2026 Best Online Master’s in Library Science MLIS Degrees in Wisconsin
Discover the best Master’s in Library & Information Science degree programs in Wisconsin – Rankings list of schools for MLS and MLIS degrees in Wisconsin
Best Online Master’s in Library Science Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers a wealth of opportunities for students pursuing a Master’s in Library Science (MLS) or Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS). With a strong focus on community enrichment, research support, and digital information management, Wisconsin’s MLS programs prepare students for impactful careers in public libraries, academic institutions, and specialized library roles.
Wisconsin’s MLS programs emphasize accessibility with online and hybrid options, making it easier for working professionals and students across the state to achieve their educational goals. The state’s academic institutions are known for their excellence in library science education and their commitment to community outreach and innovation.
2026 Best Online Master's in Library Science Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Master's - Library and Information Studies
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's ALA-accredited Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies prepares graduates for diverse information professions through a hybrid format combining online and campus learning. This program emphasizes developing, providing, and assessing information services for a technological society, with specializations available in digital librarianship, archives, and information organization. A required field practicum provides hands-on experience, and the program accommodates both full-time and part-time students. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program, making it accessible for working professionals seeking career advancement in libraries, archives, or digital information management.
- ALA-accredited, ensuring high-quality education standards.
- Offers both campus and online program options.
- Includes a required field practicum for hands-on experience.
Master's - MA Library and Information Studies
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a comprehensive 36-credit Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies with hybrid delivery options. Students can specialize in five concentration areas including librarianship, digital archives, information technology, data management, and information organization. The program features flexible course scheduling, cross-departmental course options, and requires an internship or field placement for practical experience. Accredited by the American Library Association since 1924, this master's program does not require an entrance exam and provides career planning support and professional leadership development for aspiring information professionals in various settings.
- ALA Accredited Since 1924
- 36-credit Master's Program
- On-Campus and Online Options
- Five Concentration Areas
- Required Internship/Field Placement
- Flexible Course Scheduling
- Cross-Departmental Course Options
- Career Planning Support
- Professional Leadership Development
Master's - Library and Information Studies: Online Program, MA
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Advance your career through UW-Madison's online Master's in Library and Information Studies, an ALA-accredited program delivered in a flexible hybrid format. This program prepares graduates for roles in libraries, archives, and digital environments with opportunities to tailor studies toward digital humanities or social justice. A required practicum provides valuable hands-on experience, and the program typically takes two years full-time or three to four years part-time. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, making it accessible for students at various life stages seeking to enter or advance in the information profession field.
- ALA-accredited master's degree.
- Flexible online learning format.
- Required practicum for hands-on experience.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
Master's - Library and Information Science, MLIS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's ALA-accredited MLIS program offers a comprehensive online education for library and information science careers. This hybrid program combines online convenience with practical fieldwork opportunities, allowing students to customize their studies with concentrations like archival studies and school librarianship. No entrance exam is required for admission. With rolling application deadlines and priority consideration dates in November and March, this program provides flexibility for working professionals seeking career advancement in diverse information settings.
- ALA-accredited online program.
- Flexible, customizable degree options.
- Practical fieldwork opportunities.
Master's - Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) with Public Library Concentration
Concentration: Public Library - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing specifically on public library careers, this online MLIS concentration from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee emphasizes collection development, community outreach, and patron services. The program requires no entrance exam and offers flexible scheduling ideal for working professionals. Students gain practical skills in public library management through a curriculum designed for diverse community settings. This ALA-accredited degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in public libraries with comprehensive training in information services and library operations.
- Online program format
- Public Library concentration
- Master's degree level
- Flexible scheduling options
- Collection development focus
- Community outreach training
- Information services curriculum
- Public library management
- Patron services training
- Bachelor's degree required
Master's - Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)/Master of Arts in History
Concentration: History - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This unique hybrid dual degree combines MLIS with an MA in History, providing interdisciplinary expertise for careers in libraries, museums, and cultural institutions. The History concentration focuses on archival practices, digital preservation, and historical research methods. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program's flexible hybrid format blends online and campus learning, making it suitable for career changers and advancing professionals seeking to develop specialized skills in information management within historical contexts.
- Dual degree program
- Hybrid learning format
- Library Science focus
- History concentration
- Information management skills
- Historical research methods
- Archival practices training
- Digital preservation techniques
- Career advancement opportunities
- Flexible scheduling options
Fast & Affordable MLIS Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s MLS programs offer competitive tuition rates, particularly for in-state residents:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Nationally recognized and affordable for in-state students, this program offers a high return on investment.
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: With flexible online options and moderate tuition rates, this program is ideal for working professionals.
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: Known for its affordability and focus on school librarianship, this program is a great choice for educators.
Accelerated pathways allow students to complete their MLS degrees in 18-24 months, making it possible to start their careers quickly while minimizing costs.
Popular MLIS Specialties in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s MLS programs offer diverse specializations to align with the state’s unique library science needs:
- School Librarianship: Preparing students to manage K-12 libraries and promote literacy in Wisconsin’s public schools.
- Digital Libraries: Training professionals to develop and manage digital collections for libraries and institutions across the state.
- Archival Studies: Equipping students to work with historical documents and records at organizations like the Wisconsin Historical Society.
- Data Management: Preparing graduates for roles in organizing and analyzing large-scale data for academic or corporate use.
What Careers Can I Pursue with an MLIS in Wisconsin?
Graduates of Wisconsin’s MLS programs can pursue a variety of fulfilling careers:
- School Librarian: Supporting literacy and information access in K-12 schools statewide.
- Public Librarian: Providing resources and programming to communities across Wisconsin.
- Archivist: Preserving historical documents at institutions like the Wisconsin Historical Society.
- Digital Librarian: Managing online collections for academic or public library systems.
- Academic Librarian: Assisting faculty and students at institutions like UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee.
With Wisconsin’s focus on education and cultural preservation, MLS graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the state’s library and information services.
