Best Master’s in Library Science Degrees

Overview

The University of Wisconsin is a highly regarded public research university system, and the Madison campus is its flagship. UW Madison is organized into 20 schools and colleges. And over 43,000 students are enrolled in one of the hundreds of degree programs.

Features

At UW Madison you can earn a MA in Library and Information Science degree either online or on campus. This program is accredited by the American Library Association and offers a number of scholarship and funding opportunities. There are also six ways to specialize. Among the concentrations are:

• Archives in a Digital Age
• Data/Information Management and Analytics
• Information Organization
• UX and Information Technology

Notables

UW Madison is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, a Public Ivy, and a top-ranked school. U.S. News & World Report places it 44th among all national universities. It is also globally ranked by several publications, such as Times Higher Education.

Overview

Kent State University (KSU) is located in Kent, Ohio and home to nearly 30,000 students. It is one of the largest universities in the state. KSU is a research school known for education and research in flight technology, music, psychology, library science, and more.

Features

Kent State offers a MS in Library Information Science degree that combines informatics, knowledge management, and user experience. Graduates from Kent State have gone on to find work as catalogers, children’s librarians, law librarians, archivists, and much more. Kent State’s program is notably broad, with over a dozen areas of concentration. Among them are:

• Digital Preservation
• Museum Studies
• Public Librarianship
• Youth Services

Notables

KSU is ranked as one of the top public research universities in the US by the Carnegie Foundation, who also recognized it for its community engagement. Likewise, U.S. News & World Report ranks it among the top 100 best public universities.

Overview

Kutztown University is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It is a public school and a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Around 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend Kutztown.

Features

Kutztown’s Master of Library Science degree trains students in a wide variety of professional library skills. For example, while a student you will learn how to develop and administer multimedia collections. You will also have the opportunity to specialize in K-12 librarianship. Kutztown’s core includes:

• Organizing, Cataloging, and Classifying Materials
• Collection Development
• Technologies in Libraries
• Reference and Information Services in Library Settings

Notables

Kutztown has been expanding exponentially in the last few years. It was originally founded as a small teacher’s college, but today is comprised of several schools and programs. And it is perhaps best known for its library science programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Overview

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa. It is a huge, public research university with nearly 40,000 students and over a dozen colleges and academic divisions. UA is also the only university in the state to offer a law school, a program in information science, and a social work degree.

Features

UA offers a Master of Library and Information Studies degree that is uniquely blended in its learning formats. Students benefit from having a cohort and working on campus while also taking classes online. This is a 36 credit-hour program comprised of classes such as:

• Organization of Information
• Introduction to Library and Information Studies
• Academic Libraries
• Public Libraries

Notables

UA consistently makes the top 50 Best Public Universities rankings put out by U.S. News & World Report. UA is also known for its library systems, with 2.5 million volumes and six separate libraries. It is one of the most exhaustive and highly regarded public university library systems in the US.

Overview

Syracuse University is a private school located in Syracuse, New York. Though founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church and maintaining a relationship with the church today, it is mostly an independent, non-sectarian university. Over 20,000 students attend Syracuse.

Features

At Syracuse while earning a MS in Library and Information Science you will take 18 credits of core classes (below) plus another 15 in electives of your choice. This flexibility to explore and specialize makes Syracuse’s program ideal for those who want an interdisciplinary education.

• Introduction to the Library and Information Professional
• Library Planning, Marketing, and Assessment
• Reference and Information Literacy Services
• Information Policy

Notables

Syracuse is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. It is also categorized as a “High Research University” by the Carnegie Classification. And it is ranked 61st among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

The Albany branch of the greater State University of New York (SUNY) system is a public research university. SUNY Albany offers nearly 200 academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Around 20,000 students are currently enrolled.

Features

SUNY Albany offers a degree in Library and Information Services degree that can be paired with a Library Media Specialist concentration. In addition to taking classes on youth services and librarianship, you will also be expected to complete a field experience or internship. Classes at SUNY Albany include:

• Literature for Children
• The Information Environment
• Information and Knowledge Organization
• Literature for Young Adults

Notables

SUNY Albany has been recently expanding its research and education initiatives to include distinctive new programs in documentary studies, biotechnology, informatics, and more. Not surprising then that the university is ranked among the top 20 nationally for its research expenditures.

