ALA accredits 67 master's programs across 63 institutions, and accreditation is essential for most librarian positions.
Online MLIS program net costs range from roughly $12,000 to $36,000, with median graduate debt near $19,000 to $22,500.
The University at Buffalo leads in financial return with an estimated ROI ratio of approximately 3.73.
Most online MLIS programs can be completed in one to two years, with specializations in archival studies, data science, and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for librarians, archivists, and information specialists through 2033, with roles expanding well beyond traditional libraries into corporate research, data curation, and digital archives. A master's in library science is the standard credential employers expect for these positions.
Choosing among online MLIS programs is rarely simple. Tuition, pace, specialization, and ALA accreditation all pull in different directions, especially if you are working full-time or relocating mid-career.
Our rankings highlight online and hybrid programs evaluated on institutional outcomes, accreditation, and flexibility, so you can compare options on the factors that actually affect your career in library science.
Below you will find ranked programs, a cost and ROI breakdown, accreditation guidance, specialization paths, admissions timelines, and realistic salary outcomes to help you decide where to apply.
Best Online MLIS Programs Ranked for 2026
The following online-eligible master's programs in library and information science are ordered by a blended quality composite that weighs institutional outcomes, affordability, and program-level factors. Every program listed can be completed fully online or through a hybrid format with minimal campus visits, making them accessible to working professionals across the country. Net price figures reflect institution-wide averages after financial aid and will vary by residency and enrollment status.
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Independent program research
Florida State University
#1
Tallahassee, FL · $11,000/yr
Best for: Aspiring public or academic librarians
Florida State University's College of Communication and Information delivers an online Master of Science in Information with concentrations in public, academic, and special libraries as well as school libraries. The program is built for working professionals, with flexible start dates throughout the year and competitive tuition that keeps median graduate debt around $18,000. FSU's institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 86% and a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio signal strong support structures.
Master of Science in Information, Public, Academic, and Special Libraries — Online
Fully online format with flexible scheduling
Concentration covers public, academic, and special library settings
Prepares graduates for leadership in library management
Curriculum spans information organization and services
Multiple enrollment start dates per year
Financial aid options available to reduce costs
Approximate net price around $11,300 (institution-wide)
Best for: Professionals seeking D.C.-area networking
The University of Maryland's iSchool offers a highly regarded Master of Library and Information Science through both online and in-person tracks. Located minutes from Washington, D.C., students gain access to federal libraries, the Smithsonian, and an extensive professional network. Elective customization ranges from archives and diversity to youth services, and the institution posts an approximately 89% graduation rate.
Master of Library and Information Science — Hybrid
Hybrid delivery with online and in-person options
Electives in archives, diversity, and youth services
Proximity to major federal libraries and museums
Extensive career services and alumni network
Approximate net price around $15,700 (institution-wide)
Institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 89%
Strong emphasis on digital asset management and ethics
The University of Washington's Information School runs two distinct MLIS tracks available online: a general Master of Library and Information Science emphasizing user-centered design and a specialized MLIS in Law Librarianship that requires a JD and includes an internship at the Gallagher Law Library. Full-time law librarianship students can finish in as few as nine months, while part-time online students complete in roughly 22 months. UW's median graduate debt of approximately $14,600 is among the lowest in this ranking.
MLIS in Law Librarianship — Hybrid
Requires JD from an ABA-accredited law school
36 quarter credits with built-in Gallagher Law Library internship
Full-time completion in approximately 9 months
Part-time online option spans about 22 months
Blends information science theory with legal research skills
Rutgers University's fully online Master of Information with a Library and Information Science concentration requires 36 credits plus three zero-credit foundational courses. The curriculum balances theory and practice across collection management, digital reference, and information literacy. Rutgers is well suited for career-changers and mid-career professionals who want interdisciplinary elective flexibility, including courses drawn from outside the program.
Master of Information, Library and Information Science — Online
Fully online, 36-credit program
Three zero-credit foundational courses included
Electives available from across the university
Covers cataloging, classification, and collection development
Focus on community engagement and diverse learner needs
Internship option recommended for hands-on experience
Approximate net price around $24,400 (institution-wide)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Information School has held ALA accreditation since 1924 and offers a 36-credit MA in Library and Information Studies in both on-campus and online formats. A required 120-hour practicum ensures hands-on field experience, and students can tailor coursework through concentrations in digital librarianship, archives, youth services, or public and college libraries. No GRE is required, and the institution posts a roughly 90% graduation rate.
