Old Dominion University is one of only two ALA-accredited MLIS programs in Virginia, and it delivers the entire degree fully online. That combination of regional scarcity and flexible format matters: Virginia's Bureau of Labor Statistics projections show steady demand for credentialed librarians through 2030, yet the state produces relatively few ALA-accredited graduates each year. Students exploring ala accredited online mlis virginia options will find ODU consistently near the top of that short list.

The ODU MLIS program draws working professionals, career changers, and aspiring school librarians who need an accredited credential without relocating or leaving a paycheck behind. Its 30-credit structure is leaner than the 36- to 42-credit norm at peer institutions, which compresses both time and cost.

For candidates weighing affordability against accreditation status, the real tension is whether a lower-credit, fully online program delivers enough depth in specialization areas like school librarianship or archives to compete with larger flagship alternatives.

ODU MLIS Quick Facts

Here is a scannable snapshot of Old Dominion University's Master of Library and Information Studies program. Save this card for quick reference as you compare MLIS options.

Is Old Dominion University a Good MLIS Program?

Old Dominion University's Master of Library and Information Studies program holds current accreditation from the American Library Association, and that single credential carries outsized weight in this field. ALA accreditation means the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes have been independently reviewed against national standards. For practical purposes, most public library systems, academic libraries, and state departments of education require or strongly prefer candidates who graduated from an ALA-accredited program. If you plan to pursue school librarian licensure in Virginia or another state, ALA accreditation is typically a baseline requirement. ODU clears that bar.

Key Strengths

Several features make ODU's MLIS worth a serious look:

• Fully online delivery: Every required course is available asynchronously online, so you never need to travel to the Norfolk campus. This is a genuine advantage for working professionals, military-connected students in the Hampton Roads area, and anyone balancing family obligations.
• School librarianship concentration: ODU offers a dedicated K-12 school librarianship track that aligns with Virginia Department of Education endorsement requirements. If your goal is to work as a school librarian in Virginia, this concentration provides a direct pathway.
• Virginia public university pricing: As a state institution, ODU offers tuition rates that tend to be significantly lower than private university MLIS programs, especially for in-state residents. Even out-of-state online students can often access competitive rates.
• Asynchronous flexibility: Courses do not require real-time attendance, letting you complete readings, discussions, and assignments on your own schedule each week.

Honest Drawbacks

No program is perfect for every student, and ODU's MLIS has a few limitations worth noting. The program is smaller than flagship library science schools, which means fewer elective options and narrower specialization tracks. Students interested in archives, special collections, or data science may find the course catalog thin compared to larger programs. Because the program is fully online, on-campus networking events, guest lectures, and informal peer connections are harder to come by. And while the school librarianship concentration prepares you for Virginia licensure, endorsement portability can vary from state to state, so students planning to work outside Virginia should verify reciprocity with their target state's education department.

Who Is the Best Fit?

ODU's MLIS works especially well for Virginia residents looking for an affordable, ALA-accredited degree they can complete without leaving their jobs. Students weighing multiple online MLIS Virginia options will find ODU consistently competitive on price and flexibility. It is also a strong choice for aspiring K-12 school librarians who plan to work in Virginia, and for working adults anywhere who need total schedule flexibility. The program rewards self-directed learners who are comfortable engaging with peers and faculty through online discussion boards rather than face-to-face seminars.

When to Consider Alternatives

If you want deep coursework in archival science, rare book studies, or digital curation, a larger program with multiple specialization tracks may serve you better. The same applies if you are looking for a dual-degree option that pairs an MLIS with a law degree, MBA, or public history credential. Students who place a high value on a large, geographically diverse alumni network may also want to explore programs with broader enrollment. Virginia residents interested in school librarianship through a different route might also compare the Longwood University school librarianship MEd. None of these gaps make ODU a poor choice; they simply mean the program is built for a specific audience and does that job well.

