Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Connect others to the information they seek.
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100% online
24 months to complete
2 certificate options
5 career-focused specializations
St. John’s University’s online Master of Science in Library and Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.) empowers you to provide others with access to information—where, when, and how they need it.
You learn to use innovative research tools that are revolutionizing librarianship and the information professions while building skills that are in demand by employers. We also provide a mentorship program to match you with alumni working as information professionals to guide and support you in your educational and professional development. You graduate ready to pursue careers in settings ranging from academic institutions and government agencies to public libraries and non-profit organizations.
St. John’s is one of only seven institutions on the East Coast offering a 100-percent-online master’s degree in library science accredited by the ALA.
“I couldn’t ask for better professors and mentors. I have felt so cared for by the MSLIS faculty. I have been able to call and email them and get very quick responses. I have developed a real sense of urgency for digital literacy. The MSLIS program has helped me understand how underserved so many people and communities are and it has really made me think about where I want to give my future talents. I have wanted to be a librarian since I was a little girl. I want to advocate for those who need access, and I look forward to a lifetime of giving back as a librarian.”
– Stephanie Hilfiker, High School English Teacher
Youth Services specialization
Choose From Five Specializations
Take your career in a new direction by choosing one of five M.S.L.I.S. specializations:
Explore Our Online Library and Information Science Certificates
Steady Growth for Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities for librarians are projected to grow steadily from 2023 to 2033, with up to 4,200 new jobs available. Librarians earn a median annual salary of $64,370 and can earn even more by specializing in a specific information science discipline.1
As an M.S.L.I.S. graduate, you gain the leadership skills to help a variety of patrons and clients fulfill their information needs. Depending on your specialization, you can prepare for career roles like these:
| Reference Librarian | Information Analyst | Information Architect | Systems Analyst |
| Instructional Librarian | Web Developer | School Librarian | Research Analyst |
Top employers for graduates with a master’s degree in library and information science include:
- Government Agencies
- Public Libraries
- Higher Education/Corporate Training
- Financial Services
- Hospital, Medical, or Pharmaceutical Libraries
- Public and Broadcast Management Companies
Curriculum Aligned to Eight ALA Competencies
In this 36-credit, ALA-accredited curriculum, you not only expand your knowledge and gain comprehensive skills, but you get the chance to demonstrate them with an optional real-world internship in a library or other information center.
You complete your M.S.L.I.S. with a professional e-portfolio you can showcase to employers, built around these eight ALA core competencies:
- Develop an understanding of the foundations of the profession
- Gain familiarity with the range of information resources
- Demonstrate the ability to organize recorded knowledge and information
- Apply technological knowledge and skills to practice
- Utilize reference and user services
- Achieve expertise in research methods
- Experience continuing education and lifelong learning
- Employ key concepts of administration and management
This program also reflects St. John’s Vincentian values of compassion and zeal for service and prepares you to become a trusted source of information for under-served communities.
Explore the curriculumLearn From Expert, Field-Tested Faculty
You learn directly from faculty who are practicing professionals in the field. With their guidance, you explore the most up-to-date models of information access and delivery. You draw from their instruction and expertise to gain essential competencies, technology experience and training, and insights as you build your e-portfolio.
Meet your facultyLearn More About the M.S.L.I.S.
For more information on scholarships, internships, and career opportunities, visit the St. John’s Division of Library and Information Science blog.
Advance your information science career with an online M.S.L.I.S. from St. John’s University. Contact us at 844-393-1677 or request more information today!
Source
- Librarians and Library Media Specialists. (2024, August 29). Retrieved April 10, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm.