MLS Degree 2025
Online MLS programs offer a range of specializations or concentrations. Queens College has an ALA-accredited program with a choice of concentrations including archives, art librarianship, information services, library management, and youth studies. This 36-credit program includes an internship.
St. John’s University offers an MLS with concentrations in law librarianship, music librarianship, archival studies, information organization, management for information professionals, and public or school library media. This program requires 36 credits and can be completed in four semesters.
Free Master of Library & Information Science Practice Test Online
Master of Library and Information Science
The Master of Library and Information Science is a graduate degree in library and information science that prepares students to work with the world’s recorded knowledge. It borrows tools from versatile domains such as management, education, and technology, to develop expertise in collecting, organizing, storing, and retrieving this information. Graduates are ready to lead the development of new services and technologies that improve access for information users.
ALA accredited MLS programs are the best choice for those interested in becoming a professional librarian. These programs offer a variety of specializations, including academic librarianship, archives and records management, library and information technology, law libraries, school media librarianship, public libraries, and special libraries.
Some ALA accredited schools also offer an MLS program that is fully online, allowing students to complete the degree on their own schedule. This option is especially convenient for military veterans or active duty service members, who can earn their degree while still working full-time and advancing their careers. These programs have the same curriculum and graduation requirements as their on-campus counterparts, but can be completed in a shorter period of time.
MLS Program
MLS is a master’s degree program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of libraries. The curriculum combines both theoretical and practical components and may include a practicum, an internship, or a research project. Many programs offer both online and on-campus options. Students can also customize their studies with a specialization or concentration.
KU’s fully accredited MLS program can be completed in three consecutive terms of full-time study, or up to four years (twelve semesters) of part-time study. The program is designed to equip graduates with the theories, knowledge, skills, ethical foundations, and social responsibilities of library and information science professions.
MLS students often come from a variety of academic backgrounds, and the varying degrees of professional experience that they bring to their classes allow for diverse conversations and learning opportunities. Many MLS students have found careers in fields other than libraries, including law enforcement, government, healthcare, and business. Many professionals have sought an MLS degree to expand their understanding of laws and regulations, especially in highly regulated industries like healthcare or pharmaceuticals.
MLS Degree Online
The MLS degree is a good option for professionals who want to improve their career opportunities. It offers a more comprehensive education than a bachelor’s degree in the field of library science, and it allows students to choose from a wide variety of concentrations. This program also teaches students to analyze data and use information technology to improve their work.
A MLS degree may be useful for professionals in non-library jobs who regularly interact with legal matters at their workplace. This includes human resources managers, who must have a firm grasp of business operations and how laws and regulations affect the company’s employees. It may also be useful for consultants who work with health care facilities, as they will need to know how to communicate with the medical staff and understand the regulations that impact their work.
An MLS degree can be completed in five semesters. Some programs have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state residents. Some schools offer specializations, including public librarianship and school media specialist. Students enrolled in another graduate degree program at the university may enroll as a non-matriculated student for three hours of MLS courses with approval from the Dean or his/her designee.
MLT to MLS Program
The mlt to mls program is a great option for medical lab technicians who want to get their bachelor’s degree. The program is based on real-world clinical applications, and it helps students develop skills in the areas of patient safety, quality improvement, and communication. The program is also flexible, and it allows students to work around their schedules and family obligations.
The MLIS, or Master of Library and Information Science, is an ALA-accredited graduate degree that prepares professionals to serve in a variety of public roles within libraries and other information centers. Today, many institutions offer MLIS programs that are more modern than MLS.
The online MLS program at Indiana University has concentrations in Archival Studies; Art Librarianship; Digital Curation; Children’s and Young Adult Services; Music Librarianship, and Reference and Information Services. It requires 36 credits and tuition of $451-1,434/credit hour. Students may also choose to complete a thesis as their final project. Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and the GRE or MAT exam for applicants with lower GPAs.
MLS Degree Salary
A Master of Library and Information Science (MLS) is a graduate degree that prepares students to work in a variety of careers. Students with an MLS can choose from a wide range of specializations and concentrations to focus on their specific area of interest. MLS programs are accredited by the American Library Association and may offer on-campus or online degrees.
Professionals with a library science degree are found in many industries, including education, social work and business. They can also find employment as librarians, metadata specialists, and information architects. The average annual salary for a librarian with an MLS is $49,730.
Individuals who work with the government at any level, such as a contracting company or an accounting firm, can benefit from the knowledge of laws and regulations that an MLS provides. The knowledge of legal matters can help a business avoid fines or other penalties for violations of federal and state law. Compliance officersExternal link: open_in_new are another group of professionals that can benefit from an MLS. These individuals ensure that a company or organization stays in compliance with laws and regulations, which can change rapidly.
MLS Degree Jobs
There are a wide variety of jobs that can be pursued with a master’s in library and information science. These include roles that deal with business, law and government. Some MLS students are looking for careers as librarians, who help law clerks, lawyers and judges access research materials and books. Those who want to work in the public sector can also pursue careers as administrators of libraries.
Other MLS degree jobs focus on protecting vulnerable people and communities. These positions typically involve working closely with law enforcement and other agencies that enforce laws. Those who wish to become social workers or protective service officer program managers should pursue an MLS degree, as this will help them understand the laws and regulations they must abide by.
