Florida 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
University of West Alabama	Online Master of Education in Library Media Topics include management, reference services, information services and retrieval, reference services and more. 100% online.	Website
University of West Florida	Master of Education degrees CAEP Accredited. Programs in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education. Gives classroom teachers a specialized education for their student age group and career goals.	Website

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The state of Florida has a total of three Master's degrees in library science available at various campus locations. With over 40,000 students enrolled at each institution, Florida State University (FSU) and the University of South Florida (USF) are the largest schools with an opportunity. There are 2 ALA accredited universities in Florida (FSU and USF).

Are There Online Library Science Degrees at Florida Universities?

Yes, there are multiple online library science degree programs in Florida. All three of the ALA accredited programs in Florida have online access for scheduling flexibility. USF and Florida State both provide 100 percent online programs in library science and are Masters programs accredited by the ALA. Online library science education in Florida is limited to graduate education, and doctorates require an on-campus experience with its rigorous curriculum.

When reviewing online programs, it is important to consider schools with regional or organizational accreditation. This designation is necessary when looking at job opportunities requiring state licensure.

Finding accredited Florida Library Science Degrees

The American Library Association (ALA) is one of the most recognized organizations and highlights two of the schools in Florida. Tampa is home to USF and one of the more popular locations for librarians in Florida. The largest metropolitan area featuring employment is in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Nova Southeastern University is a smaller, private institution that is based in Fort Lauderdale.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) offers accreditation for approximately half of the states in the country. They recognize multiple programs offered through Nova Southeastern University. This includes the Master of Science in Education and Educational Leadership.

What to know about studying online

Online options are also available through Nova Southeastern University. Students should review the program they are interested in to determine if they can pursue the entire program online or if a hybrid version is available. They should also consider technical requirements to succeed in their pursuit of the graduate degree.

Admission typically requires the completion of an undergraduate program, such as a Bachelor's degree. At least a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA is often needed with this degree, although some institutions provide conditional admittance for lower scores. Applicants typically send transcripts to prove this criteria has been met.

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

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

In Depth Review of Florida Library Science Programs

Florida State University's Master of Science in Information degree

The College of Communication and Information offers various library science programs, including the Master of Science in Information. This degree must be completed in a span of seven of years from the time of admission. There is an alternative Master of Arts program requiring liberal arts courses and a foreign language.

36 total credit hours include required courses such as research in information studies and managing information organizations. A technology requirement worth three credit hours must focus on information technology, such as network administration or data analytics. Six credit hours may go toward an optional thesis in either degree.

University of South Florida's Master of Arts in Library and Information Science degree

The School of Information provides the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. This 39 credit hour curriculum breaks down evenly with core subject matter and elective options. A technology elective satisfies a requirement in understanding theory and practical use of technology in an educational setting.

Students complete the program with a comprehensive exam or portfolio that showcases what is learned in the program. These examples should adhere toward criteria set by the ALA. At least a 3.0 GPA or higher is needed throughout the program, and less than a B grade is only accepted in up to two courses.

Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in Education degree

The Abraham S. Fischler College of Education offers the Master of Education with various concentrations to choose from. Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology (CIT) offers instructional education with utilization of the latest technological innovations in the classroom. The MS in Education meets state requirements in the state of Florida, but may not be applicable to all states.

A total of 30 credits are needed to complete the program. Course content explores learning theory, internet advantages for curriculum development, and what tools and applications are useful for teachers and students. All courses in the program are selected with no electives necessary.

Florida Career Options in Library Media

Like many states along the East Coast, Florida has a large amount of employment for librarians and media specialists. Opportunities are most available at institutions and public libraries across the state. Job seekers can search for these positions on state job boards or look for career opportunities on the library or school web site.

Some positions may require state licensure and the completion of an ALA-accredited degree. This is often the case for advanced media management positions at large institutions. In addition to the education, opportunities may require multiple years of established professional experience and strong communication skills.

Even librarian positions designated as entry level, such as Librarian I, may require a Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited curriculum. This is often necessary for administration and management positions. For example, professionals responsible for organizing youth activities and services should have the proper education to understand technological innovations and policy implementation.

An electronic resources librarian is another example requiring an education with ALA accreditation. They are responsible for managing digital resources, from e-books to educational content. This includes validating subscriptions and helping with any technical issues that staff and members may be experiencing.

Associate roles, such as an acquisitions library associate, may not require an advanced degree. They help in the process of gaining new content to improve the collection offered in different formats. They may specialize in improving the digital content available or do various tasks, such as applying barcodes to new books.

Librarian Salary Estimates in Florida

Those entering into library positions without accreditation will see below-average estimates. PayScale estimates that the average librarian makes $47,452 annually in the Miami metropolitan area. This tends to grow for more specialized positions within information technology or collection management.

Average pay across the state of Florida is close to the median level at $56,150 annually according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This jumps close to the $80,000 mark within the top 10 percent of earners. Many states in the southeastern portion of the United States are around this level, including Georgia and South Carolina.

Large metropolitan areas, including Miami and Tallahassee, are listed at the average state salary amount. Average estimates are higher in the Gainesville and Naples locations, hitting approximately $65,700 and $77,360, respectively. These figures are accurate for more experienced librarian positions.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library of Science degree holders in Florida:

• Circulation Technician for Zephyrhills Public Library
• Library Aide for City of Parkland Library/li>
• 3D Applications Developer II for University of South Florida – salary ranges $58,000 to $65,000 per year
• Associate Dean, Library Services for Broward College Central Campus – salary ranges from $74,200 to $96,500 per year
• Collection Development and Reference Librarian for Jacksonville University
• Dean, Libraries and Academic Success Centers for Broward College Central Campus – salary ranged from $95,800 to $120,600 per year
• Librarian for the Florida Institute of Technology – Evans Library – salary $51,000 per year
• Statewide Technical Services Director for Gainesville, FL, or Tallahassee, FL – salary ranges from $70,000 to $75,000 per year based on applicable experience
• Learning Resources Professional – Kendal Campus for Miami Dade College – salary ranges from $63,546 to $79,433 per year
• Library Director for Seminole Community Library – salary ranges form $69,387.14 to $100,611.38 per year
• Emerging Technologies Reference Librarian for Miami – salary $50,000 per year