Kansas 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 Denver	Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required. Complete in as few as 21 months.	Website
St. John's University	Online M.S. in Library and Information Science ALA Accredited, 24 months to complete. 4 specializations and 2 certificate options.	Website

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Click to view more featured accredited online library science programs that are currently taking applications for 2024!

There is one school with ALA-accredited library science programs in Kansas. Emporia State University offers an ALA accredited Master's degree in library science that features a flexible pathway toward professional library work. The school offers other ALA accredited programs, including: PhD in Library Science, a Dual Degree, a Graduate Certificate, and a Masters in Library Science. All are provided on-campus. The Master's program is also available online.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees?

Yes, Emporia State University offers a Master's degree program in Library Science that has a hybrid education format. This means students complete some of their coursework on campus and online. For this institution, many courses will have two intensive weekends over the duration of the semester.

Finding Kansas Library Science Degrees

Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas with over 391,000 residents. The Missouri-based Kansas City blends into the state of Kansas with both KC and Overland Park representing a large portion of the population as well. In comparison, Emporia is the 17th-largest with over 24,400 people recognized in the town.

School librarian licensure is distributed by the Kansas State Department of Education. At least a teaching license, Master's degree, and passing of the Praxis II Library Media Specialist exam is needed for consideration. While Emporia State University satisfies licensure requirements, prospective students should review compatibility in their program.

Students should look at program featuring ALA accreditation or related from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Holding this designation means the program has gone through an established process and provides the necessary resources and mission statements for success. School librarian specializations may be recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

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

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

In depth review of ALA accredited Library Science MLS Program in Kansas

Emporia State University's Master of Library Science

The School of Library and Information Management offers a Master's degree in the library science discipline. This program features accreditation from the ALA and holds high recognition for their School Library Media licensure program. Students may also take this program in a number of different campus locations, including Overland Park in Kansas, Salt Lake City in Utah, and Sioux Falls in South Dakota.

36 total credit hours are needed to fulfill degree requirements. Core concepts include information organization and collection development. Students are expected to choose one course in technology, be it web or database design. An alternative technology course may be applied if accepted by the program director.

Career Options in Library Media in Kansas

Over 2,000 library and media collections specialists are represented in the state of Kansas according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is similar to other surrounding states, including Missouri and Oklahoma. Roughly half of workers are accounted for in non-metropolitan areas while other popular locations across the state are in Wichita, Topeka, and Lawrence.

The University of Kansas and Kansas State University are two large institutions that provide academic and school librarian positions. Media specialist positions are often available in school districts and public library systems across the state. Master’s degrees in librarianship are also beneficial to positions that establish new services or programs that improve the community.

Wichita Public Library

Over 350,000 people have access to the Wichita Public Library (WPL) system. There are six branches across the largest city in the state with the downtown branch being the central library location. Available services include pursuing technology classes, 3D printing, audio-video studio, and book discussions for all ages.

Specialty libraries include the Wichita Law Library, which is located next to the Wichita Bar Association and provides research material for professionals in the field. The Kansas Aviation Museum features Wichita-based historical archives with photography and documents.

Kansas Library Association

One goal set by the Kansas Library Association (KLA) looks to provide continuing education programs for professional development. Others are making an impact on solving library-related issues locally and promoting new services across the state. The KLA has its headquarters in the city of Norton.

The annual conference hosted in Wichita provides an opportunity to discuss latest innovations and bring in established professionals from the field. Each conference consists of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, workshops for skill improvement, and networking. In recent years, the association has published the Kansas Libraries magazine.

Librarian Salary Estimates in Kansas

The annual mean wage for the state of Kansas is similar to other states around them in the Midwest. Based on the latest information from the BLS as of May 2020, the estimate is at $47,480 annually. That is on par with the neighboring state of Oklahoma, and slightly lower than Missouri and Nebraska.

Of the various metropolitan areas, Lawrence features the highest salaries at $62,880 annually. In the top 10 percent of earners, that number is around $95,800. Higher-paying opportunities are often available within academic institutions and doing more managerial and directorial duties on the job.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in Kansas:

• Librarian (Acquisition) for the U.S. Department of the Army – salary ranges from $77,501 to $100,756 per year
• Librarian for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools – salary based on USD #500 Salary Schedule
• Director of Nevada MLS Program for Emporia State University – salary $50,000 per year
• Information Management Specialist for National Older Worker Career Center – salary $26,458 per year