Online Master of Library and Information Studies

Harness technology to encourage the free flow of information.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

The online Master of Library and Information Studies from OU Online empowers you to lead in the evolving world of information. As the only ALA-accredited master’s program in Oklahoma, this degree prepares you to thrive in librarianship, archival studies, data science, and emerging tech-driven specializations.

You’ll build a strong foundation in information science and gain the practical skills needed to succeed as a dynamic, forward-thinking professional in today’s knowledge economy.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

20+ Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

cost

The Master of Library and Information Studies delivers exceptional value, equipping you with the expertise to lead, innovate, and advance in your career. This degree opens doors to top-tier leadership roles and higher earning potential across libraries, archives, and information-driven industries.

This program does not offer flat-rate tuition. Based on residency status, tuition and fees total $18,446.40 for Oklahoma residents ($512.40 per credit hour) and $44,330.40 for non-residents ($1,231.40 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Online Master of Library and Information Studies

In today’s information-driven world, the ability to access, analyze, and apply information fuels personal growth, social progress, and economic development. As global connectivity expands and technology evolves, information professionals play a vital role in shaping how individuals, communities, and institutions engage with knowledge.

The OU Online Master of Library and Information Studies is a 36-credit-hour program that prepares you to lead in this fast-changing landscape. You’ll gain expertise in librarianship, archival studies, data science, and other in-demand specializations through Oklahoma’s only master’s program accredited by the American Library Association.

This program cultivates adaptable leaders who embrace cultural diversity, bridge generational and socioeconomic perspectives, and thrive in environments of constant change.

Lead, Curate, Connect: Your MLIS Career Path

Earning a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from the University of Oklahoma prepares you for career advancement in a variety of careers that rely on information organization, management, storage, access and use within for-profit and non-profit institutions. Accelerate your career in these areas:

Academic Librarian
Digital Asset Manager
Public Librarian
User Experience (UX) Librarian

Archivist
Data Curator
Knowledge Manager
Media Specialist

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $64,320
Job Outlook: Employment for librarians and library media specialists is expected to grow 3 percent by 2033.
Job Openings: 13,300 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the next decade

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: Core Competencies for Information Leaders

The University of Oklahoma’s online MLIS program meets the rising demand for professionals who can harness the power of information to drive personal, social, and economic progress.

This program empowers graduates to lead in today’s dynamic information landscape—developing expertise in organizing, managing, and preserving knowledge across digital and physical platforms. Students gain the skills to design inclusive information services, leverage emerging technologies, and support diverse communities through ethical and innovative practices.

Design and manage information systems and services that support equitable access, intellectual freedom, and lifelong learning.
Apply ethical and legal principles to the stewardship of information in libraries, archives, and digital environments.
Organize, curate, and preserve information resources using current metadata standards, classification systems, and digital tools.
Leverage emerging technologies and data science techniques to enhance information discovery, user experience, and decision-making.
Engage with diverse communities to assess information needs and deliver inclusive, culturally responsive services.
Demonstrate leadership and advocacy in promoting the role of information professionals in society.
Communicate effectively across professional contexts, translating complex information issues for varied audiences and stakeholders.

Course Details

The Master of Library and Information Studies offers a comprehensive overview of key topics related to the management and categorization of information in a variety of fields.

Students will also choose 18 hours of electives as determined by the School of Library and Information Studies.

Course Structure

You’ll earn 36 credit hours across 12 courses. You can expect a time commitment of 10-20 hours on average per week for two courses.

Management in Information Organizations

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to managerial principles and practices for information organizations such as libraries and archives, emphasizing financial administration, legal and ethical practices, organizational communication, operational efficiencies, personnel development, and planning processes.

Organization of Information

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the organization of internal and external sources of information, information services and tools, basic concepts of information storage and retrieval systems, and design and structure of information systems. Students will become familiar with organization methods such as classification, cataloging, taxonomies and metadata, and how the organization of information is connected to information retrieval.

Fundamentals of Information Technology

Credit Hours: 3

Students will learn the fundamentals of information technology concepts and applications, understand and utilize emerging technologies to meet society's rapidly changing information needs, and apply these in solving various information problems.

Information and Society

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to conceptual foundations of the information society, including the nature of data, information, and knowledge; the evolution of national and global organizational information infrastructures; and ethical, legal, and social considerations for LIS professionals.

Information Seeking and Use

Credit Hours: 3

The course teaches information seeking and use by people in various roles, situations, and contexts, individually and in groups. The course examines information behavior through psychological, sociological, and political perspectives, examining theory and applying it to practical, real-life information environments.

Research and Evaluation Methods

Credit Hours: 3

Methods of investigating library and information (LIS) problems; use of evaluation in planning for continuous quality assessment and improvement of LIS policies, processes, and procedures; development of original research designs; evaluation of research studies in LIS.

Why Choose OU Online for a Master of Library and Information Studies Degree

OU Online offers high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, online format from a top-tier public institution. Learn everything it takes to solve real-world problems that librarians and information professionals face. Practice what you learn by taking advantage of internship opportunities.

Faculty Expertise

The Master of Library and Information Studies is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your technical skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of librarians and information professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your career as a library and information professional.

Flexible Format

The Master of Library and Information Studies is delivered in a fully online, flexible format designed to meet the needs of working professionals worldwide. Earn your degree in as little as 20 months while balancing full-time employment and other commitments. Study from anywhere while gaining specialized museum management knowledge.

Tailored Experience

Progress through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share similar goals and interests in library and information studies. You’ll engage in online discussions with professors and fellow students while learning to thrive and networking in the information archiving industry.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your Master of Library and Information Studies is a powerful investment in your future, and OU Online is committed to making that investment clear and accessible.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Our dedicated financial services team will support you throughout every step of the funding process, allowing you to stay focused on your educational and career goals.

For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Transfer Credit

You can transfer up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework per Graduate College policy and with approval of the department.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online Master of Library and Information Studies program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent), with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Additional admissions factors may include work or service experience, demonstrated leadership potential, exceptional talents or skills, trends, or academic and undergraduate school performance improvement.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the online Master of Library and Information Studies program is selective. To apply for any graduate program at OU, we require graduation from an accredited four-year college with a 3.0 cumulative GPA over their undergraduate and/or graduate work (on a 4-point scale where 4.00 is an A).  Additional admissions factors may include work or service experience, demonstrated leadership potential, exceptional talents or skills, trends, or academic and undergraduate school performance improvement. Applicants must complete the following:

Complete an online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
Submit a current resume or CV
Provide official transcripts from all institutions attended
Personal Statement
Three professional letters of recommendation
International students must demonstrate English proficiency

NOTE RE: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Currently, we do not offer a pathway for international students to complete the MLIS degree online or in person. Our traditional MLIS program does not offer enough face-to-face courses to qualify students for a visa. Personal Statement Prompts The statement of purpose and goals is a one- to two-page essay stating your purpose and goals in applying to our program. In your statement, include:

The nature of your interest
How did you become interested in this field
Your short and long-term goals
The strengths you would bring to the information profession
How the OU program will help meet your career and educational objectives

Letters of Recommendation Applicants will be instructed to enter the name and email address of each recommender in the application. The recommender will then be sent an email with a link to upload a letter of recommendation. These recommenders should be persons familiar with the applicant’s scholastic or employment record. 

Application Timeline

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before the start of classes. However, some programs may have an earlier application deadline. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks of receiving a completed application. A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester's tuition.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, three professional letters of reference, and undergraduate transcripts.