School Program More Info
Syracuse University Online MS in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited ALA-accredited. Multiple professional pathways or specializations available. No GRE required to apply. Complete in as little as 18 months.
University of Denver Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA Accredited ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required. Complete in as few as 21 months.
St. John's University Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited ALA Accredited, 24 months to complete. 4 specializations and 2 certificate options.
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Click to view more featured accredited online library science programs that are currently taking applications for 2024!

There are two schools with ALA-accredited library science degree programs in Massachusetts. Salem State University offers a Master's Library Media Specialist degree on-campus. Simmons University offers a PhD in Library Science, a Dual Degree, Graduate Certificate, and Masters in Library Science. All are provided on-campus. The PhD and Master's programs are also available online.

The American Library Association (ALA) has verified Simmons University, which also features a convenient online format. Salem State University has recognition by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and is located in Salem.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Massachusetts?

Yes. Simmons University offers the exclusive Master's degree in library science online and with ALA accreditation. They offer an asynchronous course format, meaning students review lectures and course material when it is convenient for them. All courses and pathways to the degree are available 100 percent online.

Massachusetts Library Science Degrees

Simmons University is located in Boston, the most populated city in the state of Massachusetts with over 695,000 residents. This city has a high rate of employment for librarians, on par with other major cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. In addition to its public libraries, there are many universities that feature libraries in the area.

Holding ALA accreditation means that the curriculum for the Master's degree in library science has met high standards set by the organization. The faculty and student resources are aligned with the same goals that the ALA desires to enhance librarianship. When referring to faculty members, this includes both full-time and part-time staff

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

Salem State University

Master's: Library Media Specialist CAEP Campus

Simmons University

PhD in Library Science Campus

Simmons University

PhD in Library Science Online

Simmons University

Dual Degree ALA Campus

Simmons University

Graduate Certificate ALA Campus

Simmons University

Online Masters in Library Science ALA Online

Simmons University

Online Masters in Library Science ALA Online

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

School Level Program
Syracuse University
Website
Master Online MS in Library and Information Science
ALA-accredited. No GRE required to apply. School Media Specialization available.
University of Denver
Website
Master Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required.
St. John's University
Website
Master Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited. Complete in as little as 2 years.
University of West Alabama
Website
Master Online Master of Education in Library Media
Develop knowledge and skills in school library media with our online library media specialist degree.
University of West Alabama
Website
Doctorate Online Ed.D. Rural Education: Library Media
Explore the essential role of library media within rural schools and districts.
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In Depth Review of Massachusetts Library Science Degree Programs

We've reviewed some of the best library science degrees in Massachusetts below.

Simmons University's Master of Library and Information Science

The Master of Library and Information Science is an interdisciplinary degree that is customizable to fit various career professions. Students may opt to pursue a concentration in Archives Management or Information Science and Technology. Jobs that graduates have gotten from this program include an emerging technology librarian, digital curator, and database editor.

At least 36 credit hours are needed to complete the program. Mandatory coursework is needed in utilizing information sources, general information organization, and technology. There is a variation of the technology course specific for the school library teacher program. Students pursuing this degree on campus may consider coursework during the day, at night, or over weekends.

Salem State University's Master of Education in Library Media Studies

The School of Graduate Studies features a Master of Education in the emphasis of Library Media Studies. This curriculum blends together human development over the elementary years, library science, and media topics. Students complete a practicum seminar and experience to conclude the program, preparing individuals for licensure toward a school librarian position.

Between 33 to 36 credit hours are needed to complete the program. Topics within the library science portion include digital resources for elementary school and emerging technologies in the library. A media course explores how video and audio can impact teaching, and how to implement computer applications into the learning experience.

Career Options in Library Media in Massachusetts

Massachusetts represents over 4,700 employed as librarians and media collections specialists according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2019. This is the largest state for librarian employment in the New England region. Most of the allocation is in the cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Nashua.

Boston is recognized as the fifth-highest metropolitan area for librarian and media collection job recognition. The Boston Public Library is a system with dozens of branches and is continuing to implement digital services Bigger institutions to consider for library positions include Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University.

Librarian and Teaching Licensure in Massachusetts

To become a licensed public librarian in the state of Massachusetts, individuals must complete a graduate-level degree in the discipline of Library and Information Science. They may also consider a certification earned in another state that has yet to expire. After receiving the state licensure in Massachusetts, there is no date of expiration.

School librarian licensure is distributed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Applicants must complete the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure and have the necessary scores within communication and literacy. Holding licensure in this field is also required for administration, specialist teacher, and professional support roles.

Boston Public Library

24 branches are part of the Boston Public Library (BPL) system, which was founded in 1848. The central library location is in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston at the McKim and Johnson buildings. Over 24 million volumes are collected and stored within the system, making it the third-largest public library in the United States.

Services at the central library and various branches include public Wi-Fi access, borrowing desktop and laptop devices, and accessing digital media through Hoopla Streaming Media. Many archived documents and photos showcasing the history and culture of Boston, Massachusetts, and the region in general, can be accessed online. Renovations in the Johnson building added business resources and 3D printing technology.

Salary Estimates for Massachusetts Library Science Graduates

The state of Massachusetts has an annual mean wage of $72,380 based on data from the BLS as of May 2019. This jumps up to $103,770 for the top 10 percent of earners in the librarian field. These estimates are reserved for professionals that have many years of experience, hold director or management roles, and/or work at prestigious university libraries.

These figures are similar to many other states in the New England region, and in nearby states including New York and New Jersey. Other estimates across the state include $66,550 annually in the Springfield metropolitan area, which stretches into Connecticut. Boston itself hits close to the statewide average with approximately $74,880 annually.

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in Massachusetts

  • Library Local History & Genealogy Supervisor for the City of Pittsfield – salary ranges from $41,951 to $54,982 per year.
  • Branch Librarians for the Town of Concord – salary ranges from $62,442 to $78,317 per year
  • QA Document Control Archivist, Specialist III for Thermo Fisher Scientific – no salary listed
  • Sterling A. Brown Archivist for Williams College – no salary posted
  • Research and Instruction Librarian for the Town of Amherst – no salary listed
  • Librarian for Wilmington Public Schools – no salary listed
  • John A. Lowe III ’73 Special Collections Fellowship for Williams College – no salary listed
  • Library Technician for Lynker Technologies – no salary listed
  • Research Assistant/Research Associate for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution – no salary listed
  • Research & Instruction Librarian for TUFTS University – no salary listed
  • Children’s and Youth Services Supervisor (Library Senior Supervisor) – salary ranges from $23.05 to $30.21 per hour
  • Research Services Librarian for the Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter – no salary listed
  • Data Manager for Harvard University – salary $40 per class
  • Library Media Specialist for King Open School – no salary listed