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!

There are two schools with ALA-accredited programs in Wisconsin, both part of the University of Wisconsin school system.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Wisconsin?

Yes, both of these institutions through the University of Wisconsin are offered online. The Milwaukee and Madison locations have completely different programs and requirements to gain the degree. With ALA accreditation, there is an opportunity to gain licensed professional careers through either option.

You might also consider a featured online library science related program.

Why study library science online

Having an online program means that there is flexibility in the student's education. Coursework in both of these programs are available in a mostly asynchronous format. This means students complete coursework and study various material on their free time instead of set times.

Some courses may still require the need for students to meet at a specific time frame. This may be required in smaller, advanced courses that will determine a time that works for all students. Assignments and projects will often need to be completed at a certain deadline.

Finding Wisconsin Library Science Degrees

Two graduate schools through the University of Wisconsin system feature library science programs. Both of these schools are located in the city of Madison and Milwaukee. Students choosing either university will gain education necessary to satisfy jobs with an American Library Association (ALA) credential.

Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin with over 594,000 residents. By comparison, Madison is the second-largest city and is located 80 miles to the west of Milwaukee. Both of these locations feature large library systems and additional opportunities at institutions based there.

Having designation by the ALA means that the curriculum has gone through rigorous review by an established association. Staff members are experienced professionals and there are proper resources available for students to succeed. Some of their goals include enhancing technological advancement to improve librarian services.

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

University of Wisconsin-Madison

PhD in Library Science Campus

University of Wisconsin-Madison

PhD in Library Science Online

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dual Degree ALA Campus

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Bachelors in Library Science Campus

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Bachelors in Library Science Online

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

PhD in Library Science Campus

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

PhD in Library Science Online

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Dual Degree ALA Campus

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Graduate Certificate ALA 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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In-depth review on the top library science degrees in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison's Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies

The Information School features a Master of Arts degree in library studies. There are five concentrations to choose from, including subjects in digital archiving, data analytics, and information technology. Students have the ability to blend courses from various concentrations.

Certification may also be earned in Innovation and Organizational Change or Leadership. The former is linked to education with the Business School and emphasizes management in an information agency.

Either the online or on-campus format may be completed 100 percent in that format. Students are unable to take the digital archives concentration and various electives online. Those interested in the School Library Media specialization must reside in the state of Wisconsin.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Master of Library and Information Science

The School of Information Studies offers the Master of Library and Information Science. Students may choose various specializations to focus their education toward a specific library sector. This features librarian positions in an academic setting, through a public system, or utilize digital services.

36 total credit hours are needed in the curriculum with all courses having a B- grade or higher. Required courses for all students regardless of specialization include foundational topics in libraries and information science, and information retrieval methods. Students have the capability to earn a school media specialist certification with their MLIS degree, and this also fully available online.

Career Options in Library Media

Over 2,200 librarians are recognized in the state of Wisconsin according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly lower than nearby states, including Minnesota and Illinois. Around 20 percent of the librarians in this state are located in the Madison metropolitan area.

Both of these universities offer established libraries with numerous opportunities, including collection management and digital services. These resources can improve certain areas that students are interested in pursuing. Other job opportunities may be in specialty settings, including a law-based library or digital archive.

Library Licensure in Wisconsin

Professionals can gain their school licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Education. At least a Bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences is needed with an accredited Master’s degree in library science. To renew this licensure, 100 contact hours are necessary in continuing education.

Through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, there are two pathways that students may consider for school librarianship. Those with a teacher’s license can pursue a media specialist certification at the undergraduate level or Master’s degree with the certification. Both options are also available for those with Bachelor’s degree but do not hold a teaching license.

Wisconsin Public Library Consortium

Established in 2001, the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC) looks to enhance library services through research and development. This includes creating committees for budgeting, collection, and technological purposes. One of the largest accomplishments has been offering more services and materials through a digital format.

The Digital Library provides various books and magazines in a digital format along with streaming video and audio. Members looking to utilize these library options where they live are required to have a library card. Applications that are used to access these collections are OverDrive and BiblioBoard.

Salary Estimates in Wisconsin

PayScale estimates that academic librarians in the city of Madison are at $53,000 annually. By comparison, this pay is lower than Columbus in Ohio, but higher than New York City and Los Angeles in California. After being an academic librarian, professional evolution may be earned as a library director or school librarian.

Job opportunities are often available in various institutions and public library systems across the state. Higher-paying opportunities are often reserved for those with more experience or have taken director roles. Graduates may consider specialty librarian jobs or assistant and part-time options for those that do not have an accredited degree in hand.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in Wisconsin

  • Digital Asset Librarian for Uline – no salary listed
  • Youth Services Librarian for Hatch Public School – salary ranges from $38,000 to $42,000 per year
  • Research and Instructional Services Librarian for Marquette University – no salary listed
  • Library Director for Sparta Free Library – staring salary $52,000 per year
  • Digital Access and Metadata Librarian for Marquette University – no salary listed
  • Part-Time Law Librarian – Reference for Marquette University – no salary listed
  • Professor, Information School for University of Wisconsin – no salary listed