Best ALA Accredited Online MLS Programs in 2026: Our Top Picks

Key Takeaways:

• ALA accreditation is the gold standard for library science master’s degrees, and most professional librarian roles require it.
• Programs on this list range from around $11,700 to $30,600 in estimated total cost, offering real options across a range of budgets.
• Earning your MLS online does not reduce your employment prospects: employers focus on accreditation status, not delivery format.

Choosing an online library science program is one of the most important decisions you will make on the path to becoming a librarian. ALA accreditation signals that a program meets rigorous standards set by the American Library Association, and most public, academic, and school library positions require it as a baseline credential. GetEducated has compiled this list of online MLS programs with ALA accreditation to help you compare your options with confidence, without the hours of back-and-forth research. Whether you are starting fresh or returning to school mid-career, the online master’s in library science degrees below are worth a close look.

ALA Accredited Online MLS Programs Worth Comparing

From roughly $11,700 to around $30,600 in estimated total out-of-pocket cost, these programs cover a wide range of budgets and regional accreditations. All hold ALA accreditation, which is the credential that opens the door to professional librarian roles across school, public, and academic settings. Check if your target employer or state requires additional licensure or certification beyond the degree.

University of Kentucky: Master of Library Science

The University of Kentucky’s online MLS is a well-regarded program from a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredited institution. The program holds ALA accreditation and prepares graduates for roles in public, school, and academic libraries.

• Credits: 36
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

Strong career services and an active alumni network give UK’s program a practical edge. Visit UK’s tuition page for current per-credit costs.

Valdosta State University: Master of Library & Information Science

Valdosta State’s MLIS is one of the most affordable ALA-accredited options in the country, making it a standout for cost-conscious students. The program is accredited by both ALA and CAEP, and is delivered entirely online.

• Credits: 39
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, CAEP, SACSCOC

Graduates from Valdosta’s MLIS are well-positioned for public library and school library roles across the Southeast. Check VSU’s tuition schedule for the latest rates.

The University of Alabama: Master of Library & Information Studies

Alabama’s MLIS program blends strong library science fundamentals with practical experience opportunities. It is ALA-accredited and offered through one of the region’s most recognized research universities.

• Credits: 36
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

The program includes optional specializations in school librarianship, public libraries, and archives.

Louisiana State University: Master of Library & Information Science

LSU’s ALA-accredited MLIS is offered through the School of Library & Information Science and covers foundational and emerging areas of the profession, including digital resources, metadata, and information services.

• Credits: 36
• Format: Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

LSU is a flagship research institution, and its MLIS carries significant name recognition in the Gulf South region. Visit LSU’s MLIS cost page for full tuition details.

Old Dominion University: Master of Library & Information Studies

Old Dominion’s MLIS is one of the shorter programs on this list at 30 credits, which can reduce time-to-completion and overall cost. The program is fully online and ALA-accredited.

• Credits: 30
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

If you are already working in a library setting, ODU’s program is designed to accommodate working professionals. See ODU’s graduate cost page for current tuition rates.

University of Missouri-Columbia: Master of Library & Information Science

Mizzou’s MLIS is dual-accredited by ALA and CAEP, offering a strong academic foundation for both library professionals and future school librarians. The program is fully online and designed for working adults.

• Credits: 39
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, CAEP, HLC

The University of Missouri is a member of the Association of American Universities, lending additional prestige to the credential. Visit Mizzou’s MLIS financial page for cost details.

San Jose State University: Master of Library & Information Science

SJSU’s iSchool MLIS is one of the largest and most recognized ALA-accredited online library science programs in the country. Delivered through the nationally ranked iSchool, it attracts students from across the U.S. and internationally.

• Credits: 43
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, WASC

Concentrations include academic libraries, teen services, school librarianship, and data science, giving students flexibility to tailor their degree. Check SJSU iSchool’s fee page for program-specific tuition.

University of South Carolina-Columbia: Master of Library & Information Science

USC Columbia’s MLIS is offered by a program with a long-standing reputation and ALA accreditation. The curriculum covers core library competencies alongside emerging areas like data curation and digital preservation.

• Credits: 36
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

South Carolina residents benefit from in-state tuition rates, making this an especially strong value. See USC’s MLIS program page for tuition details.

University of Southern Mississippi: Master of Library & Information Science

Southern Miss offers an ALA-accredited MLIS that is fully online and dual-accredited with CAEP, which can be useful for students pursuing school librarian certification. The program is designed to be completed while working full-time.

• Credits: 40
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree
• Accreditation: ALA, CAEP, SACSCOC

The program’s affordability and flexible scheduling make it a practical choice for mid-career professionals.

Indiana University Online: Master of Library & Information Science (IUPUI)

Indiana University’s online MLIS is offered through IUPUI’s well-regarded School of Informatics and Computing. The program is ALA-accredited and has produced graduates who go on to work in libraries, archives, and information management roles across the country.

