for You
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Most Affordable Library Science Programs
Admissions Requirements for a Master's Degrees in Library Science
The admission requirements for a library science master's program will vary by university, but have a few common baselines. You must either have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience to apply. A 2.75 GPA is sometimes required, though many ask for a 3.0 GPA.
Some programs will ask you to submit GRE scores and others allow GRE scores in place of a high GPA. You may need a few letters of recommendation as well. Some of our favorite library science programs require teaching or librarian experience and some expect a valid teaching certificate for your state.
What to Expect from an Online Master's in Library Science Program Overview
Library science involves organizing and classifying information. In public libraries, librarians help people access books, digital collections, and other materials. Academic librarians assist professors in conducting research, while school librarians curate collections designed to educate young learners.
Most librarian jobs require a master's in library science. Online MLS programs cover topics like cataloging, information behavior, and collection development. Graduates can pursue careers as librarians, information specialists, and archivists. Graduates with a library science concentration can also pursue careers in information management, archival preservation, and digital preservation.
Why Should I Get a Master's in Library Science?
Specialized knowledge An advanced library science degree will give you the opportunity to choose a concentration and focus your learning on one specialty. When entering the workforce, this will make you a more competitive candidate and prepare you take on your department.
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- Increase salary potential
- Employees with a master's degree are often likely to earn a higher salary. The advanced knowledge and expertise is valuable to your employer and they reflect that in your compensation. You can use your degree to negotiate a higher starting salary or a raise once you've been in the role for over a year.
Maximize management potential If you'd like to lead a department and advance to executive positions, a master's degree can help. Some government jobs and schools require a master's degree to advance to managerial roles. A master's degree can set you up with the expertise and confidence to eventually lead a museum or curating department or become a head librarian.
Concentrations in a Library Science Program
In some library science programs, you'll be given the option to choose a concentration. These five concentrations allow you to focus your studies on a particular career field and increase expertise in a specific area. All concentrations will work on organizing and curating information, but your specialty will focus on applying that knowledge to varying workplaces.
School librarianship
This concentration is for students who wish to work in K-12 school libraries. You'll take courses that focus on developing young readers and curating books for education. You may also need a teaching certification to work in schools, but a library science degree will increase your hire appeal.
Archives
An archives concentration prepares students to work in archives, special collections, and historical societies. You could work at a university or specialized library, in a museum, or with private collections. Courses will teach you to handle sensitive and old documents and sort information like maps, photographs, ancestral data, or letters.
Library and information services
A more general concentration that can be applied to a variety of fields. A focus on library and information services can prepare you to work in public libraries, academic libraries, museums, government, and more. You'll learn to create programs, catalog information, and assist the public in using resources.
Curation
If curating is a particular passion of yours, you can choose a curation concentration. You'll learn to manage data curation and collection for use. You may go on to be a data librarian or data analyst. Students who graduate from this kind of program often work in government, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Youth services
A youth services concentration will focus on librarian work for children and teens. This can mean managing the youth department at a public library or working in a school library. This concentration will include courses that prepare you to curate collections that include the current popular and educational material, collaborating with educators, organizing literacy programs, and creating engagement events or summer programs.
Common Library Science Master Degree Courses
Master's in library science programs generally require 36-42 credits. Students learn to catalogue material, develop collections, and preserve digital materials. These programs build strong research and analytical skills. Most programs incorporate a capstone or thesis at the conclusion of the degree.
Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines common courses found in online MLS programs.
Career and Salary Outlook for Library Science Majors
According to the BLS, librarians earn a median salary of nearly $60,000 and enjoy 5% projected job growth between 2019-2029. In addition to working as librarians, graduates can work as postsecondary teachers, archivists, and high school teachers. The following list outlines several common careers for graduates.
1. Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teacher Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers teach literacy skills to adults and help students complete their GED or equivalency diploma. They teach lessons in areas like reading, mathematics, and writing. These teachers also emphasize job skills through their courses. Adult literacy teachers may connect learners to job placement services.
2. Postsecondary Teacher Professors and college instructors create syllabi, instruct undergraduate and graduate students, and grade papers and exams. They may also conduct and publish research. A master's degree is the terminal degree for academic librarian positions, which can involve teaching.
3. Archivists, Curators, and Museum Worker Archivists, curators, and museum workers preserve materials with historical value, oversee collections, and educate the public on museum collections. An archivist authenticates documents, preserves and maintains objects, and classifies archival material. Library and information studies training, particularly with classes focused on archives, prepares graduates for these roles.
