Missouri 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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There are two institutions that feature higher education in library science within the state of Missouri. The University of Missouri provides a program that holds accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA). Individuals may consider taking this program on-campus at the Columbia campus location or conveniently online.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Missouri?

Yes, the University of Missouri has graduate online library science programs.

Missouri Library Science Degrees

There are two schools with ALA-accredited library science programs in Missouri. They are the University of Central Missouri and the University of Missouri. The University of Central Missouri offers a Master's Library Media Specialist (K-12) degree on-campus only. The University of Missouri offers a PhD in Library Science, Dual Degree, Graduate Certificate, and a Masters in Library Science. The PhD and Master's programs are offered on-campus and online. Dual Degrees and Graduate Certificates are offered only on-campus.

Columbia is one of seven cities with over 100,000 people in the state of Missouri. Kansas City is the largest area with over 501,000 residents. This also serves as one of the top spots for librarian employment, especially within the public library system and specialty organizations in the area.

St. Louis has a population of over 294,000 residents, the second-largest city in the state. By comparison, nearly 1,000 workers are represented in the librarian field, making it slightly larger than Kansas City. Other larger cities in the state with good librarian opportunities include Springfield and Independence.

The ALA ensures that the program being considered has gone through rigorous review and meets specific criteria for strong librarian professionals. Pursuing a program with ALA accreditation is one of the easiest ways to pursue state licensure in becoming a school librarian. All states have varying requirements, including what national tests to pursue and renewal procedure.

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

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

In Depth Review of Top Missouri Library Science Programs

Both online library science programs in Missouri feature 100 percent online distribution of their degrees. Students may have the capability to complete some coursework on-campus if desired. Some courses may not be available in a traditional on-campus format and they may only be distributed in certain semesters.

Different accreditation has been given for these programs. The University of Missouri has multiple instances of accreditation, including the ALA and regional recognition from the Higher Learning Commission. The University of Central Missouri is recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

University of Missouri's Master of Library and Information Science

The School of Information Science and Learning Technologies offers a 100 percent online Master's degree in library science. 39 total credit hours are needed to complete this program and courses are are distributed in eight-week modules. Students typically take one or two courses each semester and complete the degree between two to four years.

Coursework features topics in school librarianship, electronic information services, and information collection management. Graduates also gain a strong skill set in communication with other professionals and students in various age ranges. A practicum is completed in school library or information agencies.

University of Central Missouri's Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services

The College of Education offers an MS in library science discipline. Admission into the program requires an undergraduate degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher. An alternative program to consider is the Education Specialist option, which is geared toward those that already hold a Master's degree.

All students complete a foundational course in librarianship. The final practicum will be in school libraries, which will emphasize a research course that is taken in the last semester. This project may be research to determine what action to take to solve a school library issue or reviewing literature.

Options for campus based learning

UCM is in Warrensburg, Missouri. It is a mid-size institution centrally located in the state, which means it is close to nearly everything.

The University of Missouri is in Columbia. It combines the comforts of a small town, community spirit, and a low cost of living with big-city resources, activities, and culture. The city lies between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Career Options in Library Media

Over 2,000 librarians and media collections specialists are recognized by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in the state of Missouri. Approximately a third of these jobs are in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Many other positions are also available in St. Louis.

Graduates with proper licensure may consider school librarianship. Institutions such as the University of Missouri and Missouri State University feature library and media collection positions. This includes traditional duties to help patrons in the facility or directing specific programs and features that can be offered to students.

School Librarian Certification in Missouri

Licensure for school librarianship is distributed by Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Gaining a teaching license and having at least a Bachelor’s degree is required for being a school librarian. This allows individuals to receive the Initial Professional Certificate.

One of the Missouri Educator Getaway Assessment exams must be passed. To gain entry into the exam, individuals must have identification and proof of payment with a receipt or on their mobile device. There must also be submission of a background check during the certification process.

Missouri Library Association

The Missouri Library Association (MLA) was established in 1900 and is headquartered in Columbia. A longstanding mission for the nonprofit organization is to promote library service and improve librarianship in general across Missouri. This includes taking advantage of new technology and providing all communities with proper library access.

Members have the ability to take part in annual conference events and receive awards for their achievement in the field. Getting involved in volunteer work through the MLA boosts networking opportunities and improves overall skills in various professions. There are two different membership options for individuals or institutions.

Salary Estimates in Missouri

The annual mean wage for librarians in the state of Missouri is estimated at $56,950 according to the BLS. For those at the top 10 percent of earners, this can reach to just over $82,500 annually. These estimates are on par or slightly higher with many nearby states, including Nebraska and Arkansas.

Larger cities where the bulk of librarian positions are located see a higher estimate of $62,000 on average. In turn, this increases potential earnings within the top 10 percent. Individuals can earn these high estimates with more experienced positions and directorial roles.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in Missouri:

• KCOM – Medical School Liaison Librarian for A. T. Still University – no salary listed
• Assistant Manager, Reference – Reference for St. Louis County Library – salary $54,886 per year
• Part-time Librarian Faculty for Metropolitan Community College – no salary listed
• Library and Information Services Manager for Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. – no salary listed
• Assistant Technical Services Manager – Headquarters Cataloging and Processing – Mid-Continent Public Library Technical Services Department – salary $42,663 per year
• Assistant Branch Manager – Jamestown Bluffs for St. Louis County Library – salary $54,886 per year
• Adjunct Instruction Librarian for St. Louis Community College – salary $19.28 per hour
• Instruction and Reference Librarian for Missouri Southern State University – no salary listed
• Access Services Manager for Stephens College – no salary listed
• Collection Development Librarian for J. Oliver Buswell Jr. Library, Covenant Theological Seminary
• – no salary listed
• Assistant Professor of Library Services/Technical Services Librarian for the University of Central Missouri – no salary listed
• Genealogy Manager for St. Louis Public Library – salary $44,800 per year
• Branch Manager II – Red Bridge Branch for Mid-Continent Public Library – salary $53,515 per year