If you are living in or near Michigan and have considered becoming a librarian, you are in luck – Michigan is home to two fantastic, American Library Association-accredited Master of Library and Information Science programs. Whether you prefer to learn on campus or from the convenience of home via online classes, you can find a program pathway that fits your professional and educational goals.
Quick Facts
Number of ALA-accredited MLIS programs offered in Michigan: 2
Number of fully online MLIS programs: 1
Number of program pathways, concentrations, and/or specializations for MLIS programs: 4 at the University of Michigan; 12 at Wayne State University
Number of MLIS programs that require prospective students to have undergraduate backgrounds in library or information science: 0
Average tuition cost for a Michigan-based MLIS program: 30-60k
eLibrary Science Programs in Michigan
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) in Michigan
- Program Name: Master of Science in Information
- Modality: Hybrid; some online and some in-person classwork
- GRE Required?: No
- Program Length: Approximately 2 years
- Tuition: $14,916/semester for in-state students; $30,076/semester for out-of-state students
- Program Overview: The University of Michigan’s Master of Science in Information program prepares information professionals to create data-driven solutions and purposeful technology. Graduates go on to pursue exciting careers wherever their skills are needed, which is just about everywhere — from top tech and finance companies to cultural heritage institutions and nonprofits.
- Key Highlights:
- Highly customizable: This program offers multiple areas of focus for students to explore.
- The program also boasts an 87% post-graduation employment rate among graduates.
- Additional Considerations: This program is broader than a general MLIS program, as it isn’t specifically library-focused. However, many people complete this program and move on to work in libraries.
- Accreditation status: This program is ALA-accredited (even though its focus isn’t strictly library-related).
| Program Concentrations Available at the University of Michigan |
| The LAKES (Libraries, Archives, and Knowledge Environments in Society) pathway allows students to develop and demonstrate critical knowledge and skills in librarianship, archival practice, digital curation and preservation and/or other collections-focused work. |
| The Big Data Analytics pathway prepares students to demonstrate mastery of data collection, processing, analysis, retrieval, mining, visualization and prediction. |
| The UX Research and Design pathway prepares you to demonstrate mastery of applying design theories, concepts and principles to defining valid problems; uncovering user needs; articulating service requirements; documenting UX research results; proposing, refining, and prototyping design solutions; and communicating with stakeholders effectively. |
| The User-Centered Agile Development pathway equips students with the technical, design and project skills to create innovative, human-centered digital products using agile methodologies. |
Online Library Science Programs in Michigan
- Program Name: Master of Library and Information Science
- Modality: Can be taken 100% online or on campus
- GRE Required?: GRE scores are not required unless the applicant’s undergraduate GPA falls between 2.5 and 2.99.
- Program Length: Two to three years
- Tuition: $35,000 for in-state students; $67,000 for out-of-state students
- Program Overview: Wayne State University’s MLIS degree prepares professionals for leadership roles in libraries and other information organizations. By emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and skills, we educate students in the core principles of information management access, organization, services, and support as well as emerging fields such as digital collections, competitive intelligence, information architecture, and data analytics.
- Key Highlights:
- Online students pay the same tuition rate as in-state students, even if they do not live in Michigan.
- This program offers unique pathways of study, such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); digital content management and preservation; and human-computer interactions, to name a few.
- Additional Considerations: Wayne State University offers joint degree programs. MLIS students can earn a “double master’s degree” and complete an additional master’s degree in history, for example.
- Accreditation status: This program is ALA-accredited.
| Program Concentrations Available at Wayne State University |
| The Archival Administration pathway focuses on training librarians to use traditional and new technologies to maintain the integrity and accessibility of archival collections, ensuring that these materials are available for all research purposes. |
| The Children & Youth Services pathway is focused on preparing professionals who can provide effective, engaging, and educational library services to children and youth patrons and their caregivers. |
| The Community Outreach & Engagement pathway is centered on extending library services to communities by actively engaging with them, identifying their unique needs, and organizing programs and events. |
| The Data Analytics & Information Systems pathway focuses on managing and organizing data, using several tools for data analysis and presentation of results and working with information systems and data management. |
| The Digital Content Management & Preservation pathway encompasses various concepts beyond preservation. Professionals in this area excel in project management, overseeing digitization initiatives, technological implementations, and collaborative efforts. While there is a focus on information and content management and organization, there is also a focus on making that content accessible. |
| The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (Inclusive Excellence) pathway is centered on preparing librarians to provide library services for a variety of people from all walks of life. |
| The Health pathway is focused on preparing librarians to play a crucial role in academic and medical institutions to enhance healthcare, education and research. |
| The Human Computer Interaction & User Experience pathway is centered on preparing librarians to manage the overall user experience of library patrons by applying principles of human-computer interaction, usability and accessibility to library services, websites and digital resources. Their work aims to make library services more user-friendly and inclusive. |
| The Leadership & Management pathway is focused on effective leadership and management skills, which are crucial for libraries and other information institutions to ensure services, resources, and programs meet the needs of a diverse range of communities. |
| The Reference & Information Services pathway is centered around helping individuals access and use information effectively. |
| The School Library Media pathway is focused on preparing future K-12 school librarians for success in school library environments. School librarians are instructional partners, collaborating with teachers to integrate research and information literacy skills into the curriculum, promoting effective learning. Additionally, they play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all students. |
| The Technical Services pathway is focused on the acquiring, organizing and preserving of all kinds of library materials. Cataloging librarianship focuses on organizing and describing library materials, while systems librarianship concentrates on managing the technology and systems that support library operations. |
Bachelor’s in Library Science in Michigan
Currently, there are no bachelor’s programs for library science in Michigan. On the whole, bachelor’s programs in library science are quite rare, as the ALA only offers accreditation status to master’s degree programs. Michigan’s various colleges and universities do offer concomitant bachelor’s degrees, such as those in education, technology, or information science, rather than a distinct “library science” major.
