© Copyright 2026 Mastersinlibraryscience.org.
Does Pitt State offer an MLIS? A clear breakdown of its library-related degrees, costs, and the best alternatives for Kansas students.
Most ALA-accredited MLIS programs require 36 to 42 credit hours and serve as the standard credential for public, academic, and special library positions across the United States. Pittsburg State University does not offer this degree. PSU holds no ALA accreditation for any library program.
What Pittsburg State does provide is a School Library Media emphasis within its Master of Science in Education and a related graduate certificate. Both are designed for Kansas-licensed teachers seeking a school librarian degree online endorsement, not for students pursuing careers in public or academic librarianship.
That distinction shapes every downstream decision, from tuition investment to career eligibility. Kansas residents who need a full, ALA-accredited MLIS will need to look beyond Pittsburg State, typically to online programs offered by other institutions. Our overview of library science degree Kansas options covers those alternatives in detail.
The short answer is no. Pittsburg State University does not offer a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, and it does not hold ALA accreditation for any library-related program. That distinction matters more than most prospective students realize, so it is worth unpacking before you plan your next step.
The American Library Association (ALA) is the recognized accrediting body for master's-level library science programs in the United States and Canada. When a program carries ALA accreditation, it signals that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and learning outcomes meet a nationally recognized standard for preparing professional librarians.
Most public library systems, academic libraries, and special libraries (corporate, medical, law) list an ALA-accredited master's degree as a minimum qualification for professional-level positions. Federal librarian roles follow the same expectation. If your career goal involves working in any of those settings, a non-ALA-accredited credential will leave a significant gap on your resume.
Pittsburg State provides two KSDE-approved pathways focused specifically on school library work in Kansas:
Both options are approved by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), which means they satisfy the state's requirements for working as a licensed school librarian in a K-12 setting.
Pittsburg State's programs serve a specific audience well: current Kansas teachers who want to move into a school library role or add a library media endorsement to an existing license. If that describes you, PSU offers a convenient, affordable, and state-approved path. Our guide on Kansas school librarian certification covers the full licensure process in detail.
However, if you are pursuing a career in public, academic, or special librarianship, these programs will not substitute for a full MLIS. They are not designed for general librarian credentialing, and most employers outside the K-12 school system will not consider them equivalent.
It is also worth noting that Emporia State University is currently the only institution in Kansas that offers an ALA-accredited MLIS. Kansas residents who need that credential will need to look to Emporia State or to ALA-accredited online programs offered by universities in other states. We cover those alternatives in a later section of this guide.
The card below summarizes the key details of Pittsburg State University's library-focused graduate offerings. Because the university does not hold ALA accreditation for a full MLIS degree, the figures here reflect its School Library Media emphasis and graduate certificate options rather than a standalone master's in library and information science.
Understanding the full cost of a Pittsburg State graduate program is essential before you commit, especially because PSU does not offer a standalone MLIS. The figures below are based on published 2024, 2025 rates and the modest increase approved for the 2025, 2026 academic year.1 Always confirm current numbers on the PSU Tuition and Fees page, as rates may shift again for 2026, 2027.
For the 2024, 2025 academic year, Pittsburg State charged approximately $409 per credit hour for graduate students enrolling in eight or fewer credit hours per semester (fees included in that figure).1 Students taking nine or more hours in a single semester paid a flat semester rate instead. Published annual tuition figures were roughly $4,757 for Kansas residents and $10,173 for out-of-state students.1
The Kansas Board of Regents approved a tuition increase of $99.50 for fiscal year 2026, so per-credit costs for the 2025, 2026 cycle are slightly higher.2 Whether online students pay the in-state rate regardless of residency depends on the specific program and any regional tuition agreements PSU participates in. Prospective students living outside Kansas should contact the Graduate Office directly to confirm their rate.
If you pursue the 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Library Media, the tuition estimate at the 2024, 2025 per-credit rate comes to roughly $7,362 before any additional fees or cost increases. For students completing a full master's degree with a School Library Media emphasis through the M.S. in Education (typically around 33 to 36 credit hours), the estimated tuition ranges from approximately $13,500 to $14,750 at the same rate. Keep in mind that these are tuition-only projections.
While PSU's published per-credit rate includes standard fees, certain charges may still apply on top of tuition:
These extras can push the real cost of the certificate program above $8,000 and a full master's above $15,000.
Pittsburg State graduate students may access several forms of financial support:
Because PSU's graduate tuition sits well below the national average for public universities, the total investment for a library-focused credential here is notably affordable. That said, the value calculation changes if you need an ALA-accredited MLIS for career goals outside school librarianship, since PSU's programs do not carry that accreditation. Weigh the lower sticker price against the credential limitations before applying.
Pittsburg State University offers graduate-level coursework in school library media, but it is important to understand exactly what those programs cover, how they connect to Kansas licensure, and where the boundaries are compared to a full MLIS degree.