MA in Library and Information Studies — Hybrid
ALA-accredited since 1924, offered online and on campus
36 credits with a mandatory 120-hour practicum
Concentrations in digital librarianship, archives, and youth services
Full-time completion in about two years; part-time in three to four
No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
Fall admission only
Approximate net price around $17,400 (institution-wide)
Double-degree options available with law and music
The University of Southern California's Bovard College delivers a fully online Master of Management in Library and Information Science designed for students who want to lead libraries and information organizations. The 12-month timeline is one of the fastest in this ranking, blending management strategy with information science fundamentals through live online sessions. USC's institution-wide graduation rate exceeds 91%, and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio reflects a highly resourced learning environment.
Master of Management in Library and Information Science — Online
The University of South Florida offers an ALA-accredited, fully online MA in Library and Information Science that requires 39 credit hours delivered asynchronously. Six core courses build a solid foundation in information services, and electives let students customize pathways, including a school librarian track aligned with Florida certification. An approximate net price around $9,800 makes USF one of the most affordable options in this ranking.
MA in Library and Information Science — Online
Fully online, asynchronous 39-credit curriculum
ALA-accredited with six required core courses
School librarian specialization available for Florida certification
Scholarship opportunities and financial aid offered
Approximate net price around $9,800 (institution-wide)
Emphasizes leadership, innovation, and knowledge representation
San Jose State University's fully online MLIS is one of the largest ALA-accredited programs in the country, requiring 43 units with no on-campus visits. Asynchronous delivery and fall or spring start terms give students maximum flexibility, while personalized career pathways and a dedicated career specialist help graduates move into roles such as digital archivist, metadata specialist, or knowledge manager. High graduate satisfaction is a hallmark of the program.
Master of Library and Information Science — Online
43-unit fully online program, no campus visits required
Asynchronous delivery with fall and spring admission
Personalized career pathways with dedicated career specialist
Technology-focused coursework across information disciplines
Prepares for roles in digital archives, metadata, and knowledge management
Approximate net price around $13,800 (institution-wide)
State authorization requirements apply by location
The University of South Carolina's fully online MLIS is ALA-accredited and structured around 36 credit hours split evenly between 18 core credits and 18 elective credits. No GRE or MAT is required, and an optional school librarianship certification track adds versatility. Professional advisors guide students through a flexible curriculum covering academic, public, school, and corporate library settings.
Master of Library and Information Science — Online
Fully online, ALA-accredited 36-credit program
No GRE or MAT required for admission
18 credits of electives tailored to career goals
Optional school library certification track
Professional advisor assigned to each student
Approximate net price around $22,800 (institution-wide)
Covers academic, public, school, and corporate library settings
The University of Iowa offers a hybrid MA in Library and Information Science with a School Media Certification concentration, blending online coursework with periodic campus sessions. The program is designed for educators who hold a teaching license and want to transition into K-12 school library roles, covering information literacy, collection development, and youth services. Graduates meet Iowa state certification requirements and can pursue positions across the Midwest and beyond.
Library and Information Science MA, School Media Certification — Hybrid
Hybrid format combining online and campus components
Designed for educators with an active teaching license
Meets Iowa state school librarian certification requirements
Curriculum covers information literacy and youth services
Collection development and K-12 resource training
Approximate net price around $22,500 (institution-wide)
The University of Oklahoma's School of Library and Information Studies runs the only ALA-accredited MLIS in the state, requiring 36 credit hours that can be completed entirely online. Concentrations in archives, data science, and school librarianship let students specialize, and an accelerated BAIS-to-MLIS pathway is available for undergraduates. No GRE is needed, and a non-thesis ePortfolio assessment caps the program.
Master of Library and Information Studies — Hybrid
Only ALA-accredited MLIS in Oklahoma
36-credit program, completable fully online
No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum
Concentrations in archives, data science, and school librarianship
Accelerated BAIS-to-MLIS pathway for undergraduates
Non-thesis ePortfolio assessment option
Approximate net price around $15,300 (institution-wide)
Dual degree opportunities and graduate certificates available
The University of Pittsburgh's online MLIS features an Archives and Information Science concentration that prepares students for careers in records management, digital preservation, and archival access. The program sits within a research-intensive university with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and its institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 86%. Costs run higher than many public peers, with an approximate net price around $30,400.
Master of Library and Information Science, Archives and Information Science — Online
Fully online with archives and digital preservation focus
Covers records management and archival access practices
13:1 student-to-faculty ratio (institution-wide)
Institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 86%
Approximate net price around $30,400 (institution-wide)
Strong research university resources support graduate study
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's School of Information Sciences offers a hybrid Master of Science in Information Sciences backed by more than 50 years of ALA accreditation. The curriculum reaches beyond traditional librarianship into data analysis, UX design, corporate taxonomy, and digital archives, making it a fit for students exploring nontraditional information careers alongside library roles. Hands-on projects and faculty mentorship anchor the learning experience.
