| 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. |
|
| St. John's University | Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited, 24 months to complete. 4 specializations and 2 certificate options. |
|
| Syracuse University | Online MS in Library and Information Science: School Media Specialization
Optional specialization in School Media, No GRE required to apply. ALA-accredited. |
There are two institutions in the state of New Jersey that offer Master's degrees with an accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA). This includes one of the most popular colleges in the state, Rutgers University. Students may complete this program either online or at the main campus in New Brunswick.
Most popular locations are the larger cities
New Brunswick is just south of the biggest cities in the state of New Jersey, Newark and Jersey City. Combined, these cities have a population of over 540,000 residents. There are numerous opportunities for library and media collection specialists at various organizations and institutions.
New Jersey library media certifications and ALA accreditation
In New Jersey, there are various certifications available for the title of Associate Library Media Specialist or School Library Media Specialist. Programs should be accredited by the ALA or meets regional standards. Internship experience is recommended during graduate studies. There is no expiration once the licensure has been obtained.
Note on the American Library Association
ALA accreditation ensures that the program has been verified by criteria set by an established organization. Faculty members are professionals in the librarian and media collection fields and resources are available for success. Students can pursue a program that meets strict standards and may be required for school librarian state licensure.
List of the best campus-based and online CAEP, AASL, or ALA-Accredited library science degree programs in New Jersey
| University | Degree Program | Accreditation | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
Rutgers, State University of New Jersey |
Bachelors in Library Science | Campus | |
Rutgers, State University of New Jersey |
Bachelors in Library Science | Online | |
Rutgers, State University of New Jersey |
PhD in Library Science | Campus | |
Rutgers, State University of New Jersey |
PhD in Library Science | Online | |
William Paterson University |
Master's: Education Media Specialist | CAEP | 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. |
Are There Online Library Science Degrees?
Both of the programs at Rutgers University and William Paterson University are available completely online. There are no residency requirements in these programs and may be taken outside the state of New Jersey. Students that opt to pursue on-campus courses at Rutgers will meet once each week.
Pursuing online studies offers flexibility in getting coursework done for individuals with busy schedules. In a smaller cohort, faculty may work with students to determine the best time to meet for courses if live sessions are required. In many cases, asynchronous learning is provided with deadlines for assignments and exams.
Applicants must send official transcripts from prior universities they have attended. These should feature the completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with 3.0 cumulative GPA. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for the William Paterson University program.
Rutgers University's Master of Information
The School of Communication and Information offers a Master of Information with an ability to pursue librarian certification. Specifically, students can add the concentration for School Library Media Specialist Certification. 36 total credit hours are needed with a span of 1.5 to 3 years needed to complete the program based on enrollment.
Graduates can get a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or one with Academic Standing (CEAS). The latter version is given to those that have fulfilled educational coursework, such as teacher preparation. Holding one of these certifications allows further job opportunities in a school district.
William Paterson University's Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Students can pursue the Master of Education in Educational Leadership with a curriculum that satisfies New Jersey state licensure. Graduates gain skills in improving librarian education and fully understanding ethics and legal issues. This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
34 total credit hours are needed and the program may be completed in as little as one year. Students may focus their studies in curriculum development, leadership, or supervision. All students complete an internship that is integrated with other coursework. These four total credit hours are split into four quarters.
Career Options in Library Media
Over 4,200 librarians and media collection specialists are represented in the state of New Jersey according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most of these professionals are located in the cities of Newark and Jersey City. BLS blends together these professionals in the New York City metropolitan area, which totals over 12,000 employed in library positions.
Holding state licensure opens up numerous librarian opportunities at institutions or specialty subjects at various organizations. Graduates should pursue an internship or look at job markets among public library systems and universities. Traditional librarians and director roles will often require completion of a Master’s degree in library science that is accredited by the ALA or equivalent organization.
Like many other states in the Northeast region, New Jersey’s average salary for librarians is above the national average. BLS estimates this salary at $69,910 annually and it just passes the $100,000 figure in the top 10 percent. The Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area is above the state average at $73,670 annually.
Top New Jersey Library Associations:
New Jersey Library Association
Over 1,700 members are represented through the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA). This organization was established in 1890 and is based in Trenton. Their goals are to improve library services in the state and help established professionals network with others across the region.
Membership features include attending various events hosted by the organization and continuing education. Dues are different based on individual or commercial membership, and discounts are available for individuals pursuing higher education. Some services do not require a membership, including accessing the job board.
The organization is also part of the New Jersey Digital Highway. This collaboration with Rutgers University and the New Jersey Department of Archives and Records Management is looking digitize historical information on the state. They have set guidance on digital preservation and have installed a workflow management process.
New Jersey State Library
The New Jersey State Library (NJSL) was established in 1796 and is affiliated with Thomas Edison State University. Services such as continuing education and events are offered to help improve various communities across the state. Other services include awareness in latest technological innovations and free online access for the public.
Digital services continue to be implemented in the state library system. E-books, magazines, and streaming video is distributed through the OverDrive and hoopla apps available on mobile devices with Android or iOS operating systems. Many courses are also available through the Udemy massive open online course platform.
Many educational resources are also available beyond the courses themselves. The NJSU is connected to Ebsco OneSearch and Britannic Library. A number of skill building workshops and tutoring sessions are available through Brainfuse’s HelpNow service. This is geared toward all ages and available to access around the clock.
Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information
Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in New Jersey
- Conservator for Newark Museum -salary ranges from $55,000 to $60,000 per year
- Librarian 1 for County of Monmouth – salary $48,018 per year
- Assistant University Librarian for Resource Sharing and Collection Management – no salary listed
- Co-adjunct Casual Non-Teaching for Department of Library and Information Science for Rutgers University – salary is open
- Access Services Librarian for Greater New York Metropolitan Chapter – no salary listed
- Digital Asset Manager in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey – no salary listed
- On-Call Reference Librarian for Mercer County Community College – salary $21 per hour
- Labor Economics Librarian for Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter – no salary listed
- Electronic Resources/Serial Management Librarian for Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter Caldwell, NJ – no salary listed
- Curator, Arts of Global Africa for Newark Museum – salary ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 per year