We equip library and information professionals with the skills needed to help diverse communities access, understand and use information resources.
Earn a Distinguished MSLIS Online2
Libraries play a pivotal role in our communities—providing a range of services that promote equity and literacy, and a safe space for learning and inspiration. Throughout your career in this field, you’ll help people, solve problems and promote the power of information.
At Syracuse University’s iSchool, you’ll gain the skills you need to take on this challenge. You’ll learn to promote equal access to technology, foster digital literacy and help underserved populations. You’ll prepare to become a leader in your organization. And you’ll change how people and organizations use libraries and information resources for the better.
#6
Best Library and Information Studies Program3
#3
in School Library Media3
#4
in Digital Librarianship3
#5
in Information Systems3
36 Credit Hours
Complete in as Few as 18 Months
Designed to prepare you to be an effective library and information science leader, the online MSLIS curriculum gives you two options for customizing your education and gaining specialized skills:
Graduates of the ALA-accredited online M.S. in Library and Information Science program at Syracuse University are thriving in a wide range of library science careers across the country.
2024 Career Outcomes4
Time to Employment (2024 Graduates)
2024 Job Titles Include:
Emerging Technologies Librarian, Library Manager, Teen Librarian, Adjunct Librarian, Archives Assistant, Open Education Librarian
2024 Employers Include:
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Cornell University, Syracuse University, Northwestern University, Texas A&M University School of Law
Whether you’ve always wanted to work in a library or are exploring other industries, our curriculum can help you achieve your goals. Visit our resource page to learn what you can do with a library science degree.
You’ll also have access to our Virtual Career Center and personalized career coaching. Visit our career services page to learn more.
If you’re passionate about working with school-age children, the iSchool offers an MSLIS: School Media program. Through this specialized curriculum, you’ll learn to teach digital and traditional literacy at the K-12 level by mastering a range of multimedia platforms and tools to help students succeed.
Earn your MSLIS online in as few as 18 months and make a difference in your community or organization.
No matter where you live, you’ll have the support of our community of expert faculty, passionate students and hardworking alumni that include academic librarians, data scientists, archivists and school media specialists.
This dedicated community support comes in the form of one-on-one sessions with professors, internship opportunities that give you hands-on work in the field and access to networking events with connections to our worldwide iSchool alumni network.
“Before I applied for the Syracuse LIS program, I had reached my ceiling at my job with the level of education I previously had. But even before I’ve graduated, I have been able to leverage my experience and the new insight I learned through the program into a professional librarian position.”
Nick Abrahamson,
MSLIS Program, Class of 2019, Research Librarian,
Henderson County Public Library
Visit our student and alumni page to read more stories about our Orange community.
You can choose from four cohort start dates.
Apply now by submitting your resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendations and a personal statement about why you want to pursue your MSLIS at Syracuse University. No GRE scores are required to apply. Review our application requirements and connect with our enrollment team to learn more.
Earn your master’s degree in library science online from Syracuse University.
Yes. Syracuse University offers a 100% online Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) designed for students who need the flexibility to study from their own communities. While the delivery is digital, the curriculum and graduation requirements are identical to the on-campus program, requiring the same level of self-discipline and academic rigor.
Absolutely. The program has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1928. This accreditation is the industry standard and ensures your degree will be recognized by professional institutions and licensing boards nationwide.
While both degrees prepare you for librarianship, the “I” in Syracuse’s MLIS signifies a deeper focus on the intersection of information science and technology. Our curriculum places a heavier emphasis on data-driven skills like digital asset management, UX research, and information systems alongside traditional library values.
We look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0. Your application must include:
– A current resume and personal statement
– Two letters of recommendation
– A US $75 application fee
– Note: The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Read the full list of requirements on the Admissions page.
Most students complete the 36-credit program in 1.5 to 2 years. For those looking to enter the workforce faster, an accelerated path is available that allows you to graduate in as little as 18 months.
The current cost per credit is US $2,015. The total tuition is US$42,315, the Fees are US $1,410, and the Total (Excluding Living Expenses) is US $43,725. For the most updated costs, visit the Tuition page.
Yes. Beyond standard federal financial aid, we encourage students to explore Graduate Assistantships (GAs) or employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement, which is common in many large public and academic library systems.
If you want to work as a professional librarian or archivist, this degree is typically a mandatory requirement for employment. While the financial investment is significant, Syracuse provides specialized skills in high-growth areas like data management that can lead to higher-paying roles outside of traditional libraries.
While accreditation is the most important factor, a degree from a top-tier research university like Syracuse provides a distinct advantage through faculty networking and specialized career tracks. Our reputation is particularly strong for those pursuing the School Media track.
Syracuse is nationally recognized for its School Media track, which leads to certification for K-12 librarians. We also offer specialized paths in:
– Digital Curation
– Academic Librarianship
– Information Management
It is essential. The field is highly competitive, and employers often value professional experience as much as the degree itself. We strongly encourage students to seek paid or volunteer roles in libraries during their studies to apply the theoretical knowledge they gain in class.
The degree prepares you for traditional roles as librarians or archivists and modern tech roles like digital asset managers and user experience researchers. Graduates find success across various sectors including public libraries, universities, corporate legal departments and government agencies.
Yes. While the field is evolving, job growth for librarians is expected to grow 2% between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS. The demand is shifting toward professionals who can manage digital information, community education, and technological adaptation.
No. Instead, AI is being used as a tool to automate routine tasks, allowing librarians to focus on high-level strategy and ethical information implementation. A Syracuse education focuses on helping you navigate these technological shifts rather than being replaced by them.