Program Cost and Tuition

Tuition is one of the most consequential factors in choosing an MLIS program, and Old Dominion University's pricing structure can be surprisingly favorable, especially for students who live outside Virginia and enroll through ODUGlobal. Below is a breakdown of the 2026, 2027 rates for the 30-credit program.

Per-Credit Rates and Total Estimated Cost

ODU uses three tuition tiers for its online MLIS, and the numbers may not land where you expect.¹

• Virginia residents (online): $672 per credit, for an estimated total of roughly $20,160.
• Out-of-state students residing in Virginia: $1,523 per credit, bringing the total to approximately $45,690.
• Out-of-state students outside Virginia (ODUGlobal): $662 per credit, for an estimated total of about $19,860.²

That third category is the headline number. Students who live outside the commonwealth and take the program entirely online through ODUGlobal actually pay slightly less per credit than in-state residents. Mandatory university fees of around $162 per credit are already factored into the online rates listed above, so there are no major hidden surcharges to worry about.

The on-campus graduate base rate for Virginia residents is $510 per credit before fees, and $1,361 for out-of-state students before fees.¹ Enrolling through the online pathway generally simplifies the math because fees are bundled into the published per-credit cost.

How ODU Stacks Up Nationally

Public-university online MLIS programs across the country typically range from about $15,000 to $30,000 in total. At roughly $20,000 for both Virginia residents and ODUGlobal online students, ODU lands near the lower end of that national band, making it one of the more affordable library science degree online options available. The out-of-state, Virginia-based tier is a clear outlier at over $45,000, so students in that category should explore whether they can reclassify residency or confirm eligibility for the ODUGlobal online rate before committing.

Financial Aid and Tuition Discounts

Several avenues can bring the cost down further.³

• Virginia public school educators may qualify for a 25 percent tuition discount, which could reduce the Virginia-resident total to roughly $15,120.
• Graduate assistantships are available through the department and university libraries, typically pairing a tuition waiver or stipend with part-time work experience that doubles as professional development.
• Federal financial aid including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans is available to eligible students who complete the FAFSA.
• Employer tuition reimbursement is worth investigating, particularly for applicants already working in public libraries, school systems, or government agencies. Many employers cover a set dollar amount per year, and ODU's part-time pacing makes it easier to stay within annual caps.

There are also library science scholarships offered through professional organizations at both the state and national level. Checking with ODU's MLIS advising office and the Virginia Library Association is a practical first step.

Bottom Line on Cost

For most online students, ODU's MLIS comes in at or below $20,000, placing it among the more affordable ala accredited online mlis programs in the country. Combined with the potential for assistantships and educator discounts, the program offers a strong value proposition, particularly for working professionals who plan to complete the degree at their own pace while minimizing debt.

ODU MLIS Tuition at a Glance

Curriculum and Specializations

Old Dominion University's MLIS program requires 30 credit hours to complete, split evenly between 15 credits of core coursework and 15 credits of electives.¹ That is slightly leaner than many ALA-accredited programs, which often require 36 to 42 credits, so students can finish faster while still covering the essential competencies the profession demands.

Core Courses

The five required core courses give every student a shared foundation in library and information science theory and practice. One of the anchoring classes is LIBS 608, Foundations of Libraries and Information (3 credits), which surveys the profession's history, ethics, and evolving role in communities.² Other core requirements, as listed in the ODU graduate catalog, cover areas such as reference and information services, collection development, research methods, and information organization. Together these courses align with ALA competency standards and prepare graduates to work across library types.

School Librarianship K-12 Concentration

ODU offers a dedicated School Librarianship concentration designed for students who already hold a valid teaching license.³ Coursework in this track addresses curriculum integration, instructional design for K-12 settings, and materials for children and young adults. Completing the concentration positions graduates to pursue the Virginia Department of Education endorsement as a school librarian.

A key caveat for out-of-state students: because licensure endorsement requirements vary by state, the Virginia-aligned pathway may not transfer directly. Students outside Virginia should verify their home state's endorsement criteria before enrolling in this concentration to avoid needing additional coursework later.