Master of Science in Information Sciences — Hybrid
Hybrid format blending online and campus learning
ALA-accredited with 50-plus year track record
Covers data analysis, UX design, and digital archives
Corporate taxonomy and web content analysis training
Faculty mentorship and hands-on project emphasis
Approximate net price around $19,000 (institution-wide)
Prepares for both traditional and nontraditional info careers
The University at Buffalo offers three distinct online library science master's tracks: an MS in Information and Library Science with concentrations ranging from cataloging and digital libraries to law and music librarianship, a fully online variant of that same MS, and an MS in School Librarianship that meets New York State certification requirements. The school librarianship track includes 100 field experience hours and 70 student teaching days, providing substantial hands-on preparation for K-12 roles.
Information and Library Science, MS — Online
Fully online, ALA-accredited program
Concentrations in cataloging, digital libraries, law, and music librarianship
Flexible two-year completion option
Prepares for diverse information careers
Approximate net price around $21,000 (institution-wide)
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
#15
Baton Rouge, LA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Louisiana State University's fully online MLIS has been ALA-accredited since 1931 and remains the only such program in Louisiana. At 36 credits with no thesis requirement and a flat per-credit rate, it is structured for efficient completion. Concentrations in public libraries and academic libraries let students tailor the degree, and flexible scheduling suits working professionals balancing career and coursework.
Master of Library and Information Science — Online
100% online, 36-credit, no-thesis program
ALA-accredited since 1931, only program in Louisiana
Concentrations in public libraries and academic libraries
Flat per-credit pricing keeps costs predictable
3.0 GPA required; no letters of recommendation needed
Approximate net price around $19,200 (institution-wide)
Graduate certificates can be stacked alongside the MLIS
The University of Arizona's fully online MA in Library and Information Science provides four concentration options: archival studies, academic or public librarianship, digital information management and curation, and legal or health information. At 37 credits with no GRE requirement, the program accommodates career changers and working professionals. Multiple start dates each year add scheduling flexibility.
MA in Library and Information Science — Online
Fully online, 37-credit ALA-accredited program
Four concentrations including archival studies and digital curation
Academic or public librarianship track available
Legal and health information specialization options
No GRE required for admission
Approximate net price around $16,700 (institution-wide)
The University of Alabama's fully online Master of Library and Information Studies follows a cohort model with weekly synchronous virtual sessions, creating a structured peer community. The 36-credit program offers concentrations in school library media and archival studies, and tuition is set at a flat per-credit-hour rate. ALA-accredited and open to applicants year-round, the program accepts students from any bachelor's degree background.
Master of Library and Information Studies — Online
Fully online, 36-credit ALA-accredited program
Cohort model with weekly synchronous virtual sessions
Concentrations in school library media and archival studies
Flat per-credit-hour tuition structure
No specific bachelor's discipline required
Approximate net price around $22,400 (institution-wide)
Priority application deadlines in February and October
Texas Woman's University, ALA-accredited since 1938, delivers one of the most affordable online MLS programs in the Southwest. Students choose from general library science, school librarianship, or community information concentrations, and certificates can be earned alongside the 36-credit degree. Small class sizes and individualized study plans are program hallmarks.
Master of Library Science — Online
Fully online, 36-credit ALA-accredited degree
Among the most affordable MLS programs in the Southwest
Concentrations in school librarianship and community information
Certificate options stackable with the MLS
Small class sizes with individualized study plans
Approximate net price around $12,000 (institution-wide)
Includes practicum experience for hands-on training
Appalachian State University's online Master of Library Science is structured as a 36-credit program completable in two years, with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. In-state tuition for North Carolina residents starts at $337 per credit hour, making it a budget-friendly option. The program focuses on digital literacy, technology integration, and equitable information access.
Library Science, MLS — Online
Fully online, 36-credit nationally accredited program
Synchronous and asynchronous learning components
$337 per credit for NC residents
Two-year completion timeline
Two concentration options available
Emphasis on digital literacy and equal information access
Approximate net price around $16,800 (institution-wide)
The University of Kentucky's School of Information Science delivers all MLIS coursework online in an asynchronous format, providing maximum flexibility for students across time zones. The 36-credit MSLS program allows specialization through elective clusters in areas such as data science, health information, archives, and youth services. As the only ALA-accredited library science program in Kentucky, it fills a critical regional need.
