Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Home  >  
Library Science

A Leader in the Study of Library and Information Science

Open a world of opportunities with this convenient ALA accredited Master of Science in library and information science online program.

PennWest Clarion was the first in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to offer a master’s degree in the field of Library and Information Science. Now PennWest is offering the same expertise in a 100% online format. With the online Master of Science in Library and Information science, you can earn the degree you want on your terms and in your timeframe.

Earn your M.S.L.S. and you’ll be ready to jump into the ever-expanding world of information collection and management. Learn how current and emerging information technologies are used in libraries, and how to become an effective library manager and administrator. Create your own set of courses or enroll in a concentration: school librarianship, reference and user services, or local and archival studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a capstone internship that will further enhance your experience.

View courses

Online, On Your Schedule

These days, flexibility is key to success. PennWest’s Global Online programs allow you to carve time out of your busy schedule to continue your education or get the degree you’ve always wanted.

Fully Accredited

All of PennWest’s online Master of Library Sciences programs and concentrations are fully accredited by the American Library Association. This program meets the requirements for Pennsylvania’s professional development Act 48 credits.

Top-Notch Faculty

Learn from faculty with diverse professional backgrounds and research experience. They will help prepare you for a range of emerging careers in libraries and all types of information agencies.

Fast Facts

1st

PennWest Clarion’s Library Science programs are ranked the best in the nation by Study.com based on the array of programs, the success of students, online formats and the way the coursework prepares students for employment.

Credits:

36

Format:

100% online

Contact:

Graduate Admissions
gradadmissions@pennwest.edu
724-938-4187

Start Terms:

August, October, December, March, June, July

Concentrations

Local and Archival Studies
Reference and User Services
School Librarianship

Careers and Salaries

Job opportunities for library and information science graduates reach outside of schools and can be found in a number of different industries including technology, finance, healthcare and government institutions. As digital libraries and technology-focused methods for storing library materials increases, so does the demand for library and information science skills. The job outlook in the United States is expected to grow 7% in the next decade.

The average salary for those with a master's in library sciences is $84,000 per year with potential for growth over time. Here are just a few career options available to graduates:

  • Digital Archivist
  • Associate Editor
  • Government Records Analyst
  • Library Systems and Applications Developer
  • Competitive Intelligence Analyst
  • Information Architect
  • Librarian
  • School Librarian

Graduate Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the information profession by relating foundational principles, philosophy, and ethics to contemporary issues, by identifying key, on-going interdisciplinary developments in the field, and by analyzing current practices for future implications of the profession.
  2. Create, select, acquire, manage, and maintain the information environment by analyzing how users seek out information.
  3. Demonstrate and be able to explain the principles of organizing recorded information by exploring both past and present theories of organizing and representing recorded information and by understanding and applying the standards of organizing recorded information in libraries and information centers.
  4. Identify, explain, use and critically evaluate both current and emerging information technologies in libraries and information centers.
  5. Provide information services to a diverse community by analyzing, synthesizing, and disseminating traditional and emerging information resources, by developing communication and interpersonal skills for determining the information needs of all users, by creatively utilizing techniques and tools to address information needs, and by advocating for underserved audiences.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of research by identifying the fundamental characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research and by analyzing the value of research literature in the library and information field.
  7. Develop a commitment to continuing education by participating in local, regional, and national professional development opportunities.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of the information profession by relating foundational principles, philosophy, and ethics to contemporary issues, by identifying key, on-going interdisciplinary developments in the field, and by analyzing current practices for future implications of the profession.
  9. Create, select, acquire, manage, and maintain the information environment by analyzing how users seek out information.
  10. Demonstrate and be able to explain the principles of organizing recorded information by exploring both past and present theories of organizing and representing recorded information and by understanding and applying the standards of organizing recorded information in libraries and information centers.
  11. Identify, explain, use and critically evaluate both current and emerging information technologies in libraries and information centers.
  12. Provide information services to a diverse community by analyzing, synthesizing, and disseminating traditional and emerging information resources, by developing communication and interpersonal skills for determining the information needs of all users, by creatively utilizing techniques and tools to address information needs, and by advocating for underserved audiences.
  13. Demonstrate an understanding of research by identifying the fundamental characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research and by analyzing the value of research literature in the library and information field.
  14. Develop a commitment to continuing education by participating in local, regional, and national professional development opportunities.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Resume

Conditional Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be reviewed for a decision
  • Resume

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

Flexible. Affordable.
Designed to Meet Your needs.
Request Info
Apply Now