Missouri is a beautiful state with plenty of education and job opportunities. The state has two large cities, the largest being Kansas City and the second largest being St. Louis. They also have more shorelines around the Lake of the Ozarks than the coast of California. The lake and surrounding areas provide plenty of recreation opportunities all year, including multiple free activities, a large water park, and the Stark Caverns.  Additionally, the cost of living is the 6th lowest in the country and the unemployment rate is below the national average. 

Missouri’s universities and higher education opportunities are some of the best in the US. US News Reports ranks Washington University in St. Louis as 15th in the nation, and the University of Missouri’s Library and Information Science program is ranked 20th in the nation. Also, due to access to the large cities in Missouri, university students have access to a wealth of research opportunities, internships, and careers post-graduation.  

In this article, we will cover the library science degrees offered in Missouri including a Masters  program accredited by the American Library Association, a MLIS program accredited by the American Association of School Librarians, and a Ph.D. program in information science. We cover the program highlights, admission requirements, and how to apply. Additionally, the article will go over how to become a librarian, expected standards for librarianship, and the opportunities available for librarians and information professionals. 

Library Science Degrees and MLIS Programs in Missouri

Future librarians have options when looking for library science programs in Missouri.  The state has two Universities with MLIS programs, The University of Missouri and the University of Central Missouri.  Both schools are centrally located, one in Columbia and the other in Warrensburg.  The program curriculum at both institutions covers the basic tenets of librarianship, management, cataloging, reference, organization, and research. The University of Central Missouri’s program is centered on school librarianship but is working towards an ALA-accredited degree program. The program at the University of Missouri is more extensive, includes several specializations, and was named one of the best online programs by the U.S. News and World Report in 2023.

Online Library Science Programs in Missouri

Online library degree programs offer students a flexible method to attend class and obtain their Master’s degree.  The two library science master’s programs available at Missouri institutions are online.  Students can attend class from the comfort of their homes without commuting to campus.  Online programs provide other benefits such as asynchronous coursework, which can be helpful for busy students.

Master of Library Science at the University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri has a long history of training school librarians. The University was established in 1871 as a Normal School. The institution now has a fully online Master of Library Science (MLS) degree program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP) and recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).  The program also has been granted candidacy status for accreditation by the American Library Association. The program is flexible to accommodate busy and working students.  The program has a graduate job placement rate of 94%.  Coursework prepares students for careers as school librarians, library directors, library media specialists, and branch managers.

How To Apply

The application can be completed online and submitted with a resume and letter of intent.  Requirements include a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

For individuals looking to advance their career in libraries, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science is a good choice.  According to the American Library Association, obtaining a Master’s degree in the field is a requirement for most professional positions.  The preference is for an ALA-accredited MLIS degree by public, academic, and special libraries.

ALA Accredited Library Schools and Programs in Missouri

There is one Master’s of Library Science program in Missouri and it is Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). ALA sets the standard for librarianship and information science. They strive for excellence in literacy, information quality, information accessibility, intellectual freedom, and the promotion of literacy. Therefore, they expect library and information science programs to do the same, and to train information professionals to organize, maintain, and retrieve valuable information for their communities. 

Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Missouri

This program is completely online and consists of 39 credit hours. Some courses are flexible and done on the student’s time when it is most convenient, and other courses have a more rigid schedule and an online class time for lessons and class interaction. Students are also encouraged to complete a practicum within the student’s professional preference to gain experience before entering the work field. Additionally, all students will complete an ePortfolio which includes three of the student’s assignments and their reflections on their work and feedback. 

The courses all MLIS students will take, prepare them with an understanding of information organization and library principles and values. Additionally, students may choose from various courses that fit their preferred area of study among information and library science. Students can choose a preferred path or take general classes. They can choose either an E-learning Information Professional Emphasis or an Archival Studies Emphasis. The MLIS program also offers an add-on certificate for school library media for those who already have a Missouri teaching license. For those who want to be a school librarian, but do not have a teaching certificate, they also offer a stand-alone certificate to guide students through the certification process. 

How to apply

To qualify for the program, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree and have at least a 3.0 GPA during any graduate work and the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. GRE scores are not required. To apply, create an online account and fill out an online application. Applicants will also need to pay an application fee and send in a resume, transcripts, essays for response questions, and two letters of recommendation. 

Ph.D. in Library Science Programs in Missouri

A Ph.D. in library science will give students the ability to learn analyze and research current issues using library science and information technology. Our world is increasing in information content that is readily available to the public, but sorting through it all and using it for the betterment of society is the challenge. Additionally, the swift changes in technology change the way communities and individuals find and interact with information. Library science professionals know how to adapt to these changes in order to help their communities thrive, and Ph.D. graduates can guide these professionals through research, teaching, and presentation.

Doctorate in Information Science & Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri

This degree focuses heavily on the use and growth of new technologies and the prediction of future use of technology as it relates to information and learning. Doctoral students will choose an area in which to focus their study. At the start of the program, students will take courses on current research and increase their skills in research and writing. Many students go on to be library administrators, professors, researchers, and many work for large companies including Amazon, Google and Allied Health as experts in user experience, instructional design, digital curation, and risk assessment. 

How to apply

To qualify, applicants need a Master’s degree and a 3.5 GPA. If you don’t meet those requirements, you can provide evidence of exceptionality such as GRE scores. To apply, go online and fill out the online application. Applicants will also need to pay an application fee and submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of reference, and a resume. 

