Online Master of Library and Information Science
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS / MLS) is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to organize, manage, and provide access to information in libraries, archives, and information organizations.
A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS, also awarded as MLS or MSLS at some institutions) is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to manage, organize, and provide access to information in libraries, archives, digital collections, and information organizations of many kinds. The American Library Association (ALA) accredits MLIS programs through its Committee on Accreditation; ALA accreditation is widely regarded as the standard credential for professional librarian positions, and many library employer job postings specify it. Library and information science is one of the fields where online delivery is especially well established — a substantial portion of ALA-accredited programs offer fully online completion, and many have done so for well over a decade. Some programs include a practicum, internship, or capstone project that may require local arrangements. The degree leads to a broad range of roles across public, academic, school, and special libraries, as well as in digital archives, records management, and information consulting.
What you typically study
An online Master of Library and Information Science usually builds on a foundation in library and information science and then lets you specialize. Exact courses differ by university, but programs in this field commonly include coursework such as:
Many programs finish with a capstone project, thesis, comprehensive exam, or applied experience. Course lists, credit requirements, and any in-person components vary by school, so always check the official curriculum before applying.
How online study works
Online master's programs are typically delivered through a learning management system, with a mix of recorded lectures, live online sessions, readings, discussion boards, and assignments. Some run on a set weekly schedule (synchronous), while others let you work on your own time (asynchronous); many combine both.
- Pace: full-time or part-time, with part-time options that suit working students.
- In-person components: some fields (for example nursing, counseling, social work, or lab sciences) include practicum, clinical hours, or short on-campus residencies even when the degree is mostly online.
- Accreditation: an accredited online degree is generally regarded the same as its on-campus equivalent. Confirm a school's accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education accreditation database before enrolling.
Where graduates may work
A master's in library and information science can support a range of roles. Career paths depend on your background, experience, licensure where required, and the job market — a degree alone does not guarantee any particular job or salary. Some roles graduates in this field may pursue include:
- Librarian
- Archivist
- Information specialist
- School librarian (with credentials)
- Digital collections manager
- Knowledge management specialist
Some careers require additional licensure, certification, or supervised experience beyond the degree. For neutral, government-published information on what different occupations involve and their typical entry requirements, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career outcomes vary by individual and are not guaranteed.
General admission notes
Admission requirements differ by university, but online master's programs in most fields commonly ask for some combination of the following. Check each program's official requirements, as these are general patterns, not rules:
- A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts (some programs set a minimum GPA)
- A statement of purpose or personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- A current résumé (especially for professional programs)
- Standardized tests (GRE/GMAT) where required — many programs are now test-optional
- Relevant prerequisites, licensure, or work experience for certain fields
For neutral facts on cost and how to research a program, the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard lets you compare schools, and NCES publishes independent education statistics.
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Get matched with online programs →Frequently asked questions
What is an online Master of Library and Information Science?
An online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS / MLS) is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to organize, manage, and provide access to information in libraries, archives, and information organizations. It covers the field of library and information science at an advanced level and is delivered largely or fully online.
Is an online master's degree respected by employers?
An online degree from an accredited university is generally regarded the same as an on-campus degree, and many schools do not distinguish the two on the diploma. The most important factor is that the school is properly accredited — you can verify this through the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation database.
How long does an online Master of Library and Information Science take?
Most online master's programs take roughly one to three years depending on whether you study full-time or part-time and the credit requirements, which vary by program. Always confirm the expected length with each school.
Are these programs fully online?
Many are, but some fields include a practicum, clinical hours, or short in-person residencies even when most coursework is online. Check the format with each program before applying.
How do I find the right program?
Start by comparing accredited programs on their curriculum, format, and requirements. You can use our free matching form to get connected with options that fit your goals, or research schools independently through the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
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