4. High School Teacher High school teachers build career- and college-ready skills in young learners. They teach subjects like mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science. High school teachers create lesson plans, deliver instructional material, and assess their students' knowledge. A library science degree can lead to opportunities as a teacher-librarian or school librarian.
| Career | Salary Average | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Archivist, Curators, and Museum Workers | $46,550-$54,570 | -10% |
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $47,580-$61,630 | 9% |
| Librarian and Library Media Specialist | $53,950-$64750 | 11% |
| High School Teacher | $56,270-$62,310 | 4% |
Source: BLS
What is the ROI for a Library Science degree?
Tuition for a master's in library science will depend on the program, but on average ranges from $7,000 to $25,000. According to the BLS, careers related to library science can range in average salary from $54,000 a year to $65,000 a year. There aren't necessarily more lucrative career paths than others, your salary potential will depend more on your employer.
Each career type has the opportunity to hit the higher range as you accumulate experience and tenure with your employer. For example, both curators and librarians can have an average starting salary of around $50,000 a year but a museum curator in New York may have a higher earning potential than an elementary school librarian.
Accreditation for a Master's in Library Science
Prospective library science students should always check a school's accreditation status before applying. Accredited schools undergo a voluntary, third-party evaluation of their student learning outcomes, graduation requirements, and academic mission. Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions.
Colleges can hold regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Students can verify a school's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education's searchable database.
Programs within a school may also hold accreditation. The American Library Association (ALA) grants accreditation to library science programs. ALA-accredited programs meet high standards for their curriculum, learning outcomes, and faculty qualifications. Many employers prefer to hire candidates from an ALA-accredited program.
Certifications and Licensure for Library Science Majors
Most library science jobs do not require certification or licensure. However, in certain career paths, librarians need a license or certification. For example, school librarians need a teaching license in some states. MLS students should plan ahead to complete any certification and licensure requirements for their intended career before graduation.
Library science students qualify for many scholarship opportunities, including students pursuing an MLS degree online from an accredited program. Organizations like the Association of Research Libraries (ALA)and the American Association of Law Libraries award various scholarships to MLS students. In addition to the following scholarship opportunities for MLS learners, students should research opportunities at their college.
ALA Spectrum ScholarshipsWho Can Apply: The ALA offers scholarships to students of color to help them earn a master's degree and pursue careers in library and information science. Each cycle, the scholarship funds dozens of students based on their leadership potential, commitment to community building, and dedication to social justice.Amount: varies
Kaleidoscope ProgramWho Can Apply: Offered by the Association of Research Libraries, the program awards funds to library science students who identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. Applicants must submit a resume, a 400-word essay on their professional interest in research libraries and archives, and transcripts. The scholarship also requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.Amount: up to $10,000Library and Information Technology Association ScholarshipsWho Can Apply: The scholarship, offered by the LITA, a division of the ALA, supports students planning a career in the library and information technology field. The committee looks for candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and career vision. Applicants must attend an accredited master's program and submit a personal statement and letters of reference.Amount: $3,000-$5,000
AALL ScholarshipWho Can Apply: The American Association of Law Libraries awards this scholarship to students planning to pursue careers in legal information. While AALL members receive preference, anyone can apply to the scholarship. Applicants must attend an accredited library school.Amount: $2,000
David H. Clift ScholarshipWho Can Apply: The ALA offers the David H. Clift Scholarship to students earning an MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program, including online MLS programs. Applicants must submit a personal statement. Recipients must have completed no more than 12 credits toward their degree prior to receiving the award.Amount: $3,000
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Any student who needs financial assistance in funding their tuition should apply for scholarship opportunities. Eligibility for a scholarship will vary widely depending on the organization and specific grant. Sometimes being a part of a specific minority group or having an academic specialty will be required. Often, your chances are better if you have proven academic excellence.
You can look for scholarships from any library or reading literacy associated organization or nonprofit. You could be eligible for general federal grants and graduate scholarships too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Library Science
How long does it take to get a master's in library science?
A master's in library science generally takes 1-2 years to complete, but some schools offer part-time and/or accelerated options. You can also choose part time programs that may take longer to complete but give you the flexibility to only take on the credit count you can currently balance.
How much does a master's in library science make?
Librarians earn a median salary of just under $60,000 per year. Academic and school librarians typically earn slightly higher wages and you can advance your salary as you progress through your career.
What kind of jobs can you get with a master's in library science?
Graduates with an MLS degree can work in roles such as public librarian, school librarian, and academic librarian. Graduates can also work as information architects, archivists, and information analysts.
How do I get a master's in library science?
Prospective students with a bachelor's degree in any subject can apply to a master's program in library science or library and information studies.
What are the different concentrations for a masters in library science degree?
You can specialize your education with one of five library science concentrations — school librarianship, archives, library and information science, curation, and youth services. Each concentration will have specialty systems, information, and audiences to learn about.
