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 is one school with ALA-accredited library science programs in Mississippi. It is the University of Southern Mississippi. The school offers a Bachelor's in Library Science Degree and a Dual Degree. The Bachelor in Library Science degree is offered both on-campus and online. There is an option fora Library and Information Science minor to attach to another degree. The Dual Degree is only available on-campus.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Mississippi?

Yes, there are online library science degree options at universities in Mississippi. Students may pursue the Master's degree in library science completely online through the University of Southern Mississippi. This means all coursework is available 100 percent online and there are no requirements to meet on campus. Most students complete the program in two years, but here is an accelerated option for those that meet higher academic requirements.

ALA Accredited Library Science Programs in Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is the exclusive institution with a library science program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is available at the Hattiesburg campus or completely available online. Having the MLIS degree prepares individuals for advanced librarian positions or satisfies school librarian certification in the state of Mississippi.

Asynchronous format is most common

For the most part, courses will be offered in an asynchronous format. This means students may work on course material and view lectures on their own time that is most convenient. In some instances, professors may require students to meet at a specific time during the week for lectures.

Technological requirements include having a modern computer that is capable of handling the university's learning management system. High-speed internet access is generally needed to view or access lectures and some of the more data-intensive projects. Required applications, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a web browser like Google Chrome, will vary based on the course.

Applicants must submit an official transcript that shows completion of an undergraduate degree and GRE scores. Other documents that must be submitted include three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and updated resume. A questionnaire is needed in this department and a prospective student will provide their interest in an assistantship.

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelors in Library Science Campus

University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelors in Library Science Online

University of Southern Mississippi

Dual Degree ALA Campus

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 Mississippi Library Science Degrees

University of Southern Mississippi's Master of Library and Information Science

40 total credit hours are needed to complete the Master's degree in this library and tech-focused discipline. Students can pursue topics involving library management, cataloging, and research methods. There is an option to take a general course in information technology with libraries or web design, and an additional 12 credit hours of electives customize the experience.

Entry requirements

Advanced students may consider an accelerated Master's degree format that blends the undergraduate degree. Once declared, students take up to nine credit hours of graduate-level education in their senior year. To qualify, students must have completed 90 credit hours of their Bachelor's degree (15 credit hours specific to LIS content) and maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Individuals that already have an MLIS degree or are currently pursuing it may consider adding the Archive and Special Collections graduate certification. 21 total credit hours are spread across five core concepts that feature digital preservation, metadata, and archival theory. One elective specializes specific literature or librarianship, and the practicum will center around archival practices.

Options for campus based learning

Hattiesburg is the fifth-largest city in Mississippi with over 45,000 residents. This is a smaller area to find librarian jobs, but opportunities expand when moving northwest to the Jackson metropolitan area. Isolated, the city of Jackson features the highest citywide population of over 154,000 residents in the state of Mississippi.

What to Know About Mississippi Careers in Library Media

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mississippi has approximately 1,400 library workers and media collections specialists recognized across the state. This is on par with the neighboring state of Arkansas. Looking across the rest of the Southeast, these estimates are lower than most states in the region.

A handful of library jobs are available across public and private institutions, public library systems, and both elementary and secondary education. Many positions are found in the Jackson metropolitan area and toward the northern part of the state. Outside of the University of Southern Miss, other college to consider are Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi in Oxford.

School Librarianship

For school librarianship consideration, individuals should have a teaching license and at least a Bachelor’s degree in library science or media. The degree at the University of Southern Miss would satisfy this requirement. In addition, the Praxis II Library Media Content examination must be passed.

ALA Accreditation

Pursuing a program with ALA accreditation means that the student will have successful preparation for an advanced librarian career. The university offers resources and has trained faculty members that have met a strong criteria set by this long-established association. In addition, these programs offer adequate financial aid options and flexibility for their students’ education.

Organization to Know: Mississippi Digital Library

An effort to digitize and preserve various parts of Mississippi history are accomplished through the digital library. Over 40 organizations have collaborated to create an extensive resources that is accessible to anyone for research and learning about the culture. Items that are collected and organized within the digital library include photography, newspapers, and books.

Assistance in the digitization process and storage capability is accomplished through grants and connections with the state’s organizations. Other services include training organizations to digitally preserve their own content and determining accuracy in the process.

Organization to Know: Mississippi Library Association

Established in 1909, the Mississippi Library Association (MLA) to the promotion and improvement of library workers and services offered in the state. This organization offers annual conferences that bring together professionals and advocacy for improvement in the librarian field. The MLA is headquartered in Jackson.

Membership benefits include potential discounts toward the annual conference or continuing education, more scholarship opportunities to enhance library skills, and recognition for accomplishments in the field. Membership rates are dependent on if the individual is a student, retired, friend of a professional, or their take-home salary.

Librarian Salary Estimates in Mississippi

Librarian professionals can expect to make an average salary of $44,240 across the state of Mississippi according to the latest estimates from the BLS. This is higher when compared to a few states cross the country, but is lower than the national average and most estimates across the Southeast region. In comparison, many surrounding states see an average of over $50,000 annually.

The southwestern portion of the state sees the highest annual mean wage of any location with $51,670. Those within the top 10 percent of earners can expect over an $80,000 estimated salary. In comparison, the Hattiesburg average is listed at $44,420 annually and Jackson is right along that estimate.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in Mississippi

  • Management Information System (MIS) Administrator (Relocate to Kuwait) for Vectrus
  • Reference/Instructional Services Librarian for Delta State University – salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
  • Librarian III for Mississippi State Personnel Board – salary $29,221 per year
  • Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Science for the University of Southern Mississippi
  • Data Services Coordinator for Mississippi State University
  • Research Scientist IV for Bennett Aerospace – market-based salary commensurate with education and experience