Elective Clusters and Informal Tracks

Beyond school librarianship, students can shape their elective credits around career interests. While the program does not formally label these as concentrations, certain groupings naturally emerge.

• Public and community librarianship: Electives such as youth services programming, community engagement, and public library management.
• Academic and research librarianship: Courses in scholarly communication, digital libraries, and advanced reference services.
• Information management and emerging technology: Options like LIBS 601, STEM Education and Maker Spaces in Libraries, along with electives in data curation and information architecture.²

Students interested in the community librarianship degree online path will find relevant electives here, and they can mix and match across these clusters to tailor the degree to the specific role they want after graduation.

Capstone and Practicum Requirement

Every MLIS candidate must complete a 3-credit internship before graduating. Enrollment requires prior completion of several prerequisite courses, including LIBS 608, LIBS 658, LIBS 674, and LIBS 677, ensuring students have sufficient grounding before entering a professional setting.²

Because the program is fully online and asynchronous, ODU works with students to arrange practicum placements in their local communities rather than requiring travel to Norfolk. This flexibility is especially valuable for distance learners in other states or rural areas. Most placements are unpaid, which is consistent with norms across ALA-accredited programs, though some host sites do offer stipends at their discretion.

Do You Need Prerequisites?

ODU does not list formal leveling or prerequisite courses for students entering without a library background. The core sequence is designed to build foundational knowledge from the ground up. Students who are entirely new to the field may want to complete an introductory elective or two early in their enrollment to build confidence before moving into specialized coursework and the practicum.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements

Old Dominion University's MLIS admissions process is straightforward, but prospective students should plan ahead to assemble all required materials. Below is a breakdown of what you will need, along with important deadline and policy details.

Application Checklist

To apply for the ODU MLIS program, you will generally need to submit the following:

• Minimum GPA: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of approximately 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected. Applicants who fall slightly below this threshold may still be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly if professional experience or other qualifications strengthen the application.
• Official transcripts: Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities must be submitted directly to the ODU Graduate Admissions office.
• Statement of purpose: A personal essay outlining your interest in library and information science, your professional goals, and why you believe ODU's program is a good fit.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically two or three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level work.
• Current resume or CV: A document summarizing your educational background, relevant work experience, and any volunteer or professional activities related to the field.

GRE Policy

ODU does not require the GRE for admission to its MLIS program. This lowers one of the common barriers to entry and makes the application process more accessible for working professionals who may have been out of school for some time. If dropping the standardized test requirement is a priority for you, ODU is one of many no-GRE masters in library science options available today. Applicants can focus their energy on crafting a strong statement of purpose and securing meaningful letters of recommendation instead.

Application Deadlines

The program typically admits students for fall, spring, and summer terms, giving applicants flexibility in choosing a start date that works with their schedule. Specific deadlines vary by term and may shift from year to year, so it is important to check the ODU Graduate Admissions website for the most current dates. Some cohorts may follow a rolling admissions model, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive until seats are filled. Applying early is always advisable, especially if you plan to seek assistantships or scholarships.

Prerequisites and Non-Traditional Applicants

There is no strict requirement that your undergraduate degree be in a related field. The MLIS program welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, from the humanities to STEM disciplines. If your prior coursework did not include much exposure to information science or technology, the program's core curriculum is designed to bring you up to speed.

International Applicant Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through a qualifying TOEFL or IELTS score, with minimums set by ODU's graduate admissions office. Credentials earned at institutions outside the United States also require evaluation through a recognized credential evaluation service before the application can be processed.

Online and Flexible Learning Options

Old Dominion University designed its MLIS program with working professionals in mind, and the delivery format reflects that priority. The program is offered fully online, making it accessible to students across Virginia and well beyond. Here is what to expect when it comes to format, pacing, and logistics.

Delivery Format and Platform

ODU's MLIS coursework is delivered through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous components. Most course materials, readings, and assignments are available asynchronously, so you can work through them on your own schedule. However, some courses incorporate live virtual sessions or scheduled discussion times to foster interaction among students and faculty. The university uses Canvas as its learning management system, giving online students a centralized hub for assignments, grades, and communication.