Other MLS degree jobs are in highly regulated industries, like healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Those who pursue these positions should seek out an MLS program that allows them to learn and study without having to relocate or stop working. Online MLS programs are often available, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who want to continue working while pursuing their degree.
Rutgers Master of Library and Information Science
Rutgers university is one of the best schools for library science in the nation. It is known for its flexible coursework that is available online and on campus. The school’s master of library and information science program requires 36 credit hours. It is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in information organizations. Many of the courses are offered as a cohort, which gives students a chance to interact with other students and professors. The school’s faculty is also supportive of students in the program.
The MLS degree at the University of Wisconsin is another great option for library science professionals. This ALA accredited program requires 36 credits, and students can choose from five career concentrations. Students can complete the course in two years if they attend full-time. The school is ranked #7 in the country by U.S. News and World Report for Best Library and Information Studies Programs.
SUNY Albany is another excellent library science school with a good reputation. It is a very affordable school with an online MLIS program that is very flexible. The school’s curriculum includes both required courses and electives, and the students are encouraged to work on projects that address real-world problems in their fields. The school also offers internship programs for its students.
ALA Accredited MLS Degree
An ALA accredited MLS degree is the highest standard for library science degrees. It is achieved through a rigorous evaluation process by an external panel of academics and librarians. This process looks at the goals of the program, the teachers and students, and the physical and financial resources to make sure they meet the ALA’s standards for master’s programs in library studies.
Graduates of ALA accredited MLS programs are eligible for many careers, both inside and outside of libraries. They are particularly sought after in areas such as archivists, where their skills are needed to preserve valuable documents. Other jobs that are well suited for a MLS degree include business researchers, who collect data and analyze market trends to help businesses succeed.
Online MLS degrees from reputable schools like the University of Mississippi are available for those with an appropriate bachelor’s degree and competitive GRE scores. This 36-credit program offers concentrations in archives and records management, music librarianship, law librarianship, information organization and management, or public or school librarianship, with tuition ranging from $257-892 per credit hour.
MLS Questions and Answers
What is an MLS degree?
MLS is an abbreviation for Master of Library Science. This is a graduate professional degree that prepares students for professions in library and information science. The MLS program emphasizes the development of skills in organizing and managing information resources, offering research and reference services, cataloging and categorizing materials, digital librarianship, information technology, and library administration. MLS graduates typically work as librarians, information specialists, archivists, or in a variety of other positions within libraries, research institutions, universities, government agencies, or commercial businesses.
What can you do with a MLS degree?
Many job opportunities in the field of library and information science are open to those with a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree. Graduates can work as librarians at university, public, or special libraries, maintaining collections and assisting with research. They can also specialize as archivists, digital librarians, or information experts, concentrating on things like database management, knowledge organization, or digital resource curation. Those with an MLS degree can work as metadata librarians, research analysts, library administrators, IT specialists, library consultants, or library educators. The particular career alternatives depend on personal preferences, areas of expertise, and the demands of the labor market.
What is a master of library science degree?
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Library and Information Studies (MLS) is the master’s degree required for the majority of professional librarian professions in the United States.
What jobs can you get with an MLS degree?
With a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree, you can pursue a number of careers in library and information science. Common job choices for librarians include working in public, academic, or special libraries, assisting with research, maintaining collections, and developing library activities. Information specialist, archivist, digital librarian, metadata librarian, research analyst, library administrator, information technology specialist, knowledge manager, and library consultant are further positions. Individual preferences, specialization, and the needs of the labor market determine the specific work opportunities available.
Is a MLS degree worth it?
Library science graduates excel in teaching, where the average yearly pay is $62,550. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025). Library science is about serving the community, like teaching. Library science students must collect, filter, exchange, and preserve reliable information as well as satisfy their curiosity and hunger for knowledge. They must be careful observers, researchers, and fact-checkers. Since sorting through data takes time, their occupations also require patience. It may also need employees to act swiftly, especially in fast-paced businesses like hospitals or legal companies where accurate data is life-threatening. In the digital era, librarians’ duties are shifting. In “Information Dissemination in an Era of a Pandemic (COVID-19): Librarians’ Role,” Okike (2020) states, “Librarians may be indispensable in the era of information dissemination because they play a distinctive and dynamic role in providing easy access to authoritative information at the right time and disseminating to the user in appropriate formats based on local user needs.” Okike’s library work Hi-Tech News adds, “Librarians should function as catalysts for the effective spread of information to encourage true knowledge.” Libraries should collaborate with health agencies and communication groups to provide collections, referrals, shared information, and learning for users and a new generation of librarians. if this work environment and its problems don’t bother you, a library science degree is worth it.
What does MLS degree stand for?
MLS stands for Master of Library Science.
What is ALA accredited MLS degree?
A Master of Library Science degree program that has been approved by the American Library Association is known as having an MLS degree with the ALA seal (ALA). In the US, library and information science programs are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), a professional organization. The MLS program has achieved ALA accreditation when it satisfies the organization’s standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and educational quality. It guarantees that students who complete the program have gotten a thorough and respectable education in library and information science.
How to write master of library and information science?
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).