Arizona Library Science Degrees

School	Program	More Info
Syracuse University	Online MS in Library and Information Science ALA-accredited. Multiple professional pathways or specializations available. No GRE required to apply. Complete in as little as 18 months.	Website

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There is one school with ALA-accredited library science programs in Arizona: The University of Arizona is the exclusive school in Arizona with a Master's degree accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). This can satisfy state licensure for school and public librarian positions.

The University of Arizona offers library science (and related) degrees at all degree levels: Bachelor in Library Science, Master of Library Science, PhD in Library Science, a Dual Degree, and a Graduate Certificate. All library science programs are offered on campus and the UA MA in Library and Information Science as well as multiple library and information graduate certificates are also offered online.

Northern Arizona University has a number of related teaching educational programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), such as elementary reading.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Arizona?

Yes, there are multiple online library science programs at the University of Arizona. Students pursuing a Master's degree at the University of Arizona have the capability to take courses online. This format is identical to the on-campus version distributed in Tucson. Students have capability to pursue their studies in full-time or part-time enrollment.

Admission to the University of Arizona MLIS program requires sending in unofficial transcripts showing all higher education that has been completed so far. An updated resume should detail all professional and volunteer work that has been completed. Between 750 to 1,000 words are needed in a personal statement that explores skills already earned in the field. The University of Arizona utilizes the Desire2Learn learning management system.

List of the best campus-based and online CAEP, AASL, or ALA-Accredited library science degree programs in Arizona

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

In Depth Review of Arizona's Online Library Science Degree Programs, Updated for 2023

University of Arizona's Master of Arts in Library and Information Science

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Library Science degree. Students have the ability to complete this program on-campus or conveniently online. The MA in Library Science has concentration in Academic Librarianship, Archival Studies, Public Librarianship, and Special Librarianship, to name a few. You can see the full list here.

37 total credit hours are needed to complete curriculum requirements. While the program is often completed in two years, students have up to six years to fulfill what is needed to receive the degree. Core topics include foundational discipline skills, information organization, and research methods.

Up to six credit hours are reserved for free electives to further customize the program. The curriculum concludes with a capstone internship project and completion of an e-portfolio. Concentrations may be offered as graduate certifications as an alternate to taking the full Master's degree program.

Other online library science programs at the University of Arizona

UA Online has a couple Bachelors degrees related to library science that are offered online, as well as multiple graduate certificates. Here is a list of their programs related to library science:

• Archival Studies Graduate Certificate
• Digital Curation Graduate Certificate
• Instruction & Teaching for Librarians & Information Professionals
• Bachelor of Arts in Information Science and eSociety

University of Arizona campus based options

The University of Arizona has multiple options to study library science at their Tuscon campus through the School of Information (website). Several options include:

• Bachelor's degrees: Information Science, Information Science & Arts
• Accelerated transitional programs for those that qualify
• Masters degrees in Library Science: Information Science, Library & Information Science, Data Science
• PhD in Library Science

What to know about library science education in Arizona

ALA accreditation in Arizona

ALA accreditation is given to colleges that provide outstanding resources for students to succeed during their studies. Faculty members are experienced and dedicated to the improvement in library services. Education must be continually reviewed and adapted to ongoing innovations in the field. The University of Arizona is the only university in the state with ALA accredited programs.

Many states require the ALA or graduate-level program with accreditation for an educational license. The state of Arizona is not one of them, but at least a high school diploma and specific amount of professional experience is needed. Pursuing an accredited program is still recommended for an increase in job opportunities and better chances to gain employment.

Top cities in Arizona for library science

Tucson, which is the home of the University of Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona with over 540,000 residents. Phoenix is nearby and is the largest location with nearly triple that figure with 1.6 million people.

Both of these areas provide an abundance of librarian positions, whether managing collections or working in a specialty setting, not to mention companies that will allow you to work from home and live in Arizona.

Arizona Career Options in Library Media

Over 1,800 people in library and media services are recognized in Arizona through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (reviewed in 2023, using 2021 data, the latest from the BLS).

This is on par or higher with many nearby states, including Utah and Colorado, and per-capita comparisons. Nearby, there are over 8,000 library media professionals recognized in the state of California but there is an obvious disparity in population.

Library science programs prepare individuals for various roles in a library setting. Public librarians can help members with services they offer and take part in book clubs or summer reading initiatives. School librarians take things a step further in teaching students to use library materials at various age groups.

School Licensure in Arizona

To receive a teaching license in the state of Arizona, individuals must have at least a high school diploma and some professional experience. At least 2,000 hours of library work and 162 contact hours must be documented over a five-year period. Competency is required in foundational content, communication, and technology.

The Arizona Department of Education handles school librarian certification. For school librarian licensure, a teaching license must be held along with at least one year of professional teaching experience. A minimum score of 220 is needed on the School Library Media Specialist exam, a computer-based test with 150 multiple-choice questions through the National Evaluation Series.

Arizona Library Association

Founded in 1926, the Arizona Library Association (AZLA) has a commitment to improving collections, services, and technology within librarianship. They hold annual conference events for professionals to meet together for discussion on recent innovation and how to improve the community. The headquarters are based in Flagstaff.

The AZLA can also assist in providing networking opportunities for individuals. Job listings feature opportunities in a public library system or in academia. Other universities to consider outside of the University of Arizona include Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.

Salary Estimates in Arizona

The annual mean wage for librarians across the state is around $53,280 based on the latest 2021 estimates from BLS, reviewed in 2023. This jumps to around $78,000 for earners in the top 10 percent of librarian employment. For the most part, these roles are for individuals in a director or specialist role within their employment.

Wages are generally even when looking at specific locations in Arizona. For example, the Phoenix and Flagstaff metropolitan areas are slightly higher than the statewide average at around $50,000 annually.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library of Science degree holders in Arizona have been

• Librarian (Information Services) for Yuma County, AZ – Salary ranges from $20.59 to $32.54 an hour based on education and experience
• Library Aide for CoreCivic – salary listed as competitive wages
• Library Consultant for State of Arizona – Salary ranges from $48,000 to $58,000 per year
• Library Technician for Arizona Christian University
• Librarian for Maricopa Community Colleges – Salary ranges from $44,897 to $86,519 per year
• Elementary Librarian for Gilbert Public Schools
• Supervisory Librarian for the City of Apache Junction
• Principal Technical Librarian for Raytheon Technologies
• Branch Librarian (San Luis) for Yuma County, AZ
• Library Technician (Senior) for BTS Software Solutions
• Library District Director for Navajo County – Salary ranges from $64,648 to $80,810 per year