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A clear breakdown of UMA's ILS degrees, the Simmons MLIS pathway, tuition, and whether this route fits your library career goals.
The University of Maine at Augusta does not offer an MLIS degree. That single fact trips up a surprising number of prospective students searching for a Maine library science degree online. What UMA does offer is the state's only undergraduate Information and Library Science program, available fully online at three credential levels: certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree.
The real draw is what comes after. UMA's bachelor's graduates can enter an accelerated, discounted MLIS through a formal partnership with Simmons University, one of the oldest ALA-accredited programs in the country. The combined cost of both degrees often undercuts a standalone MLIS at full tuition. For anyone building a library career in Maine, where many positions do not require a master's degree, the financial calculus of that pipeline matters more than the brand name on either diploma. Students who already know they need a master's credential can browse library science programs nationwide, but UMA's stacked pathway deserves a close look before committing to a pricier direct-entry option.
Before you dive into the details of the University of Maine at Augusta library science program, it helps to understand exactly what credentials are on the table and, just as importantly, what is not. UMA's Information and Library Science program is entirely undergraduate.1 It does not grant an MLIS degree, and it is not ALA-accredited at the graduate level.2 That distinction matters because most professional librarian positions, especially in academic and large public library systems, require a master's degree from an ALA-accredited program.
UMA awards three stackable undergraduate credentials in Information and Library Science:1
The stackable design is one of UMA's genuine strengths.2 You can earn the certificate, decide whether to continue, then ladder up to the AS and eventually the BS without losing credits along the way. Each rung has standalone value, so you are never locked into completing the full bachelor's if your career goals shift.
This is a critical fact for anyone searching for an online MLIS Maine option: no institution in the state currently holds ALA accreditation for a master's-level library science program. If you need an ALA-accredited MLIS, and most aspiring professional librarians do, you will need to look out of state or take advantage of a partnership pathway. UMA addresses this gap through an accelerated arrangement with Simmons University, which is covered in detail later in this article.4
UMA's ILS program is not trying to compete with graduate schools. Instead, it fills a different niche, and it fills it well for the right student. The program is designed for:
If you already know you want to become a director of a large public library system or an academic librarian at a research university, UMA alone will not get you there. But as a first step, particularly for students who are cost-conscious or uncertain about committing to graduate school, the stackable model offers a practical and low-risk entry point into library science education.
The University of Maine at Augusta offers undergraduate Information and Library Science credentials, not a graduate MLIS. All three credential levels are available fully online, making UMA a practical entry point for aspiring library workers in Maine and beyond.
One of the strongest arguments for starting your library science education at UMA rather than jumping directly into a graduate MLIS program is cost. Because the ILS certificates and degrees are undergraduate credentials, tuition is a fraction of what you would pay at most ALA-accredited master's programs. Here is what the numbers actually look like for the 2025, 2026 academic year.
UMA charges online undergraduate tuition on a per-credit-hour basis. For FY 2026, the published rate is $268 per credit for in-state students.1 A full-time semester load of 12 credits comes to roughly $3,216, while out-of-state students pay approximately $5,628 for that same 12-credit semester.1
A few details worth noting:
Using the in-state per-credit rate of $268, here is a rough estimate for each ILS credential tier. These figures cover tuition only and do not include textbooks, technology fees, or other incidental costs.
Out-of-state students without NEBHE eligibility should expect totals roughly 75 percent higher. Mandatory fees per semester (unified fees, technology fees, and similar charges) will add to these estimates, so consult UMA's published tuition and fee schedule for the most current breakdown.1
Because UMA's ILS programs are housed within an accredited university and lead to recognized undergraduate credentials, students are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study. This is worth emphasizing: many standalone library certificate programs at community colleges or through professional organizations do not qualify for federal aid.
UMA also offers institutional scholarships, though ILS-specific scholarship opportunities tend to be limited. It is worth searching the Maine State Library and regional library associations, which occasionally fund continuing education for library workers. For a broader look at funding options, see our guide to scholarships for MLIS students, which covers aid sources relevant to both graduate and undergraduate library science students. If you are already employed in a library, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement. Many public library systems and academic libraries offer modest reimbursement benefits for paraprofessional staff pursuing relevant degrees, and even partial reimbursement can make a significant dent in an undergraduate tuition bill this affordable.