PhD and Doctoral Programs in Library Science in Michigan
Currently, there are no PhD or Doctoral programs in Library Science offered through a Michigan college or university. While librarians seeking to further their education can select a program in a related field, such as education, they would need to venture out-of-state to find a PhD or doctoral program to fit a specific library and information science need.
Career and Licensure Requirements for Librarians in Michigan
Like many other states, public and academic libraries in Michigan do not require their librarians to seek specific licensure or certification requirements. Typically, they do want applicants to hold a completed MLIS degree (typically from an ALA-accredited university, though this isn’t always the case). For prospective librarians seeking academic or public library work, it is always best to check hiring preferences for various institutions before deciding on a specific MLIS program, as some institutions value the ALA accreditation status more than others.
While academic and public service librarians may have less strict job requirements or expectations to meet prior to applying, the Michigan State Library does offer a professional certification librarians can apply for upon completion of an MLIS program. In many library systems and institutions, having the certification can boost pay. Holding the certification can also increase funding for Michigan libraries.
Compared to academic and public service librarians, K-12 school librarians must meet a specific set of requirements before they can officially work in a school library:
- Must hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate
- Must successfully complete the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in the subject area of Library Media
- Must successfully complete an MLIS degree
- Must demonstrate competency in five areas:
- educational/instructional technology
- literature for children and young adults
- school library media center administration and management
- collection development
- Must complete a practicum experience at/near the end of the MLIS degree
Salary and Job Outlooks for Librarians in Michigan
The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently lists the following salary averages and growth projections for librarians in America:
- Average yearly salary: $64,329 (around $30.92 per hour)
- Growth projections: The employment of librarians is expected to grow by 2% between 2024 and 2034. While this growth rate is slower than average, around 13,500 openings are projected each year – this accounts for retirements, career changes, and other openings.
How do these numbers compare to Michigan’s data?
- Average yearly salary for a Michigan librarian: The median annual wage for librarians and media specialists in Michigan is approximately $67,620, making it slightly higher than the national average. Like most other states, salaries in Michigan can vary.
- Various factors, including location, institution type, and local cost-of-living adjustments, influence this average. In Michigan, librarians working in larger urban areas and in academic libraries tend to see higher salaries, making an average of $73,000/year.
Growth projections in Michigan: Because many librarian jobs in K-12 schools, public libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries require master’s‑level credentials (or even specialized degrees), turnover and retirements mean there will continue to be openings for qualified librarians with proper certifications.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Library Science Students in Michigan
There are a few scholarship opportunities available for library science students attending school in Michigan:
These are available to students enrolled in Wayne State University’s MLIS program. The graduate professional scholarship can pay up to the full tuition for fall and spring semesters, and a variety of other WSU internal and departmental scholarships exist for students as well.
These are available to students enrolled in the University of Michigan’s MLIS program. Similar to Wayne State University’s awards, the ones offered at the University of Michigan can range from partial to complete coverage of tuition.
This opportunity is open to MLA members. The funds awarded through this program can be used for attending conferences, workshops, and educational events that promote professional development and library-centric learning.
This scholarship awards up to $4,500 per semester for MLIS students. It is typically awarded to local Kalamazoo residents.
Professional Associations and Networking in Michigan
- Michigan Library Association (MLA)
The MLA is the oldest and biggest professional library association in Michigan. It offers support for a wide range of library types, including public, academic, K-12 school, and special libraries. MLA offers its members networking opportunities, conferences, professional development, advocacy, and statewide library advancement initiatives.
Subsets of the MLA include…
The Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA)
The Michigan Health Sciences Libraries Association (MHSLA)
- The Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL)
This group is designed for K-12 school library media specialists and school librarians. They focus specifically on advocacy, professional development, and networking for this subgroup of librarians.
- The Library Cooperatives of Michigan (LCM)
The LCM is a statewide network of regional library cooperatives that support resource sharing, training, and connections across the various libraries of Michigan. It isn’t a traditional library cohort, but they do help provide infrastructure to support local libraries and their staff across the state.
FAQs about Library Science Programs in Michigan
Do you need a master’s degree to be a librarian in Michigan? It depends! Some library systems will require applicants to hold a master’s degree in library and information science to be qualified for a librarian position, and others will allow librarians to enter the field with adequate supplementary education and/or experience. Before applying, read through job postings carefully to determine what education or certifications you need.
Are there online ALA-accredited programs available for Michigan library science students? Currently, there are two. ALA-accredited MLIS programs are offered at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
How long does it take to earn an MLIS? Typically, a student can earn their MLIS within two to three years. This can depend on a variety of factors, such as…
- Whether the student takes classes full-time or part-time
- Whether the student fails a class or needs to withdraw from a course and retake it later
- Other schedule obligations that may cause a student to slow down their coursework, such as balancing a job or family responsibilities with school
While two to three years is typical, some students can earn their MLIS more quickly or more slowly – it is largely dependent on the student’s specific circumstances and needs.
What jobs can you get with a library science degree in Michigan? Michigan offers a variety of job opportunities for people with MLIS degrees, such as…
- Librarian (public, academic, K-12 school)
- Archivist
- Curator/special collections manager
- Special collections librarian (such as in health or medical libraries)
- Records manager
- Information/data manager or specialist
- Legal research librarian
- Evidence-based research supports
- Library director/administrator
- Data curator
- Systems designer/manager
