Top 35 Online Master of Library Science Programs 

A Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree is the gold standard for professional librarians. The American Library Association (ALA) recommends that all librarians hold a minimum of a MLS/MLIS degree. In fact, the ALA accredits MLS/MLIS programs that meet their rigorous qualifications.

Why is completion of a quality MLS or MLIS program so important for future librarians? While it is important to have experience in the library field, a MLS program prepares students for various types of information environments and professional positions, not just within libraries. So much valuable information can be gleaned from completing a MLS or MLIS program. It also provides valuable internship opportunities to help prospective librarians decide the setting in which they’d like to work after graduation. 

An online MLS program that is ALA-accredited is viewed by potential employers exactly the same as an on-campus MLS program.  Some online MLS or MLIS programs are even more highly regarded than on-campus programs. In today’s busy society, where many students are nontraditional and have commitments ranging from family to work, the benefits of an online program are many. Flexibility is key in online programs, which may offer courses in synchronous fashions (same day(s) and time(s) each week) or asynchronous methods (in which students complete work at their own pace, more or less). 

How We Ranked the Top Online MLS Programs

There are many online programs from which to choose when you are browsing MLS and MLIS programs. Not all of them received a place on this list, however. As you browse the top 35 online MLS programs listed below, you will notice that not every state has a program, and some states have more than one program. Here’s how we chose the programs we included within this list.

Accreditation

All of the programs listed here are institutionally accredited. This means that a regional or national accreditation agency has recognized these programs for their quality of education. Each of the schools included within this list are accredited by one or more of the following accreditation agencies:

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

Furthermore, many of these programs are also programmatically accredited by other organizations. This adds an extra layer of respectability to programs. Organizations that hae accredited programs below include:

  • American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
  • American Library Association (ALA)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Flexibility

As mentioned above, online MLS programs are quite flexible, fitting the schedules and commitments of a wide variety of students. The online programs included within this list are all quite flexible, with some offering completely online classes, and some offering students a choice of a mix of hybrid and online classes or on-campus classes. Classes may be live, in a synchronous format, or asynchronous, in which assignments are due on a weekly basis but it is up to the student to discipline themselves to complete the assignments on their own time. 

Rate of Employment After Graduation

Each of the online MLS or MLIS programs listed below have high rates of employment for graduates. That is, within 12 months of graduation, more than half (usually much more than half) of the graduates are employed within the field. It is important to know that the time, and money, that you spend studying in an MLS program will pay off with employment in your intended field. 

Without further ado, we present the Top 35 Online Master of Library Science Programs. 

Alabama

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, College of Communication & Information Sciences, School of Library & Information Studies

The MLIS program at the University of Alabama is offered 100% online, with synchronous classes at a specific time each week (usually in the evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Online students are expected to enroll in two courses each semester. The 36 semester-hour program can be completed in six semesters if taken in this manner. In 2019, 66.7% of graduates held a position in Library Information Studies within one year of graduate. 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA, College of Education and Professional Studies, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences

The M.Ed. program in Educational Media-Library Media at the University of South Alabama is offered completely online. Applications for admissions are reviewed throughout the year. An optional Alabama Class A endorsement is also offered. The program consists of 30 graduate hours of study and three internships. As of 2021, 100% of graduates said that they were able to be hired in education positions for which they had prepared. 

Arkansas

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, Department of Leadership Studies

The MS in Library Media & Information Technologies at UCA prepares students to be school librarians, as well as to work in a variety of information and educational settings. Coursework is offered 100% online, although the practicum must be taken in-person with 60 hours at the elementary level and 60 hours at the secondary level. Continuous enrollment is also required, with students expected to be enrolled in at least two of three semesters during a given calendar year. 

California

SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY, School of Information

San Jose State’s MLIS program is offered 100% online. Internship opportunities are offered both in-person and virtually at a variety of locations. At the conclusion of the 43-unit program, students may elect to do a thesis or an e-portfolio. As of 2021, 64% of graduates held a position in library or information science within one year of graduation.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Marshall School of Business

The 31-credit MMLIS program at USC is the only ALA-accredited program to be housed within an accredited school of business. With classes structured over five 15-week semesters, the degree can be completed in 20 months. As of 2020, 71% of graduates were working in the library or information science field within one year of graduation. 

Colorado

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, Morgridge College of Education

University of Denver’s MLIS program is offered 100% online (as well as an on-campus option in Denver, CO for students who would rather study in person). An optional Archiving Focus is offered. The degree’s 58 quarter credit hours can be completed in 21 to 27 months on a part- or full-time basis. A capstone or internship may be chosen. As of 2019, 72% of graduates were employed full-time within one year of graduation.

