Earn an Online Master of Library and Information Science from LSU
Develop graduate-level knowledge and skills aligned with professional practice in library and information science.
Explore core concepts and applied approaches for organizing, managing, and delivering information services.
Engage with coursework designed to prepare you for a range of information-focused professional environments.
ALA Accredited
The online Master of Library and Information Science program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
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Admissions
Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Apply by
May 11, 2026
Classes begin
May 25, 2026
Admission Requirements
Applicants must apply through the LSU Graduate School. All application materials must be received by the application deadlines. In addition to the LSU Graduate School required materials, the School of Information Studies requires applicants to provide:
- A resume
- A statement of purpose of at least 1,000 words that answers the following questions:
- Why do you want to earn an MLIS?
- What are your career goals and objectives?
- How will the degree help you achieve these goals?
Please note: MLIS does not require letters of recommendation.
The Graduate School's criteria for admission and probationary admission are shown below.
Admission
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- A grade-point average of at least 3.0 (“A”= 4.0) on all undergraduate work (or in the final 60 credit hours) and 3.0 on any graduate-level work
Probationary Admission
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- A grade-point average of at least 2.75 (“A”= 4.0) on the final 60 hours of undergraduate work and 3.0 on any graduate-level work
- Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.75 for the final 60 hours of undergraduate work must have completed a minimum of nine hours of graduate work with at least a 3.33 GPA to be considered for probationary admission
- Official GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing) no more than five years old of at least 300 composite and 3.5 writing. Other standardized graduate admissions exams will be considered (GMAT, MAT, LSAT, etc.)
- In your Statement of Purpose you must also address the reasons for your lack of achievement as an undergraduate and the reasons you believe you would succeed in the program
Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.
Flexible Schedule
Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.
No required login times
Complete coursework when it works for you
Stay on track with weekly goals
Perfect for full-time workers and parents
Tuition
LSU programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, helping you advance your career with predictable, affordable costs.
Tuition & Fees
- 36 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $560
- Cost per credit hour
- $20,160
- Total cost with fees
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
Academics
LSU Online is equipping students in the Online Master of Library and Information Science program to hone their practical skills in this knowledge-intensive field.
What Will I Learn?
The online MLIS degree offers a solid foundation in information management, organization, and research. Students will be prepared to excel in a diverse range of information science careers. Electives help to further hone students’ skills in a specific area of their choosing.
Students in the Master of Library & Information Science will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Be able to describe and identify political, social, legal, and ethical issues related to the role of information in society. This encompasses information creation, access, and use by individuals and groups in real-world settings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of information technologies. Appropriate information technologies encompass theories and tools in the context of library and information services.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize research literature in LIS and other disciplines.
- Be able to describe and evaluate information services that reflect and respond to the needs of diverse constituencies. Information services include but are not restricted to collection, organization, description, dissemination of information, programming, and outreach.
Why Choose This Program?
Our MLIS is the only ALA-accredited program in Louisiana. It has also maintained accreditation since 1931. For over 90 years, the comprehensive MLIS program has provided students with the knowledge and experience to excel in their careers. Courses are taught by expert faculty, and graduates themselves become respected leaders in the LIS field. Additionally, students also can complete a graduate certificate while they earn their online Master of Library and Information Science.
Courses
| Program Core | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 7000: Information & Society |
3 |
LIS 7004: Management of Information Organizations |
3 |
LIS 7008: Information Technologies and Systems |
3 |
LIS 7009: Understanding Research |
3 |
LIS 7010: Organization of Information |
3 |
LIS 7011: Information Behavior |
3 |
Students can select a total of 6 electives (18 credit hours) that best suit their career interests from among the seven focused elective groups below. Students may take courses from one area or multiple areas.
