Florida State University
Florida State University finishes first because it has a top Masters in Library Science and affordable tuition. Its program is actually an MS in Information with a concentration in Library Science. Students study diverse subjects ranging from youth outreach to information architecture.
School Overview
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina is one of the top public universities in the South, so it’s no surprise that it finishes so highly on our list. It offers a leading Masters in Library Science. Students will be prepared to work in libraries or information centers upon graduation.
School Overview
Queens College (City University of New York)
Queens College, which is part of the City University of New York system, offers the leading Masters in Library Science in New York. Irs program is technically a Master’s in Library and Information Science. There are concentrations available in the following areas: Library Services for Children and Young Adults, Library Media Specialists, Archives and Preservation of Cultural Materials, Public Academic Librarianship.
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Emporia State University
Emporia State University in Kansas offers the state’s highest-ranked graduate library science program. Its Master’s in Library Science can be taken on the main campus or on one of several affiliate campuses. This program provides students with a broad education in the field.
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University of North Carolina – Greensboro
The University of North Carolina – Greensboro may finish behind the flagship UNC campus on our list, but it still has an excellent graduate library science program. Its Library and Information Studies degree is offered through the College of Education. This cutting-edge program focuses on the current trends in the field.
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University of Iowa
The University of Iowa offers one of the top graduate library science programs in the Midwest. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science emphasizes offers several areas of specialization and joint degrees in our residential and hybrid distance programs including School Media Certification, Special Collections Librarianship, Book Studies, Law Librarianship, Public Digital Humanities, and Informatics. The 36 semester hour degree may be completed in two years of full-time study.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin boasts a top-notch library science graduate program on its main campus in Madison. It offers an online Master’s in Library and Information Science. This program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
School Overview
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is one of the top public universities in the country, and its graduate library science program certainly contributes to this reputation. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science offers specializations in Archives and Digital Curation or School Library Science. Students can also create their own concentration.
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University of Texas
The University of Texas offers a unique and innovative Master’s in Information Studies that incorporates library science and is accredited by the ALA. This program emphasizes the curation and management of information. Of course, there are also courses in traditional librarianship.
School Overview
University of Washington
The University of Washington has the top graduate library science program in the Pacific Northwest. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science can be completed on-campus or online. Students can even specialize in Law Library Science.
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University at Buffalo (State University of New York)
The University at Buffalo is a member of the State University of New York system. It offers a leading Master’s in Library Science. There are also dual-degree programs in Music History or Law.
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Indiana University
Indiana University is well-known for offering top information science programs, so it comes as no surprise that its graduate library science program makes our list. Its Master’s in Library Science is focused on preparing students to work in archival roles. There are many specializations within the program, including Rare Books and Manuscripts, Art Librarianship, and Music Librarianship.
School Overview
University at Albany (State University of New York)
The University at Albany is another New York-based school with a top library science program. Its Master’s in Library Science offers a concentration in Library Media Specialist. Students are required to complete a field experience or an internship before they graduate.
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Rutgers University
Rutgers University offers the top graduate library science program in New Jersey. Its Master’s in Information is grounded in library science but includes information science. Students will also learn archival skills.
School Overview
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers one of the top graduate library science programs in the South. Its Master’s in Library and Information Studies is offered through a blend of online and on-campus classes. This program requires students to complete 36 hours of coursework before graduating.
School Overview
University of California – Los Angeles
The University of California – Los Angeles, better known as UCLA, offers the top graduate library science program in the city. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science offers five specializations: Media Archival Studies, Library Studies, Informatics, Rare Books / Print and Visual Culture, or Archival Studies. Students can complete an optional internship.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee has one of the top graduate library science programs in the state. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science is structured to ensure that students graduate with plenty of practical experience. Students are required to complete a thesis and fieldwork along with their coursework.
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Kent State University
Kent State University boasts the leading graduate library science program in Ohio. Its Master’s in Library Science blends information science and librarianship. Students can concentrate in many different areas, including Digital Preservation, Youth Studies, and Public Librarianship.
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University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma offers the top graduate library science program in the region. Its Master’s in Library and Information Studies is very customizable to allow students to pursue their interests. All students are required to complete fieldwork to gain practical experience.
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University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina has the state’s top graduate library science program. South Carolina’s Master’s in Library and Information Science can be completed on-campus or online. Students can largely choose their own courses of study within the program.
School Overview
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is yet another Southern public university with a top graduate library science program. Its Master’s in Library Science can be earned over the Internet. Students can concentrate in many areas, including Health Information, Youth Services and Literature, and Academic Libraries.
School Overview
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is one of the top public universities in the country, and it has a leading graduate library science program. Its Master’s in Information offers a specialization in Library Science. This program takes two years of full-time attendance to complete.
School Overview
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a unique and innovative graduate library science program. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science can be heavily customized to fit each student’s interests. This program is available on campus and online.
School Overview
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Master of Arts in Library and Information Science is the only American Library Association accredited program in Arizona. Our program focuses on information organization, digital information, health sciences, law, and culture.
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Wayne State University
Wayne State University has one of the top graduate library science programs in Michigan. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science can be completed through a blend of online and on-campus classes. This degree provides students with a well-rounded education in the field.
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University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh offers the finest graduate library science program in Pennsylvania. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science can be completed online or on-campus. This degree takes only three terms of full-time study to complete.
School Overview
Long Island University
Long Island University offers one of the top graduate library science programs in New York. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science offers a specialization in School Library Media. Students can also earn a dual master’s in cooperation with New York University.
School Overview
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is one of the most prestigious universities on this list, though its ranking is hurt a little by its pricey tuition. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science has a flexible curriculum that offers students the opportunity to customize their studies. There are several core classes that all students have to take.
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University of Denver
The University of Denver offers the leading graduate library science program in Colorado. Its Master’s in Library and Information Science can be completed in as few as 18 months. All students are required to complete a field experience before graduation.
School Overview
Drexel University
Drexel University is another prestigious private school with a top graduate library science program, Its Master’s in Library and Information Science offers specializations in Digital Technology Services, Information and Data Services, and User and Community Services. Students participate in Drexel’s co-op program, which provides them with paid employment in the field of their studies.
School Overview
Our Ranking Methodology
We use a simple formula to come up with a rating for each school. We then rank the schools from the lowest rating to the highest rating, as low ratings are actually good with our formula. Our formula uses two statistics from each school: yearly tuition rate and graduation rate. Public universities often charge non-resident students a higher rate than resident students; we only considered the resident tuition rate in this circumstance. Our formula works by taking each school’s yearly tuition rate and adding a multiple that is equal to the percentage of enrolled students who did not end up graduating. Example: College #1 has a yearly tuition rate of $40,000 and a graduation rate of 80%. Its rating would be 48,000 (40,000 x 120%).
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