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!

The exclusive institution with graduate library science education in North Dakota is at Valley City State University. This Master's degree in education is accredited by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Alternative options for campus based programs include:

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in North Dakota?

Yes, Valley City State University offers all their Master of Education programs in a convenient online format. This means students may complete their concentration in library and information technology topics and specialize in library media. An orientation for online learning is required prior to starting the first course in the program.

Finding North Dakota Library Science Degrees

Valley City is a smaller location with over 6,000 residents in North Dakota. The largest city in the state is Fargo, which has a population of over 124,000 people and is the location of North Dakota State University. The Fargo metropolitan area features some of the top employment opportunities for librarians in the state.

Holding an AASL accreditation, or related designation from the American Library Association (ALA), means that the college offering the library science program has met high standards set by the organization. They have similar professional goals to the association and provide faculty and resources necessary for the most success. Continuing accreditation requires the college to continue innovating their curriculum and applying for renewal when needed.

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

Valley City State University

Master's in Education with a Library and Information Technologies Concentration 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.
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Valley City State University's Master of Education

The Master of Education features a concentration in Library and Information Technologies online. This program provides an opportunity for students to become library media specialists in the state of North Dakota. Goals for this program include providing strong education in research methods, assessment, and curriculum development.

37 total credit hours are needed to fulfill all curriculum requirements. In addition, 120 clock hours are needed for the practicum experience and an action research assignment. Students conclude the program by completing a portfolio of their work and providing an oral defense of this.

For the Library Media Specialist certification, students will need to complete the following courses: Introduction to Libraries, Introduction to Libraries and Information Science, and Introduction to Libraries in the Information Age. These are not part of the traditional program, but provide the education necessary to meet state requirements.

North Dakota Career Options in Library Media

Based on information as of May 2020 from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 400 workers are represented in librarianship and media collections in North Dakota. While spread out across most of the state, more than half of the workers are accounted for in higher populated areas including Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.

School Librarian Requirements in North Dakota

School-based licensure is distributed by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Requirements include having a teaching license and at least a Bachelor’s degree with 26 credit hours dedicated to library media education. Individuals must also pass the Praxis II Library Media Specialist exam with at least a score of 156.

Having this designation opens the door to school librarian positions at various institutions, including the aforementioned Valley City State University and North Dakota State University. There are more opportunities at the local level across various school districts.

North Dakota Library Association

Over 300 members are part of the North Dakota Library Association (NDLA). This association has a mission to improve library workers and services in a variety of industries, including those representing academics, public locations, and health care. They are affiliated with the ALA and Mountain Plains Library Association.

The annual conference provides keynote sessions from other established professionals, breakout groups to enhance skills and networking, and vendors highlighting related products. Member benefits include reduced conference rates and voting opportunities related to the association. Membership dues range between $25 to $60 based on individual status and salary.

Salary Estimates in North Dakota

The annual mean wage for North Dakota librarians is $58,110 according to the BLS. Estimates fall in line with those in the nearby state of Minnesota, and higher than the surrounding states of Montana and South Dakota. This can jump up to over thee $81,600 figure within the top 10 percent of earners.

The Fargo metropolitan area inflates the statewide average with a city average salary of $70,190 annually. For comparison, the Bismarck metro area makes an average of $60,080, and the rural areas of the eastern portion of the state are at approximately $43,310 annually.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

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

  • Data Entry Administrator for Nitelines USA, Inc – salary ranges from $28,437 to $36,772 per year.
  • Data Entry Operator for InterSources Inc – salary ranges from $25,495 to $36,282 per year
  • Bookmobile Service Librarian for Dickinson Area Public Library – no salary listed
  • Reference Acquisition and Management Librarian for North Dakota State University – no salary listed
  • Reference and Instruction Librarian for University of North Dakota – salary $50,000 per year