Online Master's in Library Science (MLIS): Reviewing Schools

Details of Three Online MLIS Programs

Earning a master’s degree is a big commitment, both personally and financially. To make sure you invest your time and money wisely, it’s important to research schools before committing to an MLIS program.

To help you find the right online MLIS program, here is a look inside three reputable options.

FAQs From Future MLIS Grads

Can you earn a master’s in library science completely online?

Yes, many MLIS programs can be completed entirely online with no on-campus obligations, though some use a hybrid format.

• Some schools require an internship, practicum, or fieldwork at an approved site.
• Others may require a final project, portfolio, or exam that can usually be finished remotely.

How fast can I earn a master’s in library science degree online?

You may be able to earn your MLIS in as little as three semesters (about one year) if you study full time.

• Part-time learners often take three to four years to finish.
• The exact length depends on program requirements (e.g., residencies, projects, exams).
• Transfer credits may shorten your timeline and help you save money.

How much does an online master’s in library science cost?

The cost of an online MLIS varies widely by school, with public universities usually charging less than private school.

• Tuition for out-of-state learners is often higher, even for online study.
• The length of your program also affects total cost.
• Grants and scholarships can lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

How do I get into an online master’s in library science program?

To qualify, you typically need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

• Most schools look for a 3.0 GPA or higher, though requirements vary.
• Some programs ask for GRE scores, an interview, or proof of computer/tech literacy.
• Admission rates are often 50-70%, making programs moderately competitive.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree from a particular field to apply for an MLIS?

No, you can apply to an online MLIS with a bachelor’s degree in almost any field.

• Students from STEM backgrounds may have an easier transition, but all majors are welcome.

Understanding the Online MLIS Curriculum

Every online master’s in library science program you consider will be a little bit different. You should expect that each program will have its own approach to taking you through the required knowledge for the field.

That said, here are five common course topics most programs cover.

Research Methods

A primary goal for most library science professionals is to improve general access to information and support academic endeavors for students, researchers, and the public. Through a research methods course, MLIS programs ensure that graduate students understand how to design and carry out research projects, employ theoretical frameworks, take advantage of published scholarly materials like peer-reviewed journals, and produce academic research proposals.

Classification and Cataloging

In this core class, you’ll explore the ways that library science professionals today organize both hardcopy and digital materials. Professors typically include instruction on Dewey Decimal Classification, Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, and Sears Subject Headings. The class also covers database maintenance, materials preparation, acquisitions, and circulation.

Instructional Materials and Teaching in Libraries

This course will help you develop essential skills for creating educational library programs using the latest technologies, as well as some non-traditional approaches. Students will learn to create educational content using an online platform, oftentimes for K-12 learners. Instructors of this course may also cover performance-based assessment models for librarians.

Society and Digital Culture

In a Society and Digital Culture course, you’ll get a better understanding of today’s evolving digital culture by examining the networks and systems that make global interconnectedness possible. Faculty often cover topics in digital ethics, social media movements, cross-cultural design, and the political aspects of digital technologies.

Genealogy and Local History

A Genealogy and Local History course covers U.S. genealogical tools used to locate community and family histories on existing records. In this course, you’ll learn how to navigate archived documents in print and digital formats. The course studies also cover copyrights, public and private recording keeping, and identity control.

Future Careers for Library Science Master’s Holders

Librarian

Becoming a librarian or library media specialist is often the most obvious career path for MLIS graduates. In this role, professionals work with community members, students, faculty, and others to find reference and reading materials.

Librarians also sometimes help with research projects and are often experts at extracting the right sources for a research project. This field is growing about as fast as the national average for all careers, and librarian salaries are about $64,730 annually.

Data Administrators

MLIS students develop a thorough understanding of the latest information technology and data management tools used across the field today. Library science professionals can put this knowledge to use in a variety of database administrative roles.

MLIS graduates working in the healthcare field, for example, can use IT and data management skills to improve healthcare services delivery that better serves patients. Data administration jobs are growing (at a 9% rate), and data management professionals make about $117,450 annually.

Archivists

Since librarians are experts at storing scholarly materials and maintaining professional and academic spaces where intellectual property is stored, they often make great archivists and curators as well.

The role of an archivist is to oversee a specific collection of work, often owned by a museum, community center, special collection, or historical society. The field is growing faster than the national job growth rate for all fields, and archivists make about $57,120 a year on average.

Leading Online Master of Library Science Schools

Now that you’ve read an overview of what an online MLIS can do for you, the next step will be finding the right program. To provide comparative data of different schools offering online MLIS degrees, our team ranked accredited programs in terms of affordability, academic rigor, and professional development services.

Key metrics we used include the percentage of coursework offered online, how much financial aid a program gets awarded, and the number of career development resources available to students. To learn more, click the “About the Rankings” button.