For students who live in the Hampton Roads area, occasional on-campus events or networking opportunities may be available, but the program does not require any mandatory on-campus visits, residencies, or in-person orientations. Online students complete the same curriculum and earn the same degree as those who might attend any face-to-face sessions.

Time-to-Completion Scenarios

The MLIS requires 36 credit hours, and ODU offers enough flexibility to accommodate different pacing preferences:

• Full-time students: Typically enroll in three courses (9 credit hours) per semester and can finish in about two years, including summers.
• Part-time students: Taking one or two courses per semester extends the timeline to roughly three to four years, a common path for those balancing work or family obligations.
• Accelerated option: ODU does not advertise a formally accelerated track, but students who take courses during summer sessions alongside a heavier fall and spring load may be able to finish in under two years.

The university generally sets a six-year maximum time limit for completing a master's degree, so part-time students have a generous window.

Estimating Your Weekly Workload

As a rule of thumb, each graduate-level course at ODU expects roughly 10 to 12 hours of work per week, including readings, discussion posts, projects, and any synchronous meetings. Full-time students carrying three courses should plan for approximately 30 to 36 hours per week of academic work. Part-time students taking one course can usually manage 10 to 12 hours weekly, making the program realistic alongside a full-time job. Those taking two courses per term should expect around 20 to 24 hours weekly.

This flexibility is one of the program's clearest strengths. Whether you are a recent graduate ready to dive in full-time or a library paraprofessional fitting coursework around an existing career, ODU's online MLIS is structured to adapt to your schedule rather than the other way around. Other online MLIS programs, such as those at Kent State or Marshall, offer similar asynchronous formats, so it is worth comparing pacing options and cost before committing.

Career Outcomes and ROI

An MLIS is a professional credential, so the core question is whether the degree pays for itself in higher earning power and better job prospects. For ODU graduates, the answer depends on where in Virginia (or beyond) you plan to work and which sector you enter.

What MLIS Graduates Earn in Virginia

The national median salary for librarians and library media specialists was $64,320 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹ Virginia generally pays above that benchmark. In the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk metro area, where ODU is based, the mean annual wage for librarians was approximately $73,740 as of 2023 BLS estimates.² Other Virginia metros also trend higher than the national median: Richmond averaged about $68,990, Charlottesville roughly $76,860, and the Roanoke area around $66,310.²

The real outlier is the Washington, Arlington, and Alexandria metro area, where mean librarian wages have been reported above $88,000.³ Federal agencies, research institutions, and national associations in the DC corridor employ thousands of information professionals, and ODU graduates are well positioned geographically to compete for those roles.

Common Job Titles for MLIS Holders

Graduates of ALA-accredited programs like ODU's pursue a wide range of positions, including:

• Public librarian: Serving community patrons in municipal and county library systems.
• School librarian: Supporting K-12 instruction and media programs, often requiring state licensure alongside the MLIS.
• Academic librarian: Working in college and university libraries in reference, instruction, or collections.
• Information specialist: Managing knowledge assets in corporate, legal, or healthcare settings.
• Archivist: Preserving and organizing historical records for government, nonprofit, or cultural institutions.
• Digital services librarian: Overseeing electronic resources, digital repositories, and emerging technologies.

Framing the Return on Investment

If total tuition for the ODU MLIS runs in the range of roughly $13,000 to $21,000 (depending on residency status and fee structures), a Virginia-based public librarian earning in the mid-$60,000s to low-$70,000s could recoup that investment within the first year of full-time work, even after accounting for living expenses. Graduates who land positions in the DC metro area or in specialized information roles may see an even faster payback. Understanding how to choose a library science program that aligns with your career goals can help you maximize that return.

Virginia-Specific Demand Drivers

Several factors strengthen the job market for MLIS holders in the Commonwealth:

• Virginia operates one of the larger public library systems on the East Coast, with dozens of independent systems spanning urban, suburban, and rural communities.
• K-12 school divisions across the state employ library media specialists, and staffing norms in many districts favor certified school librarians.
• Proximity to federal information employers is a significant advantage. Agencies such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution, and numerous defense and intelligence organizations all hire professionals with library and information science credentials.