To put these numbers in perspective, most ALA-accredited MLIS programs charge between $20,000 and $60,000 in total graduate tuition. You can compare options on our list of the cheapest library science degree online programs to see exactly where UMA's undergraduate pricing stands relative to graduate alternatives. UMA's entire bachelor's degree costs roughly what a single year of graduate school runs at many institutions. If you are weighing whether to invest in UMA's undergraduate ILS credentials before pursuing a master's degree, the financial math generally works in your favor: you enter the workforce (or a graduate program) with a credential in hand and far less debt. We will dig deeper into return on investment and the UMA-to-Simmons cost picture in later sections.
UMA's Information and Library Science program is built around a stackable credential model, meaning you can start with a certificate, build toward an associate degree, and then finish a full bachelor's degree, all without losing credits along the way.1 That structure is especially useful if you need to enter the workforce quickly or want to test the field before committing to a four-year degree. Here is what the curriculum looks like at each level and what to expect from the hands-on requirements.
The BS in Information and Library Science covers the foundational knowledge you would need in most library and information settings.2 While specific course titles may shift slightly from year to year, representative core coursework includes:
All coursework is delivered asynchronously online, so you complete readings, discussions, and assignments on your own schedule. Students interested in how these skills translate to the job market may find it helpful to review what you learn in a library science degree.
The stackable design means that credits earned at the certificate level roll directly into the associate degree, and associate-level credits roll into the BS. Students who already hold general education credits from another institution can typically transfer those in to satisfy non-major requirements, which can significantly reduce time to degree. The key consideration at each step is the number of ILS-specific credits you need to add. Students should consult an advisor to map out exactly how many transfer credits apply to their situation, since general education requirements and elective allowances vary.
The BS program requires a 6-credit capstone experience, and the default option is a 120-hour practicum completed in a real library or information setting.4 Online students arrange their practicum at a site in their own community, whether that is a public library, school library, academic library, or another qualifying institution. UMA works with students to identify and approve appropriate placements, but students are generally expected to take the lead on finding a local site.
If a practicum is not feasible, there are two alternatives. Students can complete an advanced research option consisting of a 40-page research paper, or they can pursue a hybrid option that combines a 60-hour practicum with a 20-page paper. The hybrid and research-only alternatives are available to students who have prior fieldwork experience (through a specific introductory practicum course) or who have at least ten years of professional experience in the field.4
Beyond the Youth/School Focus concentration, the program's elective structure allows students to tailor coursework toward areas like archives, public librarianship, or technology services, depending on what is available in a given semester. Graduates drawn to library administration and leadership degree online options should note that UMA's management coursework provides a useful undergraduate foundation, though a graduate degree is typically required for senior roles. The catalog does not currently list a large number of formal specialization tracks, so students interested in niche areas should plan elective choices early and confirm course availability with their advisor.
UMA's Information and Library Science program is designed as a stackable credential ladder, letting you earn progressively higher credentials without losing credits along the way. Each tier builds on the last, and completing the bachelor's degree unlocks an accelerated pathway to a full MLIS through a partner institution.
One of the most appealing aspects of UMA's Information and Library Science program is how accessible it is. Whether you are pursuing the certificate or the associate degree, the admissions process is straightforward and designed to welcome a wide range of applicants, including career changers, working adults, and those new to higher education.
UMA operates under an open admissions policy for its undergraduate programs, which means there is no minimum GPA requirement to enroll in the ILS certificate or the Associate of Science in ILS. If you hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent, you are eligible to apply. This makes UMA a strong entry point for students who may not have a traditional academic background but are motivated to build a career in library services. For those who eventually want to advance to a graduate credential, an online graduate certificate in library science is one logical next step after completing UMA's associate degree.
The application itself is minimal compared to graduate-level programs. You will need to submit:
Notably, UMA does not require a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, or a resume for admission to its undergraduate ILS programs. There is also no application fee, which removes one more barrier to getting started.
Because these are undergraduate credentials, the GRE and other standardized entrance exams are not required at any stage.
UMA is transfer-friendly, which matters if you are coming from a community college or another institution. For the Associate of Science, up to 75 percent of the required credits may be transferred in from accredited institutions, provided the coursework aligns with UMA's degree requirements. Community college ILS or library technician courses are generally accepted on a case-by-case basis after a transcript review. Students who have already completed general education requirements elsewhere can often focus almost entirely on ILS-specific coursework once enrolled.
UMA uses a rolling admissions process, so there is no single cutoff date. You can apply and start in the fall, spring, or summer term. That said, applying early gives you the best selection of course sections, especially for the fully online offerings that tend to fill quickly. Financial aid applicants should aim to submit the FAFSA well before each term begins to maximize eligibility for library science scholarships and other funding.