• Credits: 39
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, HLC

IU’s strong research culture and broad alumni network can be an asset when navigating your job search after graduation. Check IU’s cost calculator for per-credit estimates.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro: Master of Library & Information Studies

UNCG’s MLIS is fully online and ALA-accredited, offered through the Department of Library and Information Studies. In-state tuition is significantly lower than the out-of-state rate, making it one of the most competitive options for North Carolina residents.

• Credits: 36
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

The program has strong ties to regional library networks, which can support practicum placements and job searches. Visit UNCG’s tuition page for both in-state and out-of-state rates.

Pennsylvania Western University: Master of Science in Library Science

PennWest’s MS in Library Science is ALA-accredited and offered through one of Pennsylvania’s state university system schools, keeping tuition reasonably priced relative to many private programs. The program is fully online and designed for working professionals.

• Credits: 36
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, MSCHE

PennWest’s program is a solid option for students in the mid-Atlantic region seeking an ALA credential at a public university price. Check the PennWest tuition calculator for current estimates.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Master of Library & Information Science

UWM’s MLIS is fully online and ALA-accredited, offered through the School of Information Studies. The program draws on Wisconsin’s strong tradition of public service and community-focused library work.

• Credits: 36
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2.75 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, HLC

UWM has a slightly lower minimum GPA requirement than many peer programs, which can benefit applicants with non-traditional academic backgrounds. Visit UWM’s online programs page for tuition information.

Texas Woman’s University: Master of Library Science

TWU’s MLS is a fully online, ALA-accredited program with a long history of preparing library professionals for diverse settings. In-state tuition is considerably lower than the out-of-state rate, which makes it a particularly strong value for Texas residents.

• Credits: 36
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, SACSCOC

TWU has developed a strong reputation in school and youth services librarianship. Visit TWU’s catalog page for the most current tuition figures.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Master of Arts in Library & Information Studies

UW-Madison’s MALIS is offered mostly online through the iSchool and carries both ALA accreditation and the prestige of one of the country’s top public research universities. The program emphasizes critical thinking in information access, digital libraries, and community engagement.

• Credits: 36
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: ALA, HLC

For students who value institutional reputation alongside program quality, UW-Madison’s MALIS is hard to overlook.

ALA Accredited Online MLS Programs FAQ

These are the questions prospective students ask most often about ALA accredited online MLS programs. If you are just starting your research, this section will help you get oriented quickly.

What does ALA accreditation mean for an MLS program?

ALA accreditation means the program has been reviewed and approved by the American Library Association, the profession’s primary accrediting body for graduate library education. Programs must demonstrate rigorous curriculum standards, qualified faculty, and outcomes that prepare graduates for professional practice. Most public libraries, academic libraries, and school library systems require an ALA-accredited degree for professional-level positions. Graduating from a non-accredited program can limit your eligibility for many jobs, regardless of how strong the coursework was.

What is the difference between an MLS, MLIS, and MSLIS?

The degree names vary by school, but they generally refer to the same professional credential: a graduate-level library science degree. MLS stands for Master of Library Science, MLIS for Master of Library and Information Science, and MSLIS for Master of Science in Library and Information Science. What matters most is ALA accreditation, not the specific title on your diploma. You can also browse a broader directory of online library science degrees at all levels to compare your options.

How much do librarians earn after completing an ALA accredited MLS?

The median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $64,320 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 13,500 openings expected each year on average, largely driven by retirements and workforce transitions. Salaries vary by setting: academic and federal library roles tend to pay more, while smaller public library systems can fall below the median. Specialization in areas like data curation, digital preservation, or law librarianship can push earnings higher.

Is an online ALA accredited MLS program treated the same as an on-campus one by employers?

Generally, yes. Employer acceptance of online library science degrees has grown considerably, particularly when the degree carries ALA accreditation. Hiring managers in most library settings focus on accreditation status, relevant experience, and specialization, not whether coursework was completed on a campus or remotely. If you are targeting a specific institution as an employer, it is always worth a quick check of their posted job requirements to confirm they do not specify on-campus training.

How long does it take to finish an online MLS program?

Most ALA accredited MLS programs can be completed in two years of full-time study, or three to four years for students attending part-time. Credit requirements across the programs on this list range from 30 to 43 credits. Students who already hold relevant professional experience may find that prior learning assessments or portfolio options at some schools can shorten the path.

Do I need to take the GRE to apply to an online MLS program?

Requirements vary by program, but many ALA-accredited online MLS programs have dropped the GRE requirement in recent years. Most schools listed here require a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA, typically 3.0, as the primary admissions criteria. Check individual program pages for the most current requirements, since policies can change from one admissions cycle to the next.

Start Your Library Career with the Right MLS Program

Finding the right ALA accredited MLS program online comes down to matching cost, format, and specialization to where you want your career to go. The 15 programs above represent some of the strongest and most affordable options in the country, all carrying the accreditation that hiring managers look for. You can dig deeper with GetEducated’s ranking of affordable online library science master’s degrees or explore what MLS careers look like after graduation. The best next step is reviewing two or three programs that fit your budget and reaching out to their admissions teams with your specific questions.