Online Master’s in Library and Information Science

Earn an ALA-Accredited MLIS Degree in As Few as 21 Months

  • Flexibility: Live classes and coursework are accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Highly Engaged Faculty: One-on-one faculty support from top academic leaders and practitioners in the field who are dedicated to your success.
  • Start Now: No GRE required. We offer four start dates a year; graduate in as few as 21 months.

The ALA-Accredited Online Master’s in Library and Information Science

Access to information is one of the most powerful means by which communities, organizations and individuals evolve. Through MLIS@Denver, the online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education, you’ll develop the practical skills to understand, communicate and improve the connections between information, people and ideas.

Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), the online master’s program will prepare you for careers in a variety of settings, including public, academic and specialized libraries, as well as business and corporate settings where managing information is essential to the work.

ALA-
Accredited Program

Finish in as Few as 21 Months

1:1 Mentorship from
Decorated Faculty

Archiving Focus Available

Online Master of Library and Information Science Program at a Glance

Program AttributeDetails
Accreditation
ALA-accredited (American Library Association)
Total Credits
58 quarter credit hours (19 courses)
Estimated Timeline
As few as 21 months
GRE Requirement
Not required
Learning Format
Online with live, synchronous classes
Concentrations
Academic Libraries; optional Archiving focus
Culminating Experience
Choice of Capstone Project or Internship

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Online Master’s in Library and Information Science Curriculum

The MLIS@Denver curriculum focuses on 21st-century information science and data management techniques, trends and application. As a student, you will build core theory and practice skills needed to manage and adapt to change, helping you carve out a role as an information leader in your community or organization.

Academic Libraries Concentration

Academic Libraries Concentration now available for MLIS@Denver students.* The concentration prepares future academic librarians for various roles, from providing instructional and research support to faculty and students to managing institutional repositories.

At many institutions of higher education, academic librarians in tenure-track positions are expected to conduct research, present at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. The proposed concentration provides the essential skills and knowledge for the academic library professional roles and prepares future researcher-practitioners for conducting research and evidence-based library practice. 

*Only students beginning the program in or after the September 2025 term are eligible to opt in to the Academic Libraries concentration.

Archiving Sequence

As part of the online program, we also offer an optional three-course sequence in archiving. These courses will allow you to deepen your understanding of how to:

Manage Records and Archives

Oversee Digitization Projects

Keep Digital
Collections

As a Morgridge College of Education student, you will also learn to see these skill sets through a social-justice-focused lens. Since the archivist profession can be practiced in many types of industries and fields, the archiving sequence will help you stand out to effect positive change and serve as a steward of your community’s history.

Learn more about our archiving courses and the job outlook for archivists.

Learning Objectives

Throughout your time as a student in the MLIS@Denver program from Morgridge College, you will learn to identify and respond to the current information challenges and opportunities of your field. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to:

  • promote intellectual freedom in a variety of information access situations

  • apply the value of teaching, service, research and professional development to the advancement of the field and your own career plans

  • distinguish and apply emerging approaches to the organization of information

  • analyze the interaction of individuals and social factors within information settings

  • identify, evaluate, synthesize and disseminate information for a variety of communities and users

  • improve the interactions between information users and information resources
  • apply current theories and practices to the creation, administration, and assessment of services

  • demonstrate a thorough understanding of current information technologies

  • communicate professionally and incorporate respect for diversity into practice

  • characterize historical, current and emerging aspects of information organizations and information producers

  • critique and construct library, archive and information science research

  • defend library and information science professional ethics and values

Through group-based learning sessions, personal mentorship from dedicated faculty and guided real-world experiences, you will learn to effectively connect people to information and expand users’ understanding in community and global settings.

MLIS@Denver Course of Study

19 Courses | 21–27 Months to Complete | 1 Capstone or Internship Required

The curriculum consists of 19 courses totaling 58 quarter credit hours and can be completed in 21–27 months on a full- or part-time basis. You will have the choice to culminate your course of study with either a capstone experience demonstrating your ability to integrate and synthesize your master’s coursework, or a 75-hour guided internship applying theoretical classroom lessons in a supervised work environment.

You will also have the option to participate in two optional immersion experiences where you can meet classmates and professors face-to-face and engage in challenging experiential learning exercises.

View the full list of courses and course descriptions.

An ALA-Accredited Program

The online Master of Library and Information Science from Morgridge College is fully accredited by the American Library Association, the oldest and largest library association in the world.

Because many employers require an ALA-accredited master’s degree for professional level positions, and some states require an ALA-accredited degree to work as a professional librarian, graduating from an accredited program can offer greater career flexibility and mobility.1

The final deadline for the September 2026 cohort is July 10, 2026.

Get Started Now

Start building the skills to improve information access in your organization or community.
Connect with an admission counselor to get started.

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Access Your Application

Promote positive change through the power of learning. Take the next step today.

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Careers With a Master’s in Library and Information Science

While librarianship is certainly one of the career paths available to MLIS@Denver graduates, it is by no means the only professional path you will be prepared to pursue upon graduation. With a focus on real-world application of data and information skills, MLIS@Denver prepares graduates to serve in library settings of all kinds, digital archive roles, community management positions, and business and corporate settings alike.

What Are the Career Paths for Library Science Graduates?

The MLIS degree is ideal for individuals from a wide range of fields who are interested in using information to connect with and empower individuals and communities. Some of the most common careers graduates pursue include:

  • Data curation expert
  • Digital library manager
  • Web designer
  • Digital archivist
  • Community outreach specialist
  • Information literacy architect
  • Librarian
  • Researcher
  • Museum archivist
  • Metadata analyst
  • Information broker
  • Business research specialist

Additional Career Paths for Academic Libraries Concentration Graduates:

  • College or University Libraries

For more detailed information, visit our Careers page.

