What to Know About Earning a Library Science Degree Online

Online library science degrees offer a flexible and convenient path to valuable academic credentials. Information occupies a central place in 21st-century life, and library science degrees teach advanced tools for collecting, categorizing, retrieving, and managing digital and analog resources.

Diligent library science students earn versatile skills they can apply in settings beyond libraries. Graduates of library science programs — especially at advanced degree levels — may also qualify for roles in government, the nonprofit sector, and private businesses.

This guide to online library science degrees covers the application process to your post-graduation job hunt. Use this information as you research this dynamic academic discipline and seek programs that match your academic and professional goals.

Accredited schools offer undergraduate and graduate library science programs. Undergraduate programs typically lead to bachelor’s degrees, while most graduate programs function at the master’s level. Some graduate programs confer master of science (MS) degrees, but most operate as master of library and information science (MLIS) programs.

Bachelor’s programs usually require four years of full-time study. Most MS/MLIS programs span two full-time academic years. Some schools offer combined bachelor’s and master’s programs in library science that can save you a year of graduate school.

You can also get a Ph.D. in library science. However, working professionals rarely hold doctoral credentials. A doctorate may interest you if you would like to work in academia or as a library science researcher.

Your program’s curriculum depends on the degree level and specialization. Even so, online library science degrees usually focus on a similar set of core topics and proficiencies. The following sample curriculum covers courses and requirements that typically apply to students at the undergraduate and graduate levels:

Institutional accreditation is critical, as it ensures that employers and other accredited schools will recognize your academic credentials. Always confirm the accreditation status of any prospective institution.

To research a school’s accreditation standing, you can use the Department of Education’s database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation directory.

Some library science programs hold optional, specialized accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA). This association endorses programs at all levels, including certificate programs and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It also publishes a regularly updated and categorized list of ALA-accredited library science programs.

Many library science degree-holders go on to hold positions in public, private, and academic library systems. According to May 2022 BLS data, 84% of librarians and library media specialists work in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary institutions, or for local government agencies.

According to Payscale data from May 2024, professionals with MLIS degrees earn an average base salary of $63,000 per year. You can boost your earning potential by targeting careers in areas like intelligence analysis or instructional design.

The table below profiles the career paths most commonly pursued by professionals with library science degrees. Beyond the positions listed in the table, library science graduates may find work in other areas. BLS data from 2021 lists the following proportions of library science degree-holders in these occupations:

Some professional organizations offer resources of potential interest to library science students. These may include industry conferences, professional development programs, networking opportunities, and job boards. Four organizations include:

Employers increasingly prefer or require candidates with master’s degrees when filling librarian vacancies. An MS in library science or an MLIS degree both qualify. You may face limited career options and/or advancement potential if you enter the workforce with only a bachelor’s degree.

According to the NCES, students paid an average of $9,596 to study as in-state enrollees at four-year public institutions in 2021-2022. Out-of-state students at public colleges faced average annual tuition costs of $27,457, while graduate students paid an average of $20,513 per year. This data refers to degrees generally rather than library science specifically.

The BLS projects that about 13,700 librarian vacancies will open in the United States each year from 2022-2032. The agency projects employment to grow by 3% in this period , which aligns with overall averages for the national labor market.

A doctorate in library science is the highest attainable degree level for the field. However, ALA considers the MS and MLIS designations to be terminal professional degrees, making them ideal for aspiring library science practitioners.

A library science degree can be worth it, depending on your interests, skills, and goals. If you love libraries, research, and information science — and plan to earn a graduate degree — then a library science degree could be a great fit. Library science also features specializations in fields like law, academia, and medicine, allowing you to combine your passion for library science with other subjects that interest you.