People interested in becoming librarians have many wonderful options for degree programs in the United States, and some of the finest are in Virginia. Currently, there are three programs offering library science degrees in Virginia. While only one of those programs is ALA-accredited, all three of these library science degree programs offer pathways to a number of career opportunities, from public libraries, K-12 school libraries, and beyond.

Quick Facts

• Number of ALA-accredited MLIS programs offered in Virginia: 1
• Number of fully-online MLIS programs: 1
• Number of program pathways, concentrations, and/or specializations for MLIS programs: 1
• Number of MLIS programs that require prospective students to have undergraduate backgrounds in library or information science: 0
• Average yearly tuition cost for a Virginia-based MLIS program: 10k/year

Library Science Programs Accepting Virginia Applicants

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Library Science Programs in Virginia

Compared to other states, Virginia doesn’t boast many library science programs. Only one Virginia college – Old Dominion University – offers a library science program with ALA accreditation. However, there are a couple other colleges offering library science programs for prospective librarians to consider when planning their educational pathways.

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) in Virginia

Old Dominion University

• Program Name: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
• Modality: Online
• GRE Required?: No, but GRE scores may be requested in some situations
• Program Length: Approximately two years
• Tuition: $14,580 for in-state students; $40,035  for out-of-state students
• Program Overview: Old Dominion University’s MLIS program seeks to train up-and-coming librarians in the skills and knowledge they will need to be current information professionals. Students engage in community-focused projects, develop practical skills through project-based learning, and gain experience through internships that connect classroom knowledge with professional practice.
• Key Highlights: 
  • This program can be completed on a full or part-time basis, making it ideal for working students.
  • The program features a track for earning a school library endorsement that meets the requirements of Virginia’s Board of Education.
• Additional Considerations: This program offers special discount pricing for current Virginia educators who are currently employed in Virginia schools and working toward completing their education. 
• Accreditation status: This program is ALA-accredited.

Online Library Science Programs in Virginia

As mentioned above, Old Dominion University’s MLIS program is offered 100% online, but it isn’t the only option available for students who need a flexible online format.

Regent University

• Program Name: Master of Science in Library Science (MLS)
• Modality: Online
• GRE Required?: No
• Program Length: Approximately two years
• Tuition: $6,300/semester