| General Librarianship Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 7002: Information Resources |
3 |
LIS 7100: Youth Services Librarianship |
3 |
LIS 7110: Adult Services Librarianship |
3 |
LIS 7401: Academic Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7404: Health Sciences Information Centers |
3 |
LIS 7410: Digital Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7608: Introduction to Cataloging and Classification |
3 |
LIS 7800: The Art & Practice of Library Storytelling |
3 |
LIS 7807: Information Literacy Instruction |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
| Academic Librarianship Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 7002: Information Resources |
3 |
LIS 7401: Academic Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7408: Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles & Practice |
3 |
LIS 7410: Digital Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7608: Introduction to Cataloging and Classification |
3 |
LIS 7807: Information Literacy Instruction |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
| Public Librarianship Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 7002: Information Resources |
3 |
LIS 7100: Youth Services Librarianship |
3 |
LIS 7110: Adult Services Librarianship |
3 |
LIS 7405: Public Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7800: The Art & Practice of Library Storytelling |
3 |
LIS 7807: Information Literacy Instruction |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
| Archival Studies Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 7408: Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles & Practice |
3 |
LIS 7410: Digital Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7504: Preservation Management of Physical Records |
3 |
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation |
3 |
LIS 7506: Preservation & Digitization of Audiovisual Materials |
3 |
LIS 7702: Seminar in Archival Appraisal |
3 |
LIS 7703: Advanced Seminar in Archival Studies |
3 |
LIS 7704: Archival Arrangement & Description |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
| Cultural Heritage Resource Management Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 7408: Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles & Practice |
3 |
LIS 7410: Digital Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7504: Preservation Management of Physical Records |
3 |
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation |
3 |
LIS 7506: Preservation & Digitization of Audiovisual Materials |
3 |
LIS 7608: Introduction to Cataloging and Classification |
3 |
LIS 7700: History & Theory of Cultural Heritage Institutions |
3 |
LIS 7705: Introduction to Museum Management |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
| Records and Information Management Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 4511: Information Architecture |
3 |
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation |
3 |
LIS 7508: Management of Knowledge-based Assets in Organizations |
3 |
LIS 7604: Principles of Records Management |
3 |
LIS 7612: Information Governance |
3 |
LIS 7618: e-Discovery |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
| Digital Content Management Focused Electives | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LIS 4511: Information Architecture |
3 |
LIS 7505: Introduction to Digital Curation |
3 |
LIS 7410: Digital Libraries |
3 |
LIS 7506: Preservation & Digitization of Audiovisual Materials |
3 |
LIS 7508: Management of Knowledge-based Assets in Organizations |
3 |
LIS 7900: Internship in Library & Information Science |
1-3 |
LIS 7909: Directed Independent Study |
1-3 |
Testimonials
"The MLIS program is based on nearly 90 years of academic and instructional excellence. The faculty bring their research and professional expertise to provide a unique applied learning experience. Graduates are respected leaders in their fields and remain engaged with the LSU School of Information Studies."
Careers
Career Opportunities
A broad range of career opportunities are open to graduates of the Online MLIS program. Many graduates go into the field of librarianship, working in public, corporate, academic, and school libraries. But the MLIS degree also gives you the flexibility to explore a variety of careers.
Selected Positions:
- Acquisitions Librarian
- Children’s Librarian
- Government Documents Librarian
- Law Librarian
- Reference Librarian
- Technical Services Librarian
- Young Adults Librarian
- Bibliographer
- Indexer
- Abstractor
- Archivist
- Processing Archivist
- Manuscript Curator
- Records Analyst
- Records Manager
- Museum Librarian
- Museum Registrar
- Preservationist/Conservator
- Antiquarian Book Specialist
- Genealogical Researcher
- Ontologist
- Taxonomist/Thesaurus Developer
- Metadata Specialist
- Commercial Records Center Manager
- Digital Projects Researcher
- Document Manager/Analyst
- Electronic/Digital Resources Cataloger
- Imaging Specialist
- Micrographics Specialist
- Information Manager
- Information Resource Manager
- Public Records Researcher
- Usability Specialist
- Data Miner
- Reprography Specialist
- Visual Resource Specialist
- Book (or Serials) Vendor Representative
- Grey Literature Specialist
- Hypermedia Products Developer
- Electronic Document Professional
- Forms Management