Florida

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, School of Information, College of Communication & Information 

The consistently top-ranked MSI program at Florida State can be completed 100% online. It requires completion of 36 semester hours, which can be achieved in just over two years. A thesis is optional. An MA degree may be earned by students who complete 6 semester hours in an arts field and demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. As of 2020, 94.8% of graduates were employed in the Information field. 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Information

The MLIS program at the University of South Florida is offered completely online. A total of 39 semester hours must be completed. An optional path to become a School Librarian/Media Specialist is offered, with teacher certification by the Florida Department of Education. As of 2019, 77% of graduates were employed in their field of study. 

Georgia

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY, Dewar College of Education and Human Services

Valdosta State’s MLIS online program is a 39-hour, non-thesis master’s degree program. The curriculum is specially designed for working students with families who cannot come on campus. Most students complete the program in two years. As of 2017, 91.2% of graduates were employed in their field of study within 12 months of graduation. 

Illinois

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY, Department of Information Studies

Chicago State’s MSLIS program offers four different specializations: Academic Libraries, Archives and Record Management, Public Libraries, and School Libraries. The program can be completed in 2.5 years. Classes are offered mostly online or in a hybrid format. As of 2021, 70 % of graduates were working in libraries, 15% in archives, and 15% going on for additional graduate study within 12 months of graduation. 

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY, College of Applied Social Sciences

Dominican’s MLIS program is offered in three formats: 100% online, in-person at the Chicago campus, and in a hybrid format. Practicums and internships are also offered. The 36-credit program can be finished in as little as one year. As of 2017, 89.4% of graduates were employed in professional positions related to library and information studies within one year of graduation. 

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, School of Information Sciences

The iSchool at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers this MLIS degree with a totally online option. Professional pathways are available in Archival and Special Collections, Youth and K-12, Information Organization and Management, Research and Information Services, Data and Asset Management, and Knowledge Management and Competitive Intelligence. Most students finish their degree in two years. As of 2019, one year since graduation, 86 % of graduates were employed.

Iowa

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, School of Library and Information Science

University of Iowa’s MA in LIS program is offered both completely online and in on-campus formats. Students need not select a specialization, but may specialize in Academic Librarianship, Archives & Special Collections, Digital Humanities Librarianship, Information Processes, Book Studies and Rare Books, Informatics, Public Librarianship, and Teacher Librarian (with School Media Certification). 

Kentucky

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, College of Communication and Information, School of Information Science

UKY’s MLIS program is offered completely online in an asynchronous format, making it flexible enough to fit around busy student schedules. The 36-credit hour program also offers practicums and study abroad opportunities, as well as School Librarian Certification. A spring break internship program in Washington, D.C. is also offered to interested students, in which they may work in the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, or the Smithsonian Library. 

Louisiana

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, School of Library & Information Science

LSU’s MLIS program is offered 100% online. The 36-hour, non-thesis program admits students in the fall and spring semesters. In-state tuition rates are available for residents of Arkansas, Delaware and West Virginia. Most students graduate within 2 years of starting classes. As of 2018, 69.56% of graduates were employed in the field within 12 months of graduation. 

Maryland

MCDANIEL COLLEGE, Graduate & Professional Studies Department

The SLM program at McDaniel College is a 36-credit-hour program offered completely online. It meets MD State Dept. of Education requirements for certification as a Library Media Specialist and is also recognized by the PA Dept. of Education. A 99-hour, three-week practicum in a school library is also required. 

Massachusetts

SIMMONS UNIVERSITY, School of Library and Information Science

Simmons’ MSLIS program is offered in completely online, on campus and hybrid formats. Concentrations are available in Archives Management and Information Science & Technology in the online program. Online students may mix with students who are in the hybrid programs as well, creating a unique blend of distant and local students in online classrooms. Most students complete their degree in three years, full- or part-time. 

Michigan

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY, School of Information Sciences

Wayne State’s MLIS program is offered 100% online. At least 36 credit hours must be completed. Specializations are available in Library Services, Information Management, and Archives and Digital Content Management. As of 2020, 70% of graduates held employment relevant to their degree within 12 months of graduation.

Missouri

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, School of Information Science & Learning Technologies

The University of Missouri’s MLIS program is offered completely online, with asynchronous and synchronous classes. 39 credit hours must be completed, and a practicum is recommended by not required. Emphasis areas offered include Electronic Learning Information Professional, Archival Studies, School Library Media Certification, and Youth Services. Joint degrees are also available with Juris Doctor and Master of Public Affairs. 

New York

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY POST, Palmer School of Library & Information Science

LIU Post offers its MSLIS program completely online, as well as in program locations throughout New York. A MSLIS in School Library Media and MSLIS dual degree with NYU is also available. Concentrations are offered in Archives and Records Management, General Studies, Information Systems and Technology, Rare Books & Special Collections, Public Librarianship, and Youth Librarianship. 

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity

SUNY Albany’s MSIS program is an interdisciplinary degree accredited by the ALA, and one of the highest-ranked MSIS programs available in the nation. Offered completely online and on-campus, the program includes a 150-hour internship. Concentrations include Archives and Records Administration, Library and Information Services, Information Management and Technology, Intelligence Analysis, and Data Analytics.

