by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 102 U.S. colleges awarded 7,346 degrees and certificates in Library Science. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 95% of graduates. College Factual ranks 83 schools in its 2027 Best Library Science Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $48,696 one year after completing, rising to $56,724 after four years.
Library Science majors study the science of information: they learn how to classify, catalog, store and retrieve vast amounts of data. A major in this field of study can be very valuable in the information age. How do you know if the information that is found is reliable and accurate? What type of resource is acceptable for a research paper? Librarians are the people we turn to for answers to these questions.
In your Library Science courses you will deal with many types of media such as books, academic journals, data bases, magazines, newspapers, and websites. Your classes will teach you how to catalogue and classify materials, analyze literature, conduct and write research papers, and develop databases of information.
A major in Library Science covers Library Science. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Knowledge And Skills Required For Managing And/or Maintaining Libraries And Related Information And Record Systems, Collections And Facilities For Research And General Use.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., library science is a widely-pursued major, with 7,346 degrees awarded annually. 102 colleges award library science degrees, an average of 72 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 846.
By level, the 7,346 awards include 38 certificates, 200 associate degrees, 105 bachelor’s degrees, 6,973 master’s degrees and 15 doctorates.
Women earned 83% of library science degrees and certificates in the latest year (6,087 of 7,346). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (5,049) and Hispanic or Latino (1,013), and international students earned 114.
College Factual ranks 83 schools in its 2027 Best Library Science Schools ranking, including 12 for associate degrees, 5 for bachelor’s degrees and 62 for master’s degrees. It also ranks library science schools within 5 states. In all, 102 colleges offer library science programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Library Science Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common library science credential is the master’s degree: 6,973 of the 7,346 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to library science call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Speaking, and for knowledge of English Language, Customer and Personal Service and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
If your end goal is becoming a librarian you should be prepared to work with all different types of people. Being patient and caring will help you as you assist everyone from young children to retired adults find the books or information they are looking for.
Librarian Science majors should also be comfortable working with technology. Librarians need to be constantly learning and adapting to changes in technology. Data bases will become more advanced and online resources more adept. Librarians should be able to determine which websites are academically accurate and which ones can be ignored.
Librarians are organized, creative and detail oriented. Be ready to think of new ways to find information, as well as design displays and run programs to generate interest in the library. You will develop advanced communication skills in writing, reading, and speaking.
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How long a library science degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 38 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 200 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 105 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 6,973 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 15 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to library science, at 32.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 32.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 23.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 20.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.7% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 2.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.8% |
Source: O*NET Online.
11 occupations are related to Library Science, with an average median salary of $98,821; the strongest outlook belongs to Compliance Managers, at 13.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include College Professor, Associate Professor, Medical Records Library Professor and Instructor.
In order to become a certified librarian you must obtain your Masters in Library Science. Librarians are found in elementary school, college and public libraries, but also work for law firms, scientific industries and government agencies. You may become a library technician without a master's degree, but the pay is not as high.
Competition for librarian jobs is high. Due to funding cuts, libraries are reducing staff size and cutting back on hours of operation. Specializing in research may give you an advantage over other applicants for jobs in college libraries or in fields like market research. Other students may choose to pursue other careers in education, law, politics or government work.
The occupation related to library science with the most projected jobs is Archivists, at 1,193,221.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Archivists | 1,193,221 | 1.6% |
| Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,167,030 | 8.0% |
| Library Technicians | 663,965 | -2.6% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | 298,768 | 9.4% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 206,415 | 9.9% |
Library Science graduates earn a median $48,696 one year after completing their program, $56,724 after four years and $57,407 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $48,696 |
| 4 years | $56,724 |
| 5 years | $57,407 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to library science is Wind Energy Development Managers, with a median salary of $169,952.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
| Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,332 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | $77,828 |
Library Science includes 3 concentrations that together award 7,346 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Library Science and Administration (6,671), Library and Archives Assisting (540) and Library Science, Other (135). Browse the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Library Science and Administration | 6,671 |
| Library and Archives Assisting | 540 |
| Library Science, Other | 135 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
