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.
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.
Syracuse University Online MS in Library and Information Science: School Media Specialization
ALA Accredited Optional specialization in School Media, No GRE required to apply. ALA-accredited.
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Click to view more featured accredited online library science programs that are currently taking applications for 2024!

There are five universities in the state of North Carolina that offer Master's degrees in library science. Of those, four have received accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA). Institutions with ALA accreditation include the University of North Carolina in Greensboro and Chapel Hill.

A few ALA-accredited universities exist within the Research Triangle of North Carolina, formed by the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Raleigh does not have one of these institutions, but it is the state capital and has the second-highest population in the state with over 483,000 residents. Charlotte nearly doubles this number with over 912,000 people.

Other cities to consider for a library science degree, or potential librarian job opportunities, are in Boone, Greensboro, and Greenville. With many universities across the state, there are many school-based librarian and media specialist positions to consider. North Carolina features some of the highest employment for librarians among all southern states.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in North Carolina?

Yes, four institutions in North Carolina provide 100 percent online programs in library science, or at least offers online courses. Programs that feature a fully online experience and ALA accreditation are offered at East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, and the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.

Courses may be offered in a synchronous or asynchronous format, and some will feature both aspects of education. For example, lectures may or may not require live attendance even in a virtual setting. In many cases, these lectures will be available on-demand for review at a later time.

About ALA accreditation

ALA accreditation validates the curriculum and faculty members that prepare individuals for a library profession. The state of North Carolina requires these workers to hold an ALA accredited Master's degree in library science. Once this license is received, there are no renewal expectations.

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

Appalachian State University

Masters in Library Science CAEP Campus

East Carolina University

Library Media Specialist Masters CAEP Campus

North Carolina Central University

Dual Degree ALA Campus

North Carolina Central University

Graduate Certificate ALA Campus

North Carolina Central University

Masters in Library Science ALA Campus

North Carolina Central University

Online Masters in Library Science ALA Online

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bachelors in Library Science Campus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

PhD in Library Science Campus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dual Degree ALA Campus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Graduate Certificate ALA Campus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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 North Carolina library science degrees

University of North Carolina-Greensboro's Master of Library and Information Science

36 total credit hours are needed to complete the Master of Library and Information Science degree. There are five courses all students take regardless of pathway and an additional technology course requirement. The online program is fully available virtually and distributed in a mostly synchronous format.

Concentrations include Instructional Technology and School Library Media Coordinator. There are 21 credit hours focused on the concentration of Instructional Technology. A set of electives are required for the media coordinator option with an additional nine electives selected by the student.

North Carolina Central University's Master of Library Science

The School of Library and Information Science offers a Master of Library Science with numerous concentration options. These include Archives and Records Manager, School Media Coordinator, and various librarian specialties. For example, a student can pursue librarianship with an academic or law focus.

36 total credit hours are needed to complete curriculum requirements. To get into the program, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. They must also submit two letters of recommendation and other requirements set by the school.

East Carolina University's Master of Library Science

The College of Education has a 100 percent online Master's degree in library science. This degree is geared for students that are looking to become librarians in a school setting or at a public library. Goals for the program include preparing individuals for various services that the library offers and technological innovations.

Concentrations are available in School Library Media, Academic Library, and Public Library. There is an option to study abroad in the first semester in locations such as France and Italy. Students can complete the program in between five to seven terms depending on enrollment format.

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill's Master of Science in Library Science

The School of Information and Library Science features a Master's degree in this discipline. 48 total credit hours are divided into core coursework and electives through a specialization selected by the student. Additionally, students need to complete a comprehensive exam and a capstone project.

Example required courses include Information Resources and Services, Overview of Research methods, and Management for Information Professionals. Retention rate for the program is approximately 92 percent. Students can generally complete the program in a span of two years.

Appalachian State University's Master of Library Science

Students can complete the Master of Library Science in a part-time format conveniently online. This program is recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). There is an opportunity to dual-degree with a Master of Arts in Educational Media.

Application requirements includes a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and GRE or GMAT scores. Testing scores are waived for individuals that have a 3.4 GPA or higher from their undergraduate program. Graduates from this program can apply for the Public Librarian Certification.

Career Options in Library Media

North Carolina is one of the top states in librarian and media collections employment among Southeastern states. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 4,500 professionals recognized across the state. This is similar to surrounding states such as Virginia and Georgia.

Many librarian careers are located in the cities of Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro. There are a number of academic and university-specific jobs in the Research Triangle section of the state. Graduates may consider library positions in the medical field and in law where available.

The North Carolina Digital Heritage Center is a statewide program with a goal to digitize and protect historical data. Items include newspapers, directories, and images, and yearbooks. There are job opportunities available to help archive and improve distribution of digital media.

North Carolina Library Association

The North Carolina Library Association (NCLA) was formed in 1904 and is headquartered at High Point. Goals set by the NCLA include promoting intellectual freedom and improving library services. This is accomplished by influencing policy decisions, awarding scholarships to improve education rates, and offering continuing education after college.

A traditional biennial conference provides an opportunity for professionals to interact with others. Specific organizations and individuals present information and various workshops are held to improve skills and innovative knowledge. Members have the capability to lower fees and have more access to networking capabilities.

Salary Estimates in North Carolina

According to the BLS, average salary across the state is around $56,900 annually as of May 2019. This is on par with many other states in the Southeast, including South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Looking at salary rates across the country, these estimates are slightly lower than the national average.

Higher salaries are generally offered in Raleigh and Durham with over $64,000 annually. The top 10 percent of earners make over $78,000 on average in the state. These salaries are generally for those with many years of experience and in managerial or director roles in the library.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for those who hold a Library Science degree in North Carolina

  • Information Technology Librarian for Fayetteville State University – no salary listed
  • Outreach Librarian for McDowell County, NC – salary $40,068 per year
  • Branch Library Supervisor for Lincoln County, NC – salary ranges from $38,293 to $40,202 per year
  • Digital Initiatives Librarian for Fayetteville State University -no salary listed
  • Information Technology Librarian for Fayetteville State University – no salary listed
  • TechConnect and Digital Literacy Librarian for Catawba County, NC – salary $48,883 per year
  • Library Administrative Assistant for Pasquotank County – salary ranges from $29,732 to $36,254 per year
  • Electronic Resources Librarian for the University of North Carolina Greensboro – salary is competitive and contingent on qualifications
  • Library Fellow for Bay State – no salary listed
  • Librarian I/Information Services for Cumberland County, NC – salary $39,296 per year
  • Librarian II/Emerging Adult Services Specialist for Cumberland County, NC – salary ranges from $43,010 to $45,370 per year
  • Coordinator, Media for Charlotte – Mecklenburg School – no salary listed
  • Library Services Specialist II – St. Stephens Branch for Catawba County – salary $31,510 per year