MSLS in Library and Information Science — On-Campus
Fully asynchronous online delivery
36 credits with elective cluster specializations
Only ALA-accredited library science program in Kentucky
Expedited option can be completed in under two years
Concurrent degree and graduate certificate options
School librarian program track available
Approximate net price around $18,900 (institution-wide)
Accredited by ALA since 1942
Pittsburg State University
#21
Pittsburg, KS · $16,000/yr (net price)
Pittsburg State University offers an online Master of Science in Educational Technology with a Library Media Specialist concentration, preparing educators for school library leadership in Kansas and surrounding states. The curriculum covers information literacy, media center administration, and digital resource integration, and graduates qualify for Kansas library media licensure.
MS in Educational Technology, Library Media Specialist — On-Campus
Fully online program with library media concentration
Prepares for Kansas library media specialist licensure
Covers information literacy and media center administration
Focuses on digital resource integration in K-12 settings
Designed for working educators
Approximate net price around $15,800 (institution-wide)
Wayne State University
#22
Detroit, MI · $13,000/yr
Wayne State University's ALA-accredited MLIS can be completed entirely online and features one of the widest selections of career pathways in this ranking, from archival administration and data analytics to diversity and inclusion, health information, and school library media. The 36-credit program uses a core-plus-pathway structure and has been accredited since 1967.
Master of Library and Information Science — Online
Fully online, 36-credit ALA-accredited program
12 career pathways including data analytics and health info
Accredited since 1967
18 core credits plus 18 pathway credits
Graduation assessment required for completion
3.0 GPA minimum throughout program
Approximate net price around $12,800 (institution-wide)
The University of Northern Iowa's online MA in School Library Studies targets working teachers who want to earn an endorsement as a teacher librarian. The 30-credit program can be finished in about two years and aligns with Iowa teacher endorsement requirements. A practicum in school libraries and mentorship from K-12 faculty ensure practical readiness.
School Library Studies, MA — Online
Fully online, 30-credit program
Designed for licensed teachers seeking librarian endorsement
Aligns with Iowa teacher endorsement requirements
Two-year completion timeline
Practicum in school libraries included
K-12 faculty mentorship throughout the program
Approximate net price around $15,900 (institution-wide)
The University of Rhode Island offers an online Master of Library and Information Studies with three concentration tracks: digital media, school library media, and information equity with a focus on diverse communities and critical librarianship. No GRE is required, rolling admissions allow year-round entry, and the digital media track is a standout for students drawn to digital preservation and information architecture.
Master of Library and Information Studies — Online
Fully online with three concentration options
Digital media track covers preservation and information architecture
School library media track with state certification eligibility
Information equity and critical librarianship concentration
No GRE required; rolling admissions year-round
Approximate net price around $21,400 (institution-wide)
Hands-on projects integrated throughout the curriculum
Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a fully online, ALA-accredited MLIS requiring 39 credits with specialization options in academic librarianship, digital curation, archives management, youth services, and health sciences. More than half of enrolled students report career advancement before completing their degree, and the program supports dual-degree pathways for students who want to combine library science with another graduate field.
Library and Information Science, MLIS — Online
100% online, 39-credit ALA-accredited program
Specializations in digital curation, archives, and health sciences
Dual-degree pathways available
Over half of students advance in their careers before graduating
Internship and directed research elective options
3.0 GPA and two recommendation letters required
Approximate net price around $11,700 (institution-wide)
What Is a Master's in Library and Information Science?
A Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS) is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to organize, manage, and provide access to information across a wide range of settings. You may also see it called a Master of Library Science (MLS). The two names are functionally the same credential, and employers treat them interchangeably.
Core Curriculum Areas
MLIS programs typically cover a blend of theory and applied practice, including:
Information organization and classification systems
Metadata standards and cataloging
Digital curation and preservation
Reference and research services
Library and information center management
Information ethics and intellectual freedom
The Terminal Professional Degree
The MLIS is the terminal professional degree for most librarian positions in public, academic, school, and special library settings. Many job postings specifically require an MLIS from an ALA-accredited program as a baseline qualification.
Beyond the Library
The degree also opens doors to roles outside traditional library environments. Graduates increasingly move into UX research, data governance, taxonomy design, content strategy, and knowledge management, applying information science principles in corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations. Understanding the full range of skills you learn in a Master's in Library Science program can help you see just how versatile this credential has become.
