Why ODU for School Librarianship?

In a world where accurate information is essential and technology is constantly changing, you can help students find keys to knowledge.

With ODU's online MLIS and a concentration in School Librarianship, you can enhance your teaching credentials with an endorsement in school librarianship, grades K-12.

ODU is proud to emphasize cultural responsiveness. You'll learn skills to provide resources and services for increasingly diverse communities. You'll be prepared to start a rewarding career as a school librarian or media specialist.

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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Program Information

Total
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.

Visit the catalog for additional degree requirements

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.

Total
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.

Visit the catalog for additional degree requirements

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.

Careers

An MLIS degree prepares you for careers as an information specialist, librarian, or media specialist in areas such as:

  • public 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
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Growth
2.9%
Median Salary
$64,370
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
4.2%
Median Salary
$80,310

What do our students say?

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. 

Sally Meredith '24
Library & Information Studies
Learn more about Sally
Play Sally Meredith

Providing Valuable Resources

With our MLIS degree and concentration in School Librarianship, licensed teachers will be prepared for endorsement as a school librarian/media specialist.

You will provide valuable services in public and private school libraries, such as:

  • managing digital and physical information collections
  • connecting students to information resources
  • assessing information technology and knowledge systems
  • guiding students in their research and selection of information resources

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
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.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities

Social Good Scholarship: We applaud and lift our undergraduate students who make a positive impact on their communities, such as teachers, counselors, law enforcement, and more. Recipients are awarded $3,000 in the first semester of enrollment.

Learn More about the Social Good Scholarship

Library and Information Studies Program News

MLIS student Evan Dorman (right) talks about his research with visitors at a poster session.
Graduate Evan Dorman Focuses on Accessibility in Libraries
When Evan Dorman enrolled in ODU's online MLIS program, he didn't know he'd grow passionate about accessibility for people with disabilities.
Read More
Sally Meredith is pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies with ODUGlobal.
A Full-Circle Journey: ODU Graduate Following Childhood Passion of Books
With one degree in hand from Old Dominion University, Sally Meredith is closing in on a master's degree and a career change through ODUGlobal.
Read More

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

To apply, you must hold a Virginia Collegiate Professional License or an equivalent license from another state. You also need a bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

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

If you want to teach but don't have a teaching license, please apply to our regular online MLIS program. You may need additional coursework and testing to prepare for licensure.

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