| 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. |
There are not many options for library science degrees in Oregon. As of mid-2023, the state of Oregon has no university with an ALA-accredited program. The ALA exclusively looks at Master's degrees in the disciplines of library and information science. Alternative example disciplines include Library Science, Librarianship, and Education with a concentration in library and/or media.
You might consider an online library science degree below that is featured and currently taking applications.
Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Oregon?
While no Master's degrees are available in the state of Oregon, there are online options to consider from nearby states. To the north, the University of Washington has an online Master of Library and Information Science with accreditation from the ALA. Students may specialize their education with Data Science, Information Architecture, or Information and Cyber Security.
For students considering an on-campus experience instead, the University of Washington does provide the alternative option. In either format, the Master's degree features an identical curriculum with the same faculty members teaching courses. An added option that is exclusively on campus is the specialty degree in law librarianship. View the Washington library science degree page for more info.
Many universities across the United States have library science degrees that are available online in any state. In some cases, students may be required to visit on-campus for an orientation session, but the majority of the program is completed online. Prospective students should review if the curriculum meets the state requirements for licensure that they reside in.
List of the best campus-based and online CAEP, AASL, or ALA-Accredited library science degree programs in Oregon
| University | Degree Program | Accreditation | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
Portland State University |
Library Media Endorsement Program | 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. |
Oregon Career Options in Library Media
Oregon sees the least amount of librarian employment when compared to its neighboring West Coast states of Washington and California. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 1,400 library workers across the state. Most of these jobs are in the northwestern corner of the state, within the Portland and Salem metropolitan areas.
Positions may feature a specialist when using services that the public library offers. This may require an individual to work with patrons or determine the effectiveness of a particular service being offered. At a technical level, this may feature implementing a service that is needed when accessing digital material through an application.
School Librarianship in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Education requires that individuals looking for school librarian licensure hold a teaching license and a certain amount of education. This includes the completion of a Master’s degree with at least 29 credit hours in library science and 16 credit hours in educational media. A civil rights exam is also required and must be passed.
Popular institutions that feature school librarian positions include the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. School systems in various cities may also offer important positions in this field. Having licensure in this area opens the door to more advanced positions that require strong leadership and communication skills.
Oregon Library Association
Over 1,000 members are part of the Oregon Library Association (OLA) that was founded in 1940. The OLA’s mission is to improve the leadership in library positions and education services that libraries provide across the state. They look to promote these services to improve the community they take part in.
Benefits when joining the association include getting discounted access to educational workshops and the annual conference. The conference is a three-day event providing networking opportunity and recognizes established professionals. Members also receive a quarterly newsletter and bimonthly OLA Hotline publication to keep up with the latest state library news and innovations in librarianship.
Librarian Salary Estimates in Oregon
ZipRecruiter estimates the average librarian salary to be $52,390 across the state of Oregon. This is generally for more entry-level positions, such as assistants that help with media collections or helping members access services. Advanced positions, such as a specialist in technical services or program organization, will often be paid a higher amount in the state of Oregon.