ALA Accreditation: Why It Matters for Your Online MLIS
The American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Accreditation evaluates master's programs in library and information science against rigorous standards covering curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support, institutional resources, and more.1 As of 2024, 67 programs across 63 institutions hold ala accredited programs.2 The committee adopted updated 2023 Standards for Accreditation in late 2023, integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion principles throughout its core review areas.3
Career Impact
Most public and academic library systems require or strongly prefer candidates who hold degrees from ALA-accredited programs. In many states, professional librarian certification mandates an ALA-accredited master's degree. Graduating from a non-accredited program can significantly narrow your library science careers, even if the coursework is comparable.
Online Programs Carry Equal Weight
A common concern among prospective students is whether an online MLIS is viewed differently by employers. The answer is straightforward: ALA accredits the program itself, not the delivery format. A fully online mlis degree from an ALA-accredited institution carries the same credential as its on-campus counterpart. Schools like Syracuse University and the University of Denver, for example, hold full ALA accreditation for their online MLIS offerings.2 Always verify a program's current accreditation status directly through the ALA before enrolling.
MLIS Program Costs and Financial ROI Compared
Across the seven top-ranked programs, net price runs roughly $11,963 to $36,131 per year, and median graduate debt clusters tightly between about $19,000 and $22,500. The chart below pairs each school's median debt at graduation against median earnings ten years after entry, so you can see ROI at a glance. University at Buffalo and University of Wisconsin-Madison stand out, with 10-year earnings more than 3.5 times their median debt load.
Specializations, Admissions, and Program Timelines
Popular MLIS Specializations
Online MLIS programs offer a wide range of concentration areas that directly shape your career trajectory. Among the top ranked programs, common specializations include:
Archival studies and special collections, offered at the University of Arizona, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison
School librarianship, available at the University at Buffalo and Texas Woman's University, often leading to state certification
Digital libraries and information management, featured at the University of Arizona and the University of Denver
Youth services and literature, a standout concentration at the University of Southern Mississippi
Academic and public librarianship, offered at Louisiana State University and the University of Arizona
Research data management, available through the University of Denver's hybrid track
Admissions requirements across these programs are broadly consistent. You will typically need a bachelor's degree in any field, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and one to three letters of recommendation. Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, though some, like Louisiana State University, offer probationary admission with a GPA as low as 2.75.
A significant trend favoring applicants: the majority of top online MLIS programs are now test-optional or GRE-free. Texas Woman's University, the University of Arizona, the University at Buffalo, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Denver, and Louisiana State University all waive the GRE. The University of Wisconsin-Madison may still require it, so check current policies before applying. For a full list, see our guide to no-GRE MLIS options.
Completion Timelines and Course Formats
Credit requirements typically range from 36 to 42 hours, with the University of Southern Mississippi requiring 40 credits and the University of Arizona requiring 37. Full-time students generally finish in about two years, while part-time students should plan for three to four years. The University of Denver advertises an accelerated 21-month timeline, and the University of Southern Mississippi offers completion in as few as one year.
Most programs deliver coursework asynchronously, giving working professionals maximum scheduling flexibility. However, the University of Southern Mississippi uses synchronous online sessions with live weekly meetings, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a hybrid format. Understanding these delivery differences is important when balancing your MLIS with professional or personal commitments.
Career Outcomes and Salary After Your MLIS
A master's in library and information science opens doors well beyond traditional library roles. Understanding what graduates actually earn and where the jobs are can help you evaluate your return on investment before committing to a program.
What MLIS Graduates Earn
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and library media specialists earned a median annual wage of $64,320 in 2024.1 The pay range is wide: entry-level positions at the 10th percentile start around $38,920, while experienced professionals at the 90th percentile earn upward of $100,880.2 Factors such as geographic location, employer type, and specialization heavily influence where you land on that spectrum. For a detailed breakdown by work setting, see our Master's in Library Science Career Pay & Salary guide.
Program-level earnings data from the College Scorecard was not available for the MLIS programs in our ranking at the time of publication. That gap is common for smaller graduate cohorts, so BLS occupational benchmarks remain the most reliable reference point.
Job Growth and Demand
The BLS projects 2% employment growth for librarians and library media specialists from 2023 to 2033, with roughly 2,400 openings expected annually.1 That steady pace reflects ongoing retirements and the expansion of digital services in public, academic, and special library settings. Archivists, curators, and museum workers (SOC 25-4011) represent a related occupational group that also draws heavily from MLIS graduates.
Top Job Titles an MLIS Unlocks
Public librarian
Academic librarian
School library media specialist
Archivist
Records manager
UX researcher
Information architect
Digital asset manager
The degree's versatility is a key selling point. Roles in user experience research and information architecture increasingly appear in tech companies, healthcare systems, and government agencies, expanding Library science jobs far beyond library walls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MLIS Programs