UMA's Information and Library Science program is not ALA-accredited on its own, but the university has built a formal partnership with Simmons University that creates a clear bridge to an ALA-accredited master's degree. This is the single most important feature of UMA's ILS track for students who need the ALA credential for career advancement or state certification. Understanding how the partnership works, what it costs, and when to plan for it can save you thousands of dollars and months of time.
Graduates of UMA's Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Science are eligible to apply to the Simmons University MLIS program at a 50% tuition discount. The discount is tied to having completed UMA's BS program and meeting a minimum GPA threshold, typically a 3.0 or higher at graduation. Simmons' MSLIS requires 36 credits3, so the discount applies across the full master's curriculum. Students should begin the Simmons application process during the final semester of their UMA bachelor's degree to ensure a seamless transition. Coursework completed in UMA's upper-level ILS classes can satisfy some Simmons prerequisites, reducing the learning curve in early graduate semesters, though the credits themselves do not transfer as direct course substitutions toward the 36-credit requirement.
Simmons publishes its graduate tuition rate at $1,152 per credit for the 2026-2027 academic year.1 At full price, 36 credits would total approximately $41,472. With the 50% UMA partnership discount, expected out-of-pocket tuition for the MSLIS drops to roughly $20,736 before fees. Combined with UMA's bachelor's degree costs (which vary based on residency and pace but typically run between $25,000 and $35,000 for the full BS), the entire pipeline from undergraduate enrollment through an ala accredited online mlis could land in the range of $46,000 to $56,000. That figure compares favorably to many standalone MLIS programs, especially considering you earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Simmons' MSLIS offers several concentration options, including Archives Management, which is well suited for students who pursued the archival studies thread in UMA's undergraduate curriculum.3 Other Simmons concentrations focus on areas such as school librarianship and information services. The 50% discount applies regardless of which concentration you choose. Most students complete the Simmons MSLIS in about two years of part-time study, though full-time students may finish faster.
One of the most practical advantages of this pathway is that it can be completed entirely online. UMA delivers its BS program through distance learning, and Simmons' MSLIS is also available in a fully online format. That means a student in rural Maine, or anywhere else, can move from an undergraduate ILS degree through an ALA-accredited master's without relocating or commuting to campus. For working library professionals or career changers juggling other responsibilities, this end-to-end remote option removes a significant barrier.
If you are considering this pathway, the key planning steps are straightforward:
The UMA-to-Simmons pipeline is the most cost-effective way to reach an ALA-accredited MSLIS through UMA's program, and for students who know from the outset that they need the master's credential, building this pathway into their plan from day one is essential.
UMA built its reputation as Maine's distance education leader, and the Information and Library Science program reflects that identity. Nearly all ILS courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously, meaning there are no required meeting times. You log in, complete readings and assignments, and participate in discussion forums on your own schedule. For working library staff balancing desk shifts and evening hours, this flexibility is a genuine advantage rather than a marketing talking point.
Some courses may include occasional synchronous sessions, such as a live guest speaker or a collaborative workshop, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Check individual course syllabi at the start of each term so you can plan around any real-time components.
UMA uses the Brightspace learning management system for its online courses. You will need a reliable internet connection, a modern web browser, and access to basic productivity software. Some courses require a webcam and microphone for presentations or virtual discussions. Brightspace handles everything from assignment submissions to discussion boards, and UMA provides orientation materials for students who are new to the platform.
If you pursue the ILS bachelor's degree or a certificate that includes a practicum component, UMA generally allows students to arrange placements at a library or information organization near their home. This is especially helpful for students outside the Augusta area or out of state entirely. Program faculty work with you to identify and approve a site, though you should expect to take the lead on finding a willing host institution. Starting that conversation early, ideally a semester before you need the placement, gives you the best range of options.
Online students have access to the same core support services as on-campus students:
The overall experience is straightforward and designed for adults who are already working. If you have taken online college courses before, the format will feel familiar. If you have not, UMA's onboarding resources help ease the transition. Students who eventually want to pursue a graduate credential may find that programs in areas like online MLIS informatics programs 2026 or online youth services librarianship degree build naturally on the foundation UMA provides.
One of the most practical reasons to consider UMA's ILS program is that Maine's library job market does not universally require an MLIS. Understanding the state's certification structure helps you figure out how far UMA's credentials alone can take you, and when the Simmons MLIS pathway becomes worth the additional investment.