These demand drivers mean ODU graduates are not limited to a single employment pipeline. The combination of local public and school library needs with easy access to the federal sector creates a broader set of career options than many MLIS programs can offer based on geography alone. Nationally, the BLS projects 2% job growth for librarians between 2023 and 2033, but Virginia's concentration of federal employers and large public systems suggests the local outlook may be somewhat stronger.¹

A Note on Placement Data

As of 2026, Old Dominion University does not publish formal placement rates or comprehensive alumni employment outcomes for the MLIS program. Prospective students may want to request informal alumni network contacts or ask the program coordinator about recent graduate destinations during the admissions process. The absence of published data is common among MLIS programs nationally, but it does mean you should do your own due diligence on local hiring trends before enrolling.

How Old Dominion's MLIS Compares

Choosing an MLIS program means weighing cost, format, specialization options, and prestige against your career goals and budget. Below, we compare ODU's MLIS against two common archetypes you'll encounter while researching programs: a budget-friendly public university option and a flagship research university MLIS. All three are ALA accredited and available fully online, but they differ in meaningful ways.

Should You Apply to ODU's MLIS Program?

Choosing an MLIS program is a significant investment of time and money, so it helps to weigh the fit carefully. Here is a quick verdict to help you decide whether Old Dominion University belongs on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions About ODU's MLIS Program

Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about Old Dominion University's MLIS program. Each response draws on the program details, costs, and admissions information covered earlier in this guide.

Is ODU's MLIS program ALA accredited?

Yes. Old Dominion University's Master of Library and Information Science program is accredited by the American Library Association, which is the recognized accrediting body for graduate library science programs in the United States and Canada. ALA accreditation is typically required or strongly preferred for most professional librarian positions in public, academic, and school library settings across Virginia and nationwide.

Can you complete Old Dominion's MLIS entirely online?

Yes. ODU offers its MLIS as a fully online degree, making it accessible to students across Virginia and beyond. Coursework is delivered through the university's distance learning platform, and students are not required to visit campus for classes. A practicum or field experience component may involve in-person hours at an approved site near you, but the academic coursework itself can be completed remotely.

How much does the ODU MLIS program cost in total?

The total cost depends on residency status and any applicable fees. ODU charges different per-credit tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. For the most current tuition figures, check ODU's graduate tuition schedule directly. The program requires approximately 36 credit hours, so you can estimate total tuition by multiplying the current per-credit rate by 36 and adding university fees.

How long does it take to complete ODU's MLIS?

Most full-time students finish the 36-credit MLIS in about two years. Part-time students, who make up a significant share of the online cohort, typically take three to four years. ODU's flexible scheduling allows students to adjust their course load each semester, so completion timelines can vary based on personal and professional commitments.

Does Old Dominion require the GRE for MLIS admission?

ODU does not require GRE scores for admission to the MLIS program. The admissions process focuses on your undergraduate GPA, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a current resume. This GRE-free policy removes a common barrier and can save applicants both time and money during the application process.

Is ODU's MLIS a good choice for aspiring school librarians?

ODU is a strong option if you want to work as a school librarian in Virginia. The program offers a school librarianship concentration that aligns with Virginia licensure requirements. Because ODU is ALA accredited and embedded in the state's educational network, graduates are well positioned to pursue school library media specialist roles in Virginia public schools and surrounding states.

Is the ODU MLIS worth it compared to other online MLIS programs?

For many students, particularly Virginia residents and those seeking school librarianship credentials, ODU's MLIS offers a competitive combination of ALA accreditation, fully online delivery, and in-state affordability. If you prioritize low cost and flexibility, ODU compares favorably to many alternatives. Students seeking highly specialized tracks in areas like data science or digital archives may want to compare ODU's elective offerings with programs that have deeper course catalogs in those niches.