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Job Outlook for Library Science Graduates

Graduates from Morgridge College’s on-campus MLIS program have gone on to pursue positions in a variety of career settings:

28%

Academic Libraries

24%

Public Libraries

12%

Information Technology

8%

Archives

8%

Law Libraries

8%

Unknown

4%

Special Libraries

Source: Morgridge College of Education LIS Program Data

MLIS@Denver Admission Overview

At Morgridge College of Education, we seek curious and driven individuals who believe in the power of information to better the world around us. We offer start dates four times per year in January, March, June and September and accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Scholarship opportunities are available, contact your enrollment team for more details.

Learn more about MLIS@Denver admission and application requirements.

Apply Now

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A Robust Online Learning Experience

One of the great benefits of earning your degree from Morgridge College of Education is its engaged community built on close relationships between faculty and students. MLIS@Denver takes advantage of a flipped classroom model in which you will complete video coursework taught by MCE’s leading faculty throughout the week and then meet in small online class sessions weekly to discuss the week’s material.

The Online Campus

Our online campus gives you access to coursework, resources, classmates and support 24/7 from any desktop or mobile device.

Live Class Technology

Live weekly classes are hosted via HD streaming video, which brings you face-to-face with faculty and peers in small collaborative groups.

Learn more about the experience of learning online at Morgridge College.

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Highly Engaged Faculty

MLIS@Denver faculty remain highly engaged with students and their communities, providing hands-on guidance to libraries and information resources. Professors care deeply about your short- and long-term success and will work with you one-on-one to support your development. You will learn from not only top academic leaders in the field but also current practitioners who are making an impact in their communities.

Meet our faculty and learn more about their backgrounds.

Access Your Application

Promote positive change through the power of learning. Take the next step today.

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FAQs About the Online Master’s in Library and Information Science

  • Yes, the Morgridge College of Education offers a library science track that is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Denver is home to one of approximately 50 online programs in the nation to hold this prestigious accreditation, ensuring your degree meets the highest professional standards. Because the program is held to the same standards as on-campus study, you receive a rigorous education that prepares you for leadership in the field.

  • The most important factor is ensuring your program is ALA-accredited, as this is the standard most employers require for professional roles. While the prestige of an institution can be a factor, many employers prioritize candidates who have practical work experience, strong professional networks and specific technical skills. Choosing a program like the one at the University of Denver allows you to gain a high-quality education while building the local connections necessary for your career.

  • For those aiming to become professional librarians, archivists or information specialists, this degree is typically a requirement for career advancement and higher salary potential. The field offers stable, meaningful work across diverse sectors including technology, government and academia. It is important to weigh the investment against your career goals to ensure the specialized training aligns with your professional aspirations.

  • The University of Denver offers a premium, high-touch experience that distinguishes it from lower-cost, high-enrollment alternatives. While more affordable programs may emphasize low tuition, the Morgridge College of Education focuses on personalized mentorship, small class sizes and a rapid completion timeline. This model is designed for students who value direct interaction with faculty and a structured, supportive environment.

  • Both degrees offer strong prospects, but they often cater to different career interests. A Master of Library Science (MLS) is a traditional path typically centered on roles in public or academic libraries. A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) often provides a broader foundation, preparing graduates for roles in digital information fields and data management.

  • Most professional positions require a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program. Graduating from an accredited track significantly enhances your career mobility and provides greater flexibility in the types of jobs you can pursue. While an information science degree is valuable, checking for ALA accreditation is essential if your goal is to work in a traditional library setting.

  • A master’s degree in this field prepares you to organize, manage and preserve vital information for a variety of organizations. Beyond traditional library careers, graduates often find success as:  
    – Digital archivists   
    – Metadata specialists   
    – Information architects   
    – Knowledge managers   
    – Data curators

  • Denver offers specialized, ALA-accredited pathways that cover areas such as archival records, data management and digital libraries. While it features many of the same core subjects as other programs, formal concentrations like “School Library Media” are not explicitly listed in the online program description. The curriculum is designed to be versatile, allowing you to tailor your studies to public, academic or digital library roles.

  • The program is built for efficiency and can be completed in as few as 21 months. To earn your degree, you will complete 58 quarter credit hours of coursework and practical training. You can review the full Master of Library and Information Science curriculum to see how the credit requirements are distributed across the program.

  • The program primarily features synchronous classes, meaning you will meet with faculty and peers in real time via Zoom. This interactive approach emphasizes live discussion and collaboration, which is combined with on-demand activities you complete on your own schedule. This high-touch model ensures you stay connected to the university community regardless of your location.

  • The distinction often comes down to the focus of the curation. Library science typically emphasizes library-specific cataloging, user services and traditional curation. Information science tends to lean toward tech-driven data management, systems design and user experience. Many modern roles use these terms interchangeably, but an MLIS degree often bridges the gap between both worlds.

  • Admissions committees look for letters that highlight your intellectual curiosity and potential for academic success. Strong recommendations provide specific examples of your research abilities, technical skills and professional aptitude in managing information. Choosing references who can speak to your ability to work independently will strengthen your application.

  • To get the most out of your degree, prioritize hands-on experience through volunteering or internships. Networking through professional organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) and building relationships with faculty mentors can provide a significant competitive edge. Focusing on a specialized area, such as law or archives, can also help you stand out in the job market.

  • The best way to prepare is to gain practical experience in support roles or internships while you are still in school. You should also focus on enhancing your technical skills, particularly with ILS/LMS platforms and digital archiving tools. Tailoring your résumé to highlight relevant experience in information literacy and customer service will help you appeal to a wide range of employers.

University of Denver partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. University of Denver has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

1American Library Association Accreditation FAQ  arrow_upward