Overview

Located in Tucson, the University of Arizona (UA) is a public research university known for its medical schools primarily. Though campus is also home to several well-ranked and renowned law and other graduate programs. Over 40,000 students attend UA.

Features

UA offers a MA in Library and Information Science degree that introduces students to the emerging and trending issues in 21st century librarianship. You will graduate from UA ready for a career in public and academic libraries but also in publishing, the tech industry, the health field, and more. UA offers a number of concentrations, among them:

• Academic Librarianship
• Archival Studies
• Medical and Community Health Information
• Special Librarianship

Notables

UA is ranked among the top 60 best public schools by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, many of UA’s individual departments and programs are nationally ranked. Among them are the business school, the social psychology department, and the library science program.

Overview

The darling in the greater University of California system, UCLA is a huge research university. It offers over 300 academic programs at all degree levels. Nearly 50,000 students are enrolled at UCLA, one of the nation’s best schools and one of the best on the West Coast.

Features

UCLA’s Master of Library and Information Science program is a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Students learn the ins and outs of contemporary library and archival science. But they also participate in an exhaustive internship program. There are five concentrations available through the UCLA program:

• Rare Books / Print and Visual Culture
• Media Archival Studies
• Library Studies
• Informatics
• Archival Studies

Notables

UCLA has been ranked first among all national public universities. It is considered a Public Ivy and is consistently included in Forbes’ list of “America’s Top Colleges.” The rankings for UCLA are nearly endless, as dozens of its individual departments are also nationally and globally recognized too.

Overview

Simmons College is located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a private liberal arts school primarily focused on women’s education. Indeed, of the 5,000 graduate and undergraduate students, nearly all are women.

Features

Simmons’ MS in Library and Information Science degree prepares students for a wide variety of career options. That’s because at Simmons you will be equally trained in management and ethics as you will in big data, emerging technologies, and archives. Indeed, graduates from the Simmons program have gone on to become:

• Database Editors
• Public Librarians
• Cataloging and Acquisition Librarians
• Emerging Technologies Librarians

Notables

In addition to its reputation as a women’s college, Simmons is also known for its commitment to sustainability. It has put several programs, academic and non-academic alike, in place across campus. Simmons is also ranked among the top 20 colleges for its region.

Overview

The Austin branch in the sprawling University of Texas system is a public, research-driven university. Over 50,000 students attend UT Austin and are enrolled in one of the university’s 270 academic programs. And the UT Austin campus is home to dozens of research labs, centers, and institutes.

Features

The library science graduate program at UT Austin emphasizes the role of information in librarianship. This program distinctively integrates information content with information consumerism and connections. UT Austin’s courses cover:

• Children’s Literature
• Information Resources in Science and Technology
• Materials for Young Adults
• Digital Media Design

Notables

UT Austin is a flagship university, a member of the Association of American Universities, and a Public Ivy. It has graduated and/or hired recipients of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer, the Turing Award, and the National Medal of Science. U.S. News & World Report ranks UT Austin 56th among all national universities.

Overview

Part of the City University of New York System, Queens College is home to nearly 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Queens College provides these students with a liberal arts education. And it offers nearly 100 academic degree programs.

Features

Queen’s College offers a publicly funded Masters in Library and Information Science degree. This program prepares students for work in universities, municipal centers, and corporate archives alike. And Queens gives students the option to specialize. Concentrations are available in:

• Archives and Preservation of Cultural Materials
• Public Library Services for Children and Young Adults
• Library Media Specialists
• Academic Librarianship

Notables

Queens College is consistently ranked for its academic excellence as well as affordability. For example, The Princeton Review ranked it 8th nationally for being among “America’s Best Value Colleges.” Other publications to issue praise on Queens College include U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Newsweek.

Overview

The Milwaukee branch in the greater University of Wisconsin System (UWM) is a public research school. It is the largest school in the greater Milwaukee area as well as one of the largest in the state. Over 25,000 students attend UWM.

Features

The Master of Library and Information Science degree from UWM includes fieldwork, a thesis project, and coursework. Graduates from this program have found work in a variety of disciplines, from emerging technologies to data analysts. UWM’s core consists of the following classes:

• Foundations of Library and Information Science
• Organization of Information
• Information Access and Retrieval
• Research Methods in Information Studies

Notables

Many of UWM’s individual departments are well-ranked. Among them are the Archives and Preservation program, the Library and Information Studies program, and the education college. The school as a whole is also well-ranked and consistently included in top 100 national university listings.

