At a Glance: Top Online Master's in Library Science
#1: Rutgers University — The university offers a self-designed pathway to customize your master's in information.
#2: University of Maryland — UMD's proximity to Washington, D.C. means students have unique opportunities for archival studies.
#3: University of Missouri — The university offers a dual degree in library science and public affairs.
You may be considering a career as a librarian because you love reading, but this job is about more than just books.
Libraries are community centers offering free classes, internet access, job search assistance, and other resources that support people's daily lives and help broaden their perspectives.
With an online master's in library science, you can develop the research and organizational skills needed to succeed as a librarian while helping communities access information. Read on for our list of the best online master's in library science programs that can help you take the next step in your career.
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Best Master in Library Science Online Degrees of 2025
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart, prioritizing factors like concentration options, industry connections, accessibility, and experiential learning opportunities. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in August 2025.
Why You Should Get a Master in Library Science
You should get your master's in library science if you want to:
Meet educational requirements: With this degree, you'll fulfill the education needed for most librarian roles, especially in public, academic, or special libraries.
Advance your skills: Learn advanced research, cataloging, and archiving skills to advance your career.
Increased earning potential: Qualify for higher-paying roles and leadership positions like library manager or director.
Master information management:Learn to organize, preserve, and provide access to information across a variety of platforms.
Benefits of Getting a Master in Library Science Online
According to BestColleges' 2025 Annual Online Education Trends Report:
Virtually all — 99% — of online master's students and graduates said they would recommend online education to others.
They also said their online master's degree pays off, with 95% stating their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
75% said online learning is equal to or better than learning on-campus.
How to Choose the Best Master in Library Science Online Degree for You
When considering which master of library science online program to enroll in, consider its price, length, application requirement, and accreditation status.
You should also worth checking whether financial aid is available, as it can significantly reduce the cost of your degree.
Keep reading for a closer look at these factors and how they can help you choose the right program for you.
How Much Does an Online Library Science Master's Degree Cost?
Online Master's Degree Programs, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2020)
$8,590
Avg. Net Price (2020)
$10,308
Source: NCES PowerStats
The median yearly cost for an online library science master's degree was about $7,305 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This price tag includes tuition and additional fees. However, your net price could be lower if you qualify scholarships or grants.
With this in mind, make sure to research financial options carefully — 29% of the online students and program graduates we surveyed say they wished they had done more research about cost and financial aid before enrolling in a program. What's more, 31% say they wished they'd compared more programs.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Master in Library Science Online?
Typical # of Credits
40 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Most master of library science programs require 30-40 credits, which can take you up to two years to complete. However, you can graduate in 1-1.5 years if you enroll in an accelerated program. These programs let you finish sooner by condensing material into shorter terms and allowing you to take more classes at once.
On the other hand, if you want to keep working while studying, you should consider enrolling in a part-time program. These can take longer to complete but offer more flexibility by offering a lighter course load and scheduling options that can better fit around your commitments.
Online Master's in Library Science Program Application Requirements
Library science graduate programs typically require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for admission.
Many programs don't require you to submit test scores, but some might ask for GRE scores. If the one your applying to does, make sure to check the minimum or recommended scores, since they can vary widely.
Other common application requirements include:
Resume or CV
Essays
Interviews (depending on the program)
Application fees can range from $65-$90 or more, depending on the school. Fortunately, many programs offer fee waivers based on financial need, so contact the school's financial aid office to learn more your options.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Library Science Degrees
Programmatic accreditation ensures the educational quality of specific programs within a college or university. It signal that a program meets industry and educational standards that make it trustworthy and valuable in its field.
When comparing programs, only consider accredited ones to make sure your degree will pay off. For example, many employers only hire candidates who graduate from accredited programs.
The American Library Association (ALA) is one of the most prevalent and sought-after accrediting bodies for library science programs.
Cindy Hohl, president of ALA, told BestColleges that ALA accreditation demonstrates a program has undergone a self-evaluation process, been reviewed by its peers, and has met ALA's standards.
Be sure to explore ALA's database of accredited programs.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Library Science Program Accreditation?
Cindy Hohl
What Can You Do With a Master's in Library Science?
With a master's in library science, you can pursue a career as a librarian, archivist, curator, teacher, research scientist, or library media specialist.
These roles often earn and above-average pay compared to other occupations. For example, librarians earned an average of $64,320 per year in 2024, according to the BLS. On the other hand, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.
| Job | Median Annual Salary, May 2024 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Public Librarian | $60,510 | Serve communities by planning programs and helping people find books and use resources. |
| School Librarian | $69,880 | Develop lesson plans and teach elementary, middle, and high school students to use library resources. |
| Academic Librarian | $66,260-68,570 | Assist students and faculty at colleges and universities in their research. |
| Special Librarian | $59,810 | Work in law, medicine, or for corporations to serve the information needs of an organization. |
| Archivist | $61,570 | Organize information and materials, assist in research, and create and use databases. |
Is an Online Master's Degree in Library Science Worth It?
An online master's in library science degree can improve your career prospects for library and information careers while offering the flexibility to work while learning and being cheaper than an in-person master's program.
Our research shows that the vast majority of online master's program graduates found value in their online studies and would recommend it to others.
Additionally, having a master's degree can qualify you to earn a higher pay. NACE found that people with a master's degree have a higher mean starting salary compared to those with just a bachelor's or associate degree.
NACE also reports that 67% of 2023 graduates with a master's in library science are employed full time. Eighty-six percent are employed overall. This figure includes full-time, part-time, temporary, freelance, or contract work.
Education Beyond a Master in Library Science
If you want to pursue a career in research or as a professor, you may need to pursue an education beyond a master's degree.
Academic and advanced research positions usually require a doctoral degree. A doctorate in library science can make you eligible for roles like academic library director and college professor or in adjacent fields like information and data.
If you don't want to broaden your skillset without pursuing a doctorate, you may consider getting a certificate. With a certificate, you could specialize in niche areas like digital curation, digital libraries, law libraries, or health informatics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Library Science Degrees
To qualify for most library jobs you need a master's in library science, according to the BLS. With a bachelor's degree, you can land some library jobs, but a master's degree opens up the most doors for you.
If you want to work for a school library, you may need an additional teaching certificate depending on your state.