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, Department of Information Science

SUNY Buffalo’s MS ILS program offers completely online classes and gives students the option to enroll full- or part-time. Specialized programs in music librarianship and law librarianship are also available, as well as practicums. The program is 26 credit hours, completed in four full-time semesters. As of 2019, 90% of graduates were employed in their field of study within one year of graduation. 

North Carolina

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, College of Education

ECU’s MLS program is offered 100% online, with asynchronous courses that are ideal for nontraditional students. The 39-credit-hour program can be completed in five terms on a full-time basis and 7 terms if a part-time student. Concentrations are available in Academic Library, Public Library and School Library Media. A portfolio must be completed before graduation.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, School of Library and Information Sciences

NCCU’s MLS program is offered online and on-campus. It consists of 36 hours of coursework and includes specializations in Academic Librarian, Archives and Records Management, Digital Librarianship, Law Librarian, Public Librarian, School Media Coordinator, and Special Librarian. Most students complete coursework in two years. As of 2020, 85% of graduates held a position relevant to their degree within one years of graduation. 

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, School of Education

UNC Greensboro’s MLIS program is offered in both 100% online and hybrid fashions. The 36 -credit-hour program is interdisciplinary and offers practicums and volunteer opportunities. Courses can usually be completed in three years of full-time study. Options are available with School Library Licensure and Instructional Technology Licensure.

Ohio

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, College of Communication and Information, School of Information

Kent State’s MLIS program is offered completely online (although it does have an on-campus option for students who are interested). The 37-credit-hour program can also be combined in a dual degree with the MBA. As of 2019, 70% of graduates of the MLIS program were employed in a field related to their program of study within one year of graduation. 

Pennsylvania

DREXEL UNIVERSITY, College of Computing & Informatics

Drexel offers MLIS programs offered 100% online, as well as in on-campus and hybrid formats. They have consistently ranked among the nation’s top MLIS programs, both online and in-person. Full- and part-time options are available. A capstone course or optional research project concludes this degree program. As of 2020, 65% of graduates held a position in the field within one year of graduation. 

South Carolina

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, College of Information and Communications

University of South Carolina’s MLIS program is available 100% online, on campus or as a hybrid program. The program consists of 36 hours of credit. A certification program for prospective school librarians is also available. As of 2020, 92% of graduates were employed full-time within the LIS profession within one year of graduation. 

Tennessee

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE, School of Information Sciences

University of Tennessee Knoxville’s MSIS program is offered 100% online as well as in an on-campus format. The program consists of 36 credit hours, with 27 credit hours in information sciences and 9 hours of graduate course outside of the school. As of 2020, nearly 90% of MSIS graduates reported employment in an IS field within one year of graduation.

Texas

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COMMERCE, Higher Education & Learning Technologies

Texas A&M University Commerce’s M.Ed in Educational Technology Library Science is not ALA accredited but has been approved by the Texas State Board of Educator Certification. It produces graduates who are ready for School Librarian Certification in Texas at the K-12 level. The 36-credit-hour online program takes an average of two years to complete, with no thesis required. 

TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY, School of Library & Information Studies

TWU’s MLS and MALS programs are available 100% online. Program tracks include Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries, Information Technology, Technical Services/Cataloging, and Community Informatics. The programs consist of 36 credit hours. As of 2020, 78% of MLS and MALS graduates were employed in the field within one year of graduation.

Virginia

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY, Department of STEM Education & Professional Studies

ODU’s MLIS program is available in a 100% online format with asynchronous classes. The 30- credit- hour program also offers an optional concentration in School Librarianship. Other pathways available include Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, Youth Services, Evaluation & Assessment, and Instructional Librarianship. Completion of a 160 hour internship is required for all graduates of the MLIS program. 

Washington

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, Information School

The MLIS Program at UW’s iSchool is offered both online and on-campus. The program is consistently ranked among the top MLIS programs in the nation. Most students complete the online MLIS program in 3 years or less. As of 2020, 88% of graduates of the MLIS program reported being employed in a degree-related field within one year of graduation.

Wisconsin

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON, The Information School

UW-Madison’s MALIS program offers both online and on-campus formats to students. Concentrations available include Librarianship, Archives in a Digital Age, Data/Information Management & Analytics, Information Technology & UX, Information Organization, and double degree programs are also available. As of 2019, 81% of MLIS graduates reported being employed in the field within one year of graduation. 

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE, School of Information Studies

UWM’s MLIS program is offered in online and on-campus formats. Concentrations are available in Archival Studies, Information Organization, Information Technology, and Public Library, as well as a School Media Certification. The MLIS program is consistently ranked among the best in the country. As of 2020, 71% of MLIS graduates were employed in library and information science within one year of graduation.