PSU's library-related graduate coursework is housed within its College of Education and focuses squarely on preparing educators to work as school library media specialists. Typical courses in the program cover topics that align with what you would expect in any school librarian certification track:
A practicum or field experience component is typically required. For candidates who already hold teaching positions, the practicum can often be completed in their own school district, making it more practical for working professionals. Specific requirements and scheduling should be confirmed directly with the department, as field placement details can vary by semester.
PSU has offered an 18-credit-hour graduate certificate in school library media. This shorter credential is generally designed for educators who already hold a Kansas teaching license and want to add a school library endorsement to their existing credentials. It covers the foundational library media coursework without requiring completion of a full master's degree.
A fuller emphasis or concentration in school library media, embedded within a master's program in education, provides a broader set of courses and may be the better choice for candidates who also need to complete a master's degree to meet licensure requirements. Kansas requires a master's degree for full School Library Media Specialist endorsement, so candidates without one should plan on the longer path.1
Kansas licensure as a School Library Media Specialist is governed by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).2 Here is what the pathway involves as of the 2024-2025 requirements:
The critical detail here is that Kansas maintains a specific list of approved programs for school library media licensure.3 Completing coursework at an institution that is not on the approved list may mean extra steps, additional coursework, or a portfolio review before KSDE will grant the endorsement. Candidates whose primary goal is how to become a librarian in Kansas should confirm program approval status before enrolling. Emporia State University's Master of Library Science with School Library Media Licensure4 and Fort Hays State University's Library Media Licensure Program1 are the two programs most clearly identified as approved pathways by KSDE in the most recent published information.
If you are a current Kansas teacher looking to add a library endorsement and PSU's certificate aligns with KSDE requirements, the 18-hour certificate could be a cost-effective option. However, if you need both a master's degree and initial licensure, one of the KSDE-approved programs may offer a more straightforward path.
Kansas requires school librarians to hold both a valid teaching license and a separate endorsement in school library media. Pittsburg State University's approved School Library Media program satisfies Step 2 of this pathway, making it a practical choice for Kansas educators who already hold a teaching license and want to add the library endorsement.
Because Pittsburg State University does not offer a standalone MLIS degree, the admissions process differs from what you would encounter at an ALA-accredited library science program. Instead, you will apply to either the Master of Science in Education with a library media emphasis or the graduate certificate in school library media. Each pathway has its own prerequisites and expectations.
For the M.S. in Education with a library media emphasis, applicants need a completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Candidates pursuing the graduate certificate in school library media typically must already hold a master's degree and, in many cases, a valid teaching license, since the certificate is designed for working educators who want to add a school librarian degree online endorsement.
Pittsburg State's Graduate School generally requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for unconditional admission. Applicants who fall slightly below that threshold may be considered for conditional or provisional admission, depending on the program.
Like many Kansas education graduate programs, Pittsburg State has moved away from requiring the GRE or GMAT for admission to its education master's and certificate programs. This aligns with a broader trend among no-GRE masters in library science programs nationwide. Confirm the current policy directly with the Graduate School or the Department of Teaching and Leadership, as requirements can change from one admission cycle to the next.
Expect to submit the following when you apply:
Pittsburg State generally operates on a rolling admissions basis for its graduate education programs, meaning there is no single cutoff date. However, applying well before the start of your intended semester is wise, especially if you need financial aid or plan to enroll in courses with limited seats. Check with the Graduate School for any cohort-specific start dates that may apply to the library media tracks.
Because this is not an MLIS program in the traditional sense, prospective students who need ALA-accredited credentials for public or academic library careers should verify that the Pittsburg State pathway aligns with their professional requirements before applying.
For working teachers in rural western Kansas or anywhere outside the Pittsburg area, commuting to campus regularly is simply not realistic. Understanding how Pittsburg State delivers its library-focused graduate coursework is essential before you commit.
Pittsburg State University offers its graduate-level School Library Media coursework primarily online, making it accessible to educators across Kansas and neighboring states. Most courses follow an asynchronous format, meaning you can complete readings, discussions, and assignments on your own schedule rather than logging in at a fixed class time. The university uses a standard learning management system to host course materials, discussion boards, and assignment submissions. Some courses may include occasional synchronous sessions or virtual meetings with faculty, but the overall structure is designed around the schedules of full-time classroom teachers.
One of the most practical advantages of PSU's program is the practicum arrangement. In many cases, candidates who are already employed in a Kansas school district can complete their required fieldwork at their current school, under the supervision of a licensed school librarian or appropriate mentor. This eliminates the need to relocate, take unpaid leave, or arrange a separate placement in an unfamiliar district. If your building already has a functioning library media center and a cooperating professional, you may be able to fulfill this requirement without major disruption to your career or personal life.
