Top 35 Master of Library Science Programs

The Master of Library Science (MLS) degree is the gold standard for professional librarians. The American Library Association (ALA) has said that professional librarians should have an MLS or MLIS degree, and have accredited programs that they feel meet their quality standards. Graduating from an ALA-accredited MLS program gives a professional more flexibility in jobs and job types and increases career mobility. In fact, many employers of librarians will not hire a librarian who does not have an ALA-accredited MLS degree. 

There are other degrees that meet the needs of professional librarians, some of which are also ALA accredited. Degrees that librarians may have that fit this mold include, but are not limited to:

  • Master of Library Science
  • Master of Library and Information Science
  • Master of Information Science
  • Master of Education in School Librarian
  • Master of Education in Library Media Specialist
  • Master of Information Management and Systems
  • Master of Arts in School Library Studies
  • Master of Library Media 
  • Master of Science in Information Science
  • Master of Science in Information Studies

We have chosen the top 35 MLS programs available in the United States and compiled them into this list. 

How We Ranked the Top 35 Master of Library Science Programs 

The top 35 MLS programs were chosen based upon a variety of factors. These include:

Accreditation

Each of the MLS programs listed below is accredited at the institutional level. This means that a regional or national accreditation agency has evaluated the school’s programs and determined them to be of the highest quality. Some of them have also received programmatic accreditation for their MLS program.

Examples of institutional accreditors that you will see below include:

  • WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission)
  • HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
  • MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education)
  • NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education)
  • SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
  • NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

Examples of programmatic accreditors of the MLS programs below include:

  • ALA (American Library Association)
  • AASL (American Association of School Librarians)
  • CAEP (Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation)
  • ALISE (Association for Library and Information Science Education)
  • NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education)
  • AAQEP (Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation) 

Flexibility

The schools listed below offer programs on campus, online and in hybrid fashions. This allows for the utmost flexibility for students, many of whom are nontraditional and may be retuning to school while having family and work commitments. Flexibility is key to getting an education for many students these days. 

Well-Respected Schools and Programs 

The schools and programs listed below have all been recognized and respected not only by accreditation agencies but by publications that rank schools and MLS programs. These programs will all lead to various job opportunities, not just within libraries but in all types of information science and studies areas and settings. 

As you read through the Top 35 Master of Library Science programs list, you will notice that not every state houses a program, while some states house more than one program. You can be sure that the programs listed below are each of the highest quality master’s programs leading to a variety of job opportunities and careers in library and information science. 

Arkansas

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY, Russellville, AR

The Master of Education in Instructional Technology Library Media Specialist K-12 option at Arkansas Tech is designed to prepare students to become school librarians. The 36-hour program is offered completely online and also in a hybrid format. Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition rates. 

California

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH, Long Beach, CA

The Master of Science in Educational Technology & Media Leadership – Teacher Librarian Services Credential program at CSULB also offers students the option of a Special Class Authorization in Information and Digital Literacy. The on-campus credential program consists of 27 units, and can be earned with or without the MS degree. 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, Berkeley, CA

Berkeley’s MIMS program is a 48-unit, two-year full-time program that trains students to become information professionals. Graduates have gone on to work in settings such as the Library of Congress, Google and Microsoft. An internship is optional but recommended in the summer between the first and second years of the program. 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles, CA

UCLA’s MLIS program is ALA-accredited and includes an internship involving over 250 organizations in Southern California. Program specializations are offered in Archival Studies, Informatics, Library Studies, Media Archival Studies, and Rare Books/Print and Visual Culture. All classes are taught on-campus, face-to-face. 

Hawaii

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA, Honolulu, HI

University of Hawaii at Manoa’s MLIS program is comprised of 39 credits spread throughout the core concepts of Services, Professions, Resources, Technologies, Cultures and Management. Seminars are included. A thesis option exists, as well as a non-thesis option in which students present a portfolio. 

Illinois

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, De Kalb, IL

NIU’s M.S.Ed. in Instructional Technology-Library Information Specialist trains students to become school librarians. The 33-hour program meets Illinois State Board of Education standards and offers state teacher certification for those who desire it. Students may study on-campus, online or in a hybrid fashion.