Overview

The University of Kentucky (UK) is located in Lexington. UK is a public school that was founded as an agricultural and mechanical college. However, today it offers over 250 academic programs to its 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Features

The MS in Library Science degree from UK can be earned fully online. Students enroll in an individualized schedule and plan of study. And they can even participate in practicum and Study Abroad opportunities. At UK you can concentrate in one of many areas, including in:

• Health Information
• Academic Libraries
• School Librarian Program
• Youth Services and Literature

Notables

UK is known for its ongoing commitment to providing better academic and research opportunities to its students. In fact, it is a member of the SECU Academic Consortium. This program is an initiative among several universities to promote research, scholarship, and student achievement.

Overview

Long Island University (LIU) is a private school with locations in and around the greater New York metropolitan area. LIU offers more than 500 academic programs to its 18,000 students. And it is also known for its well-ranked online learning programs.

Features

LIU offers unique opportunities to study and explore library science. You can earn a MS in Library and Information Science degree with specialization in School Library Media. You can even earn a dual master’s degree with NYU. Additional areas of study include:

• Archives and Records Management
• Information Systems and Technology
• Rare Books and Special Collections
• Public Librarianship

Notables

Long Island University is regionally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. When it was first chartered, LIU was founded on the principle of accessible and affordable education. It still upholds those commitments today.

Overview

Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, the Buffalo campus is a public research university. Though first founded as a medical college, today SUNY Buffalo is one of the largest public universities in New York, with over 30,000 students and nearly 400 academic programs.

Features

At SUNY Buffalo you can earn a Master in Library Science degree that fully trains you in work in a variety of library settings. You can also dual enroll and earn a degree in Music History or law.

There are nearly ten areas of concentration available too. Among them:

• Libraries Serving Business, Museums, and Law Firms
• School Librarianship
• Media Librarianship
• Cataloging and Classification

Notables

SUNY Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities. It has graduated Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Fulbright Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, and much more. It is ranked among the top 100 best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

Located in Columbia, but with several additional satellite campuses, the University of South Carolina (SC) is a research university. It offers more than 350 academic programs of study to its 35,000 students. And it is considered a high-activity research school.

Features

At the University of South Carolina you can earn a full degree or graduate certification in Library and Information Science. You can also choose between on-campus or online courses. At SC you will tailor a majority of the degree toward your specific interests and career goals. Regardless of how you design the degree, you will explore:

• Information and its organization
• Leadership and management
• Technology
• Provision of information services

Notables

The University of South Carolina has been called an “up-and-coming” university by U.S. News & World Report. In fact, SC is a flagship university with dozens of national rankings. Many of its individual departments and programs are among some of the best in the nation, especially its graduate library science program.

Overview

Valdosta State University (VSU) is located in Valdosta, Georgia. It is part of the wider University System of Georgia. VSU offers academic programs at all degree levels to its 11,000 students.

Features

Valdosta State offers a hybrid Master of Library and Information Science degree that combines traditional and online learning. This program equally prepares students for work in academic, public, and special libraries. In fact, graduates from Valdosta have gone on to secure careers as:

• Business Librarians
• Library Managers
• Digital Archivists
• Information Services Coordinators

Notables

The Valdosta campus is an active one. Over 200 student-led organizations and events take place at VSU, and include everything from student-led radio to intramural sports. VSU’s Greek life is similarly involved and impressive.

Overview

The University of Southern California (USC) is located in Los Angeles. It is a private, research university with over 40,000 attending students. USC is known for its active research facilities, initiatives, and centers.

Features

USC offers a Master of Management in Library and Information Science degree that can be completed online. Though this is an online program, USC still utilizes a cohort-based model of education. You will partner closely with classmates and faculty, and you can specialize, in:

• Academic Librarianship
• Digital Assets Management
• Information Consultation
• Branch Management

Notables

USC is ranked among the top 25 best colleges and universities in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. On top of its endless academic accolades, USC is also highly respected for its commitment to sustainability and its happy students.

Overview

The University of Pittsburgh is a research university. It is organized into 17 undergraduate and graduate schools, through which Pitt’s 28,000 students are enrolled. The university is one of the largest recipients of federally sponsored research funding in the U.S.