How to Become a Librarian in Missouri

Librarians in Missouri need a Master in Library Science, even for entry-level positions. However, experience is optional for entry-level positions. The state does not place any of these requirements within the public school system. School librarians need a library media certificate which involves a teacher’s certificate, education experience, and education background in library media in schools. Information on this process is available on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website.

What Else Can You Do with a Library Science Degree in Missouri?

The largest group of professionals in Missouri are health care workers, and library and information science professionals can find plenty of work within health care as data analysis, record managers, information technology specialists, and researchers. The largest healthcare group is Ascension Michigan which has its headquarters located in St. Louis. They have 150,000 employees. 

Another one of the largest employers in Missouri is Cerner which is a technology and information company that creates and manages technology for healthcare and data analytics. Librarians and information professionals can work for them as researchers, consultants, data analysts, information technology specialists, and engineers. Cerner is located in Kansas City and employs 13,000 workers in Missouri. 

Other opportunities exist for librarians working in business and legal fields.  Due to its location in the middle of the United States, many large companies are headquartered in the state. Some of the largest include: H&R Block, Hallmark Cards, Burns & McDonnell, Cerner, Centene, Emerson Electric, Reinsurance Group of America, and Edward Jones.  Many legal firms also have their headquarters or locations in Missouri including Husch Blackwell, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Polsinelli, and Shook Hardy & Bacon.

If you are an archivist or historian, then Missouri is also a great option for you. They have two major national archives in the state. One is located in St.Louis and the other is in Kansas City. Additionally, the Kansas City area is home to Harry S. Truman’s Presidential Library. They have positions for researchers, archivists, historians, and offer plenty of volunteer and internship opportunities. 

St. Louis Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities

St. Louis is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country. Washington University in St. Louis is ranked among the top schools in the nation. Other good universities in St. Louis include the University of Missouri St. Louis, Harris-Stow State University, and Webster University. Librarians can find rich research opportunities and career positions at these institutions. 

In the St. Louis area, there are 62 public library locations at 16 library systems. They serve many communities and staff multiple departments including young adult services, children services, teen services, inter-library loans, outreach, administration, and more. St. Louis is a diverse city with people coming from various cultures and economic backgrounds. This creates a need for a variety of different services and the public library system meets many of those needs.  Opportunities for librarians are also available at many large corporations and law firms. Anheuser-Busch, Boeing, BJC Health, Edward Jones, Amazon, Deloitte, Bayer Monsanto, Nestle Purina, Wells Fargo, and many more companies are headquartered in the St. Louis area.

Kansas City Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities

The Kansas City area is home to 9 public library systems and one private research library with 66 locations serving over 1.3 million residents in seven counties. The area also includes over 20 colleges in commutable distance to Kansas City including the University of Missouri Kansas City, Rockhurst University, Avila University, Metropolitan Community College, the University of Central Missouri, and several other institutions. Area public and academic libraries offer professional positions for individuals with a library degree including branch manager, cataloger, reference librarian, liaison librarian, and director.  The area also has opportunities for business and legal library careers.  Some larger legal firms include Stinson, Shook, Hardy and Bacon, Husch Blackwell, and Littler Mendelson.  Burns & McDonnell, Black and Veatch, Garmin, and The Federal Reserve Bank are some of the largest area corporations employing librarians.

Columbia Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities

Columbia is home to many big city amenities with a small town atmosphere. The area has a thriving farmers market, indoor mall, cultural center, and diverse cuisine. The University of Missouri is located in Columbia and offers the only ALA accredited MLIS degree in Missouri and a Ph.D. program in information science. Because of the education presence in the city, there is a multitude of research and career opportunities in Columbia. Additionally, Columbia has a thriving public library system that consists of 4 large locations and 3 bookmobiles, and a book bike. They offer services including meeting rooms, outreach programs, home deliveries for senior community members and the disabled, computer and WiFi accessibility, passport services, youth and teen programs, and so much more. Columbia is also a short drive from the state capital in Jefferson City.

Salary Opportunities in Missouri for Librarians

Missouri holds the second largest number of librarian positions in its surrounding states and a higher number of positions than most of the states in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and school media specialists earn a mean wage of $55,400 annually with the cost of living being lower than the national average. However, the mean wage is over $60,000 annually in large cities. 

Missouri Librarian FAQ’s

What Degree Do I Need To Work As a Librarian in Missouri?

In Missouri the preference is for a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS).  Many employers would like the degree to be accredited by the American Library Association.  Some employers will accept a non ALA accredited library science degree.  The best practice would be to research jobs that you would like to have and review the education requirements in advance.

What Should I Consider When Researching Librarian Degrees in Missouri?

Factors to consider include location, format (online vs. on-campus), tuition, specializations, admission requirements, accreditation, and program outcomes.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Librarian in Missouri?

Master’s programs can typically be completed in two years.  Students taking classes part-time may take longer to complete the requirements. PhD programs will take longer, often five years is the anticipated time frame.

How Much Do Librarians Make in Missouri?

Librarians in Missouri have an average mean salary of $55,400, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The top quarter of librarians make above $64,160.  Librarians in the largest cities of Kansas City and St. Louis tend to make higher salaries than elsewhere in the state.  The related roles of Archivist and Curator have mean salaries of $60, 770 and $62,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Additional Links 

To learn more about library science and the American Library Association visit https://www.ala.org/. 

For current job postings for librarians in Missouri, and for more information about the libraries in the  state, visit https://molib.wildapricot.org/

If you are interested in becoming a school librarian, check out the certification process for the Department of Education.