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 and 2025!

There is one school with ALA-accredited programs in South Carolina: the University of South Carolina. The school offers a Bachelors in Library Science, PhD in Library Science, Dual Degree, and Graduate Certificate. All are available on-campus. The Bachelor's and PhD degrees are also offered online.

For licensure in school librarianship for South Carolina, both a teaching license and Master's degree is required. After completing the education, a Praxis II Library Media Content Test must be passed with a score of 162 or higher. Those looking at teaching in a Kindergarten through 12th-grade setting must also pass the Principles of Learning exam through Praxis.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in South Carolina?

Yes, students have the ability to pursue the University of South Carolina's library science program in a convenient online format. There are no requirements to meet on campus for the duration of this study. As an alternative, students may blend on-campus and online coursework if they are in proximity of the campus.

When pursuing an online program, there may be synchronous and asynchronous formats for certain courses. This means some courses allow students to access all materials and lectures at any time while others will require live lecture meetings. For example, the University of South Carolina utilizes the Blackboard learning management system for course distribution.

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

University of South Carolina

Bachelors in Library Science Campus

University of South Carolina

Bachelors in Library Science Online

University of South Carolina

PhD in Library Science Campus

University of South Carolina

PhD in Library Science Online

University of South Carolina

Dual Degree ALA Campus

University of South Carolina

Graduate Certificate ALA Campus

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

School Program
Syracuse University
Website
Online MS in Library and Information Science
ALA-accredited. No GRE required to apply. School Media Specialization available.
University of Denver
Website
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required.
St. John's University
Website
Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited. Complete in as little as 2 years.
University of West Alabama
Website
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
Online Ed.D. Rural Education: Library Media
Explore the essential role of library media within rural schools and districts.
i sponsored

Review of the University of South Carolina's Master of Library and Information Science

The University of South Carolina is the exclusive institution that offers an accredited graduate program in library science in the state of South Carolina. Their Master of Library and Information Science is recognized by the American Library Association (ALA). This program creates a pathway for individuals to become licensed teachers and school librarians.

Columbia is the home of the University of South Carolina and is the second-largest city in the state with over 129,000 residents. Charleston has the largest population with over 140,000 people. These two areas combined provide the largest employment for librarians and media specialists throughout South Carolina.

The College of Information and Communications offers a Master of Library and Information Science. This is a 36 credit-hour program that divides required courses and electives that focus on a particular career. Graduates have gone on to positions such as project archivist, cataloging assistant, and collection development librarian.

Courses

Six core courses focus on topics such as community engagement, information organization, and research design. Students may focus their studies by expanding on some core content, or pursuing an area such as professional development or technology. Up to 12 credit hours are accepted in the transfer process.

Certification options

A certification for school librarians is also available with at least one internship. Students that do not already have a teaching license will have to complete 15 additional credit hours with a second internship. Having prior librarian experience can not count toward the internship requirement.

Admissions

To be admitted into the program, prospective students should have a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. Lower scores may still be accepted based on other application materials submitted. For example, GRE or GMAT scores are not required in the process, but may be used for evaluation if taken within the last five years.

Education background should be detailed in official transcripts sent with the application. This should include all education even if the individual did not receive a degree. Other application requirements include sending two letters of recommendation and an updated resume. Start times for the program are in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

ALA accrediation

Holding ALA accreditation means that the library science curriculum has been reviewed and approved by an established organization. The University of South Carolina has satisfied outcomes such as competency in using information services and technology, and demonstrating leadership and communication in the industry graduates choose.

Career Options in Library Media

Over 1,800 workers in the field of library and media specialists are recognized by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in South Carolina. This is slightly lower than many other states in the Southeast region, including nearby states such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Much of the employment is spread out across various metropolitan areas.

Of these locations, Columbia has the largest overall employment with over 500 people recognized. This features the University of South Carolina itself, other schools in the area, public library locations, and specialized librarian jobs. The main public library for Columbia is at the Daniel Boone Regional Library.

Public Librarian Licensure in South Carolina

To become a library worker in the state, professionals must hold a Master’s degree in library science from an accredited program. There are no renewal requirements once the licensure is obtained, but professionals are encouraged to pursue continuing education. They must also remain employed in a public library to avoid renewal.

South Carolina Library Association

Established in 1915, the South Carolina Library Association (SCLA) recognizes various libraries and library workers across the state. Activities include recognizing the highest professional accomplishments through awards and providing scholarships to improve librarian education and candidates. The SCLA is headquartered in Columbia and is a chapter of the ALA.

Membership benefits include better advocating methods for library services and staff members, networking opportunities with other professionals, and discounts on the annual conference. The conference features established professionals on keynote sessions and workshops to increase skills. Varying rates are based on conference registration options.

Salary Estimates in South Carolina

According to the BLS, the annual mean wage of salaries in South Carolina are at $60,260 as of May 2020. This is similar to the neighboring states of North Carolina and Georgia. It also falls right along the national average set at $63,560 annually. Higher figures are found with professionals in elementary schools or universities.

Columbia features a higher average than the statewide estimate with salaries at $63,000 annually. This figure jumps by over $5,000 when looking exclusively at Charleston. When reviewing the top 10 percent of earners in both locations, this figure lands at around the $90,000 estimate.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in South Carolina

  • UNIV-Liason Librarian for the Medical University of South Carolina – Pay scale UNIV-Band 0: minimum $60,000 per year with appropriate experience and required education
  • Director, Lineberger Library for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Lenoir – Rhyne University – no salary listed
  • Dean of the Library for the University of South Carolina – no salary listed
  • Reference & Instructional Librarian for the State of South Carolina – no salary listed
  • Engineering Librarian for Clemson University – salary ranges from $58,000 to $65,000 per year
  • Spark Space Librarian for Spartanburg County Pubic Libraries – no salary listed
  • Librarian I/Technology Librarian Job in Mount Pleasant Jooble for Charleston County Public Library – salary ranges from $38,833.60 to $43,763.20 per year
  • Research & Instructional Librarian for the State of Carolina – no salary listed
  • Library Manager II for the State of South Carolina – no salary listed