Indiana

INDIANA UNIVERSITY-BLOOMINGTON, Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington offers two programs, a MLS and an MIS. Both are ALA-accredited and designed to produce advanced information service and library professionals. 85 to 90 % of graduates of both programs in 2020 found employment in the field within one year of graduation.

Iowa

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA, Cedar Falls, IA

UNI’s MA in School Library Studies is an online program consisting of 33 credits that can be completed in 2 years. Graduates are prepared to work as teacher librarians, teacher leaders, technology integrationists, instructional coaches, and curriculum directors. Although the program is a distance, online program, scholarships are available to qualified students. 

Kansas

EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY, Emporia, KS

ESU’s MLS program is accredited by the ALA and offered completely online. Even though students take classes online, faculty enjoy personal interaction with them. Concentrations are available in Archive Studies, Health Information Professionals, Informatics, Leadership & Administration, and Youth Services. 

Maryland

TOWSON UNIVERSITY, Towson, MD

Towson’s MSIT program is available 100% online, as well as in on-campus and hybrid formats. The ALA accredited program offers two other concentrations in addition to School Library Media – Instructional Design and Development, and Educational Technology. Just the School Library Media concentration is ALA accredited, however.

Massachusetts

SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY, Salem, MA

Students in Salem State’s Library Studies Program earn a master’s degree and teacher certification to become a K-12 Library Teacher in Massachusetts. The program gives students valuable experience through fieldwork and practicums. Classes are online and asynchronous, allowing students to work at their own pace and travel when necessary. 

Minnesota

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY-MANKATO, Mankato, MN

MSU-Mankato’s online MS in School Library and Information Studies can be completed in 24 to 36 months. The program is ALA accredited and nationally recognized by CAEP. A practicum is also included, in which students gain valuable teaching experience., and must be completed before a Minnesota Library Media License will be granted. 

ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY, St. Paul, MN

St. Kate’s ALA-accredited MLIS program offers pathways in Archives and Special Collections, Youth Services, Information Science and Digital Libraries, and Managerial Leadership. The 36- credit-hour program can be completed in 24 months. Students may start in spring, summer or fall semesters. Scholarships are also available to qualified students. 

Missouri

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

UCMO’s ALA-accredited MS LSIS program is offered completely online, with or without a School Librarian Certification and with optional Initial Teacher Certification. The degree program averages 36 credits. Early and late practicums are required for all students, working with a librarian at the beginning and end of the MS LSIS program. 

New Jersey

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY, Wayne, NJ

The online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Learning – School Library Media concentration at William Paterson University includes field experiences, professional application projects, and research. Options are included for state endorsement as a NJ school library media specialist. The program consists of 36 credits and culminates in a master’s thesis on educational research. 

New York

PRATT INSTITUTE, New York, NY

Pratt’s ALA-accredited MSLIS degree is an on-campus program and holds the distinction of being the oldest LIS program in North America, having been around since 1890. Concentrations include Archives, Special Collections, Rare Books and Digital Curation; Information Services, Organization, Management and Use; Learning, Literacies and Communities; Research and Data; and Technology and Interfaces Design and Development. As of 2020, 100% of graduates were employed in the field nine months after graduation. 

QUEENS COLLEGE, CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, Queens, NY

The MLS program at Queens College offers the following concentrations: Archives and Preservation of Cultural Materials, Public Library Services for Children and Young Adults, Library Media Specialists for Public Schools, Academic Librarianship, Digital Resources Management, Organization of Information, Records and Information Management, and Special and Embedded Librarianship. It is an on-campus program. 

ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE, Rochester, NY

St. John Fisher College’s online MS in Library Media (Teacher Librarian) is a 30-credit-hour program that can be completed in one to two years. Graduates are prepared to work in school and public libraries. One hundred hours of supervised fieldwork is required prior to graduation, as is completion of a portfolio. 

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, Syracuse, NY

The MLIS program at Syracuse has been ALA-accredited since 1928, making it one of the oldest in the country. Professional pathways include User Services & Community Engagement, Archives & Special Collections, Digital Curation & Services, Organization & Management of Information & Knowledge, Children & Youth Services, Digital Information Systems, and Information Research & Analytics. Online, on campus and hybrid options are available. 