Features

Pitt’s Master of Library and Information Science program can be completed in as few as three terms of full-time study. You can study either on-campus or online. And you can specialize by enrolling in one of three pathways:

• Archives and Information Science
• Data Stewardship
• Library and Information Services

Notables

The University of Pittsburgh is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best schools. It is ranked 68th by U.S. News & World Report. The Center for Measuring Performance has ranked Pitt 9th among all U.S. research universities. The university is also nationally and globally ranked by dozens of other publications and sources.

Overview

The Greensboro campus in the University of North Carolina (UNCG) system is a public liberal arts school. It is home to over 20,000 students and has a reputation for its research activity and community involvement. There are nearly 200 academic degree programs offered by UNCG.

Features

UNCG offers a Library and Information Studies graduate degree through their School of Education. This program focuses on the emerging trends in library and information management. You’ll graduate ready for a career working directly in a library system or as an information specialist in an array of roles. UNCG’s classes include:

• Information Sources and Services
• Information Organization and Access
• Library Administration and Management
• Capstone Experience in Library and Information Studies

Notables

Many of UNCG’s programs are well-ranked and recognized. But the university’s known strengths are in library science, business and economics, and education. And The Princeton Review included UNCG among its “Best Values” list of most affordable schools.

Overview

Emporia State University (ESU) is located in Emporia, Kansas. It is a small school with 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. ESU is organized into four schools and colleges: the School of Library and Information Management, the School of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Teachers College.

Features

The Master of Library Science program at Emporia can be earned on the Kansas campus or on one of the affiliate campuses around the country. Students thus benefit from a cohort experience while gaining management skills in the areas of librarianship, information, and technology. Some of the classes you’ll take as an Emporia student include:

• Organization of Information
• Management and Information Organizations
• Information Technology
• Research in Library and Information Science

Notables

ESU is regionally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. And it is considered among the top public schools in the nation. Finally, Emporia’s Teachers College is one of only four universities nationwide to be recognized as an Exemplary Model Teacher Education program.

Overview

The University of Denver is comprised of 12,000 students. It is a private university and organized into a number of schools, colleges, and research centers, including several professional development programs.

Features

Denver’s MS in Library and Information Science degree takes approximately 18 months to two years to complete. In addition to completing coursework on data management and information science, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a rewarding, hands-on field experience. And you can specialize, in:

• Archives
• Digitalization
• Academic Librarianship
• Information Technology

Notables

The University of Denver is counted among the top 100 best national universities in the country, by U.S. News & World Report. Several of its individual departments are also well-ranked. On top of these academic accolades, the University of Denver’s campus is a designated arboretum.

Overview

Located in Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University (WSU) is a public research university. Comprised of over a dozen schools and colleges, WSU offers 350 academic programs of study. More than 27,000 students attend WSU.

Features

WSU’s Master of Library and Information Science degree emphasizes information access, organization, services, and support. This is an ideal program for students who want to serve both local and global communities. And you can take classes, such as those below, online:

• Introduction to Information Management
• Introduction to Computer Programming
• Access to Information
• Organization of Knowledge

Notables

WSU is ranked among the top 50 best public universities for research funding. Several of the university’s colleges and departments are well-ranked too. Among them are the law school, nursing school, library science department, and more.

Overview

Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma (UO) is a public, research university. UO offers over 300 academic programs to its 30,000 students. And while many of its programs are well-ranked and recognized, UO’s strengths are in library science, energy, Native American studies and languages, and engineering.

Features

UO offers a Master of Library and Information Studies degree that is fully customizable. However you design your degree you can expect coursework and field experience that brings in a global perspective on information technology. Of the many areas of specialization you can enroll in, are:

• Children and Young Adult Services
• Public Librarianship
• Information Technology
• References Services

Notables

UO is ranked first among all public universities for how many National Merit Scholars attend. Likewise, UO It is ranked among the top ten producers of Rhodes Scholars. And it is ranked among the top 100 best national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

Located in Iowa City, the University of Iowa (UI) is one of the largest schools in the state. It is comprised of 11 colleges, more than 200 academic programs, and over 33,00 students. UI is known for its programs in health care, law, information science, and the fine arts.

Features

The University of Iowa offers a MA in Library and Information Science degree that emphasizes technological concerns in librarianship. This is a full two-year program in which students take classes on information policy, information and communication technology, and management. You can also specialize in:

• School Media
• Public Digital Humanities
• Informatics
• Book Studies

Notables

UI’s campus is home to several renowned research centers, such as the Public Policy Center. The university is also nationally and globally ranked by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, and more.