Library Sciences

    Master of Library Sciences at University of Kentucky

    Master of Library Sciences at University of Kentucky

    Study Library Sciences at University of Kentucky, a Master degree offered at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 2 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 21, 2026.

    About Master of Library Sciences

    Have you considered a career as a librarian or information professional? Or perhaps you having been working in a library and are ready to take the next step in your career?  At the University of Kentucky’s School of Information Science, we offer courses to help you grow as a public, academic, school or even health sciences librarian. There are only a number of library schools with ALA-accredited (**continued accreditation) programs, and a few still that offer the Master’s in Library Science (MLS, MSLS, etc.) fully online. Graduate students in the Library & Information Science (LIS) program at UK SIS have the opportunity to earn their degree online and in as little as 36 credit hours. We pride ourselves on offering unique opportunities to our graduate students, including:

    • In-state/Resident tuition rates for online learners (see current rates here) cuts cost of a graduate degree significantly for distance students
    • Asynchronous online classes allow students a flexible, individualized schedule, and students may take classes full-time or part-time to meet the degree requirements
    • Practicum and Study Abroad possibilities as part of student’s credit hours
    • School Librarian Certification for students pursuing a career in school libraries or media centers
    • Chance to apply for an Alternative Spring Break internship position in Washington D.C. at places like the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, or the Smithsonian Libraries
    *A Top 5 U.S. News & World Report ranking in Health Librarianship and  top 25 overall.

    Disciplines

    College of Communication and Information

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Library Sciences at University of Kentucky

    Entry Requirements

    • Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
    • An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
    • Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
    • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
    • Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Library Sciences

    As part of the iSchool for the University of Kentucky, we're committed to growing the information field.

    We offer concentration areas in:

    • Academic Libraries (with both a public services path and a technical services path)
    • Health Information
    • Information Systems
    • Public Libraries
    • School Librarian Program*
    • Youth Services and Literature
    • Generalist (for students who want to forge a degree plan based on their professional aspirations)

    *The School Librarian Program allows for concurrent school media certification/rank change. See here for more details.

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 75

    How to Apply

    1. Complete UK Graduate Application

    2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)

    3. Official transcripts in English 

    4. English proficiency directly from testing center:

    • TOEFL: 79 iBT
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • Duolingo: 115

    Deadline to Apply

    • April 15 for Fall semester 
    • August 22 for Spring semester
    • Some programs have earlier deadlines
    Master of Library Sciences at University of Kentucky
    University of Kentucky
    University of Kentucky
    United States of America

    United States of America, Lexington

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