North Carolina

APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY, Boone, NC

The MLS program at App State Online has been nationally recognized by the American Association of School Librarians and accredited by CAEP, and is designed to prepare teacher librarians. With synchronous and asynchronous classes, the degree can be completed in two years. Professional teaching licensure in NC is available to graduates. 

North Dakota

VALLEY CITY STATE UNIVERSITY, Valley City, ND

Valley City State’s M.Ed. program features a concentration in Library and Information Technologies. It prepares library media specialists at the highest credential level, LM01. The 37-credit-hour program also includes 120 hours of field experience and an oral defense of a comprehensive portfolio.

Oklahoma

EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, Ada, OK

ECU’s Master of Library Media is designed for those who plan to become School Library Media Specialists in PK-12 public or private schools. The online program prepares students for certification to teach in Oklahoma. Study abroad programs are also available for interested students. 

NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY, Broken Arrow, OK

Northeastern State’s MS in Library Media and Information Technology has been ranked among the best online programs for school librarian preparation in the United States. The program consists of 33 credit hours and is also available at the Broken Arrow campus. A hybrid format is also available for interested students. 

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA, Edmond, OK

UCO’s M.Ed in Library Media Education is an online program that also includes some hybrid classes. Graduates are ready to apply for certification to teach as a School Library Media Specialist in the state of Oklahoma. 

Pennsylvania

PENNSYVLANIA STATE UNIVERSITY- GREAT VALLEY, Malvern, PA

PSU Great Valley’s MSIS program combines online and in-person classes into a hybrid program. Courses are flexible and accelerated, at 7 and 14 weeks long. The 33-credit-hour degree is STEM-designated, culminating in a research experience that brings together theories and practical experience in one exploratory format. 

Rhode Island

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, Kingston, RI

The MLIS program at URI Online consists of 36 credits, including mandatory internships. Four optional tracks are available: Leadership, Information Equity, School Library Media, and Digital Media. The classes are asynchronous and flexible. Full-time students can complete the degree in one year, and part-time students in two years. 

Tennessee

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, Murfreesboro, TN

The MLS program at Middle Tennessee State is currently seeking candidacy from the ALA. This fairly new program was begun in 2016. Categorized within the Womack Educational Leadership Department of the College of Education, this degree program prepares students to become public and school librarians. 

TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY, Nashville, TN

Trevecca Nazarene University’s MLIS program is offered in an online format. It is designed to train future school librarians in K-12. Start dates are flexible and occur throughout the year. The degree program can be completed in 15 months.

Texas

SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY, Huntsville, TX

The MLS with optional School Librarian Certification at Sam Houston State is recognized by the AASL as a school librarian preparation program. It is an online program consisting of 36 credit hours. Enrollment occurs in fall, spring and summer semesters. 

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AT CLEAR LAKE, Houston, TX

University of Houston-Clear Lake’s MS in SLIS is not AASL-approved but has been accredited by the State Board of Educator Certification/Texas Education Agency to prepare students to be school librarians. The online program accepts new students in the fall, spring and summer semesters. 

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, Austin, TX

UT-Austin’s MSIS program is offered to students in a flexible hybrid format. It consists of 36 semester hours and culminates with a thesis or capstone option. Students choose 30 credit hours of electives both within and outside of the School of Information. 

Utah

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, Logan, UT

Utah State University’s M.S.Ed. in School Library Media Administration is designed to produce students who will work in school libraries at the K-12 level in public and private school settings. At graduation, students can apply for the Utah State Office of Education library media K-12 endorsement.

Virginia

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY, Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University’s online MSIS program consists of 36 credit hours that can be completed in 1.5 years. Its 8-week courses are accelerated and start dates are offered year-round. Tuition in the highly-ranked online MSIS program has not increased in the past seven years. 

LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY, Farmville, VA

Longwood’s M.Ed in School Librarianship is designed to produce school librarians at the K-12 level. It is just one of two programs in Virginia nationally recognized by the AASL and CAEP. Graduates can apply for initial teaching licensure in Virginia.

West Virginia

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY, Huntington, WV

Marshall’s M.Ed in school Library Media prepares school librarians to manage school library media centers at the K-12 level. It requires the completion of three hours of clinical experience. Courses are delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format.