Library & Information Studies: Earn Your MLIS Degree Online

  • Master of Library and Information Studies
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of STEM Education & Professional Studies

In a world where accurate information is essential and technology is constantly changing, you can provide the keys to knowledge. With ODU's online Master of Library and Information Studies, you'll be ready to guide communities through research and learning.

Our MLIS program coursework is centered on leadership, social justice, and authentic practice. You'll graduate prepared to provide resources and services for increasingly diverse communities.

Your coursework will include community engagement, project-based learning, and internships.

* Do you have a teaching license? You can prepare for endorsement with our online MLIS with a concentration in School Librarianship.

The Master of Library and Information Studies Program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2028.

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Sally Meredith earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from ODUGlobal, focusing on Special Education and Library Information Science. Thanks to ODU’s flexible and supportive programs, she achieved her dreams and now makes a positive impact on her community. Watch her inspiring story!

    • 30 credit hours, including an internship

    Your coursework is project-based, which means you will be expected to spend time in a library for most courses. The internship is the capstone for the degree.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

    This program requires an internship.

“I needed flexibility. I needed to schedule school around my schedule. And the system at ODU worked well for me. The professors were amazing, and so were the staff members. The process really helped me with building relationships, and I directly used those strategies in my job. It was the best decision.” Learn more about Sally Meredith

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Sally Meredith is pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies through ODUGlobal.
Sally Meredith '24 Library & Information Studies
  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $620 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $642 per credit hour

    Virginia Public School educators may be eligible for a tuition discount of 25% per credit hour. Contact us for more details.

    Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

  • Scholarship Opportunities

    Social Good Scholarship: We applaud and lift our students who make a positive impact on their communities, such as teachers, counselors, law enforcement, and librarians. Recipients are awarded $1,000 in the first semester of enrollment.
    Learn more about the Social Good Scholarship

With an MLIS degree, you will be prepared for a career as an information specialist, librarian, or media specialist in areas such as:

  • public, school, and academic libraries
  • special focus libraries, such as law or health sciences
  • museums and archives
  • digital and physical knowledge collections
  • information technology
  • assessment and systems libraries

This degree program may meet educational requirements to be licensed as a teacher in Virginia.

Use these links to see if we have determined whether this program meets requirements in other states. If you live outside Virginia, we encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying to ODU.

If you have questions about how this degree can help you reach your career goals, please contact us using the form above.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • To apply, you should have a bachelor's degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Your bachelor's degree can be in any field.

    GRE/GMAT scores are not required, but may be requested.