While PSU's online delivery is genuinely flexible, it is worth keeping one distinction in mind. Pittsburg State does not offer an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree. Its graduate programs center on school library media licensure and related endorsements, not the broader MLIS credential that public, academic, and special libraries typically require.
Fully online ALA accredited mlis programs tend to offer a wider range of specialization tracks, larger course catalogs, and the nationally recognized credential that many employers outside K-12 settings expect. Several of those programs also welcome Kansas residents at competitive tuition rates. You can review online MLIS Kansas options to compare availability and pricing.
If your goal is specifically Kansas school librarian licensure and you are already a licensed teacher, PSU's online format is a strong, convenient fit. If you need the full MLIS for a career in public or academic librarianship, you will want to explore the ALA-accredited alternatives designed for distance learners.
Because Pittsburg State University does not offer an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science, Kansas residents who need that credential will have to look elsewhere. ALA accreditation is not just a prestige label. It is typically required for professional librarian positions at public and academic libraries, and many state licensing boards, including Kansas, reference ALA-accredited degrees in their requirements for school library media specialists. If your career goal is a traditional librarian role outside the K-12 classroom, or if you want maximum portability for your degree across state lines, an ALA-accredited MLIS is the standard path. For a closer look at Kansas-specific licensure steps, see our guide on how to become a librarian in Kansas.
The good news is that several fully online ALA-accredited programs accept Kansas residents, and a few offer competitive tuition rates that rival or beat what you would pay at an in-state institution.
The table below summarizes five well-known online MLIS options available to Kansas residents. Tuition figures reflect publicly available estimates as of early 2026, but rates can shift from year to year. Always confirm current pricing directly with each university before applying.
Emporia State is the only ALA-accredited MLIS in the state of Kansas, which gives it a unique advantage for residents. In-state tuition keeps the total cost well under $15,000, and the program has deep relationships with Kansas public libraries and school districts. If your goal is to work in Kansas, especially as a school librarian, Emporia's alumni network and practicum placements are difficult to match.
That said, other programs on this list may be worth considering if you want a different specialization such as archives, data curation, or academic librarianship, or if you plan to relocate after graduation. Programs like San Jose State and the University of Alabama enroll large national cohorts, which can be an advantage when building a geographically diverse professional network. You can browse additional library science degree Kansas options for a broader view of what is available in the state.
Before committing to any program, verify three things: that the program holds current ALA accreditation, that it offers any specialization track you need (especially for school library certification), and that it charges the tuition rate you expect for online, out-of-state enrollment. Some universities extend flat online rates to all students; others still differentiate by residency. A quick email to each admissions office can save you from surprises down the road.
For a broader look at affordable online MLIS options, regularly updated cost comparisons from sources like those listed below can help you narrow the field.
Understanding what the job market looks like after graduation is essential, especially when you are weighing the cost of a Pittsburg State credential against a potentially more expensive ALA-accredited MLIS. Kansas offers a mix of opportunities for library professionals, but the doors that open depend heavily on the credential you hold.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for librarians and media collections specialists (SOC 25-4022) sits near $62,000 per year. In Kansas, the median falls somewhat lower, typically in the mid-to-upper $50,000 range. School librarians in rural districts may earn less than those in larger metro areas like Wichita, Topeka, or the Kansas City suburbs. Still, Kansas librarian salary figures carry further than in many coastal states because the cost of living is well below the national average.
Employer preferences in the state break along clear lines:
This distinction is the single most important factor in deciding whether Pittsburg State's program will serve your career goals.
The BLS projects modest growth for librarian positions nationally over the coming decade. In Kansas, a few demand drivers are worth noting. Rural school districts across the western and central parts of the state often struggle to recruit certified school librarians, creating openings for candidates willing to live outside metro areas. A wave of retirements among veteran librarians and media specialists is also expected to generate replacement demand through the late 2020s. However, library funding in smaller communities can be inconsistent, so prospective school librarians should research individual district budgets before relocating.
Pittsburg State's lower tuition makes strong financial sense if your goal is K-12 school librarianship in Kansas. Earning a KSDE endorsement at a fraction of the cost of an ALA-accredited program means you can enter the workforce with less debt and start building retirement benefits sooner. For a broader look at earning potential across the profession, see our overview of library science salary data. The math changes if you want to work in public or academic libraries, pursue positions outside Kansas, or keep your options open for administrative roles that list an ALA-accredited degree as a baseline requirement. In that case, the higher upfront cost of an accredited MLIS is likely to pay for itself through access to a broader and generally higher-paying job market.
The bottom line: match the credential to the career path. A clear school library goal in Kansas points toward Pittsburg State. A more flexible or geographically mobile career plan points toward an ALA-accredited alternative.
Prospective students often confuse Pittsburg State's graduate library offerings with a full MLIS degree. The questions below address the most common points of confusion, including program scope, cost, Kansas licensure requirements, and how to find an ALA-accredited alternative if you need one.
