School | Program | More Info |
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Syracuse University | Online MS in Library and Information Science
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University of Denver | Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
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St. John's University | Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
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Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) features the exclusive accredited library science graduate program in the state of Connecticut. The Master of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Students can often complete this program and/or certification within one to two years depending on prior academic experience.
Southern Connecticut State University is located in New Haven for those considering education at SCSU on campus. There are over 130,000 residents in the city of New Haven, which is the second-largest city in the state of Connecticut. Other top populations that also feature high librarian employment rates in the state include Bridgeport, Stamford, and Hartford.
Librarian directors are required to hold a Master's degree in library science. The ALA exclusively reviews Master's degrees and has recognized dozens of degrees across the United States. Having this accreditation from the ALA means that the program has been verified and matches the goals set by the organization.
Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Connecticut?
Yes, there are online library science degree programs in Connecticut. Students are able to pursue the Master's degree in library science conveniently online at SCSU. Courses are distributed in an asynchronous format. This means the student may work on course content at any time of the day in order to continue their professional work or other life obligations.
SCSCU features the MindEdge learning management system (LMS), which offers a unique self-paced method in addition to the asynchronous format. Students may complete courses on their own time and there is no requirement to complete a course in every semester. Each course takes approximately 3 to 10 hours to complete depending on entry-level and work experience.
List of the best campus-based and online CAEP, AASL, or ALA-Accredited library science degree programs in Connecticut
University | Degree Program | Accreditation | Format |
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Southern Connecticut University |
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) | ALA | Campus |
Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications
School | Program |
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Syracuse University Website |
Online MS in Library and Information Science
ALA-accredited. No GRE required to apply. School Media Specialization available. |
University of Denver Website |
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required. |
St. John's University Website |
Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited. Complete in as little as 2 years. |
University of West Alabama Website |
Online Master of Education in Library Media
Develop knowledge and skills in school library media with our online library media specialist degree. |
University of West Alabama Website |
Online Ed.D. Rural Education: Library Media
Explore the essential role of library media within rural schools and districts. |
In Depth Review of Top Connecticut MLIS Programs
Southern Connecticut State University's Master of Library and Information Science
The Department of Information and Library Science has a Master's degree within this discipline. Specializations are available in focusing studies toward a specific librarian role or as a school library media specialist. Students can choose the capstone project, which is a portfolio project, thesis paper, or comprehensive exam with additional elective.
There are two different graduate certifications for the School Library Media Specialist. A cross endorsement is available for certified teachers and the initial certification additionally provides the teaching certificate. An internship is required for the completion of this certification.
36 total credit hours are needed to complete the graduate program. Half of the curriculum features core subjects in fundamental library science topics, library management, and information organization. Concentration and/or electives account for 15 total credit hours, and the remainder is reserved for the capstone project.
Career Options in Library Media
The state of Connecticut has over 2,300 librarians and media collections specialists are represented according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the second-highest state in terms of employment in the New England region. Only Massachusetts has a higher amount, which is just over double the amount of Connecticut at 4,800 workers.
Digitized collections of artwork, newspapers, and items related to Connecticut history are available at the Connecticut Digital Archive Community. This organizations stores, organizes, and confirms accuracy for various records and copies this information for digital access. There are librarian positions that look for historical documents and have the skills necessary to preserve data in a digital format.
School Librarianship in Connecticut
There are various school and academic librarian positions to consider in the state of Connecticut. When available, positions may feature collection management for a specific age range, or developing specific services for youth and adults at a public library system. Some public library positions and school librarian jobs require specific state certification.
In Connecticut, school library licensure requires a teaching license. Completed education should feature a Master’s degree in library science or a school library media licensure. Both of these options are available at the ALA-accredited Southern Connecticut State University.
Connecticut Library Association
The Connecticut Library Association (CLA) was first established in 1891 and is headquartered in the city of Belchertown. This organizations takes part in advocacy for better library services in the state, workshops to improve professionals skills, and organizes an annual conference. Conferences offer established professionals to present innovations and experiences to others, and there is recognition of statewide achievement.
Memberships are distributed by individuals or institutions. They are also recognized by six different regions across the state. Dues are based on salary, student or professional level, or institutional budget. Members have the ability to join the New England Library Association (NELA) for additional benefits and connection to professionals in the librarian field.
Salary Estimates in Connecticut
Like many states in the Northeastern portion of the United States, salaries are above the countrywide average. The annual mean wage for librarians is $73,190 for those living in the state Connecticut according to the BLS. This can jump to above $105,000 for professionals in the top 10 percent of earners.
Many locations are around the statewide salary estimate, including the Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan areas. Two of the metropolitan areas that fall under the average are Norwich and Waterbury. Directorial positions will fall on the higher end of salary estimates and require the completion of a Master’s degree in an educational or librarian discipline.