The Maine State Library administers a voluntary certification program for public librarians with three tiers:
These certifications are not mandatory for every library position in Maine, but many employers reference them in job postings, and moving into supervisory or director roles at larger public libraries typically requires the top tier. For a broader look at the process, our guide on how to become a librarian in Maine covers each certification level in detail.
Yes, and many people do. Smaller public libraries, school library paraprofessional positions, and library technician roles frequently hire candidates with a bachelor's degree or even an associate's degree in a relevant field. UMA's BS in ILS positions you well for these roles across the state.
However, academic librarian positions at colleges and universities, director-level roles in larger municipal or county library systems, and some specialized archivist positions almost always list an ALA-accredited MLIS as a minimum qualification. If you have ambitions beyond entry-level or small-library work, the MLIS remains the standard professional credential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for librarians and media specialists in Maine hovers near the mid-$50,000s, which trails the national median slightly. Library technicians and assistants in the state earn considerably less, often in the $30,000 to $38,000 range. The gap between BS-only and MLIS holders is not just about salary; it is also about access to a wider range of positions and stronger long-term career mobility.
This is where the UMA pathway stands out. If you complete a BS in ILS at UMA's in-state tuition rates and then enter the Simmons accelerated MLIS program at the negotiated discount, your total cost for both degrees is likely to come in well below what many students pay for a standalone MLIS at a private institution. Enrolling directly in an ALA-accredited MLIS program can cost $40,000 to $70,000 or more at private universities, and even some out-of-state public options exceed $30,000.
By stacking UMA's affordable undergraduate credentials with the Simmons pathway, you can enter the job market sooner at the technician or associate level, earn income while deciding whether to pursue the master's, and ultimately complete the full MLIS at a lower combined cost than most direct-entry alternatives. Students rooted in the broader New England region may also want to explore neighboring states' requirements, such as how to become a librarian in Vermont, to understand cross-state career options. For students who want a clear, affordable ladder from certificate to master's degree, this route is one of the most cost-effective available.
Choosing an MLIS pathway means balancing cost, format, flexibility, and program reputation. Below, we compare the UMA bachelor's to Simmons accelerated MLIS pipeline against two common archetypes: an affordable public university MLIS and a prestigious private university MLIS. No specific competitor schools are named, but the profiles reflect real market patterns as of 2026. The UMA to Simmons route stands out as the most budget-conscious fully online pipeline, though it requires completing two separate programs at two institutions.
| Factor | UMA BS + Simmons Accelerated MLIS | Affordable Public University MLIS | Prestigious Private University MLIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Fully online (both the UMA undergraduate and Simmons MLIS components) | Typically online or hybrid, varies by program | Often hybrid or on campus, with some online options |
| Estimated Total MLIS Cost | Approximately $20,000 to $25,000 for the Simmons MLIS portion (discounted partnership rate) | Approximately $15,000 to $25,000 (in state tuition) | Approximately $50,000 to $80,000 or more |
| ALA Accreditation | Simmons MLIS is ALA accredited; UMA's undergraduate ILS program is not an MLIS and is not separately ALA accredited | Typically ALA accredited | ALA accredited |
| Flexibility for Working Professionals | High: asynchronous online courses, designed for students balancing work and school | Moderate to high: many programs offer evening and online options | Moderate: may require campus residencies, cohort schedules, or daytime attendance |
| Time to Complete MLIS | Approximately 12 to 18 months for the Simmons MLIS after completing UMA coursework | Approximately 2 to 3 years (part time) or 1 to 2 years (full time) | Approximately 1.5 to 2 years (full time) |
| Best Fit Student | Budget conscious students in Maine (or nearby) who want a clear, structured path from an undergraduate credential to an ALA accredited MLIS, all online | Students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want a low cost, accredited MLIS with strong state or regional job placement | Students prioritizing program reputation, specialized research opportunities, or networking in competitive metro library markets |
| Trade Offs | Requires completing two programs at two schools; less brand recognition than top tier MLIS programs | May have fewer specialization tracks or research resources than elite programs | Significantly higher cost; on campus requirements may limit accessibility for remote or working students |
UMA's Information and Library Science program fills a specific niche: an affordable, fully online credential pathway for people building toward a library career in Maine. Whether it's the right fit depends on where you are in your education and what kind of role you're targeting. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Prospective students often have overlapping questions about what UMA actually grants, how costs add up, and whether the program positions them for professional librarian roles. The answers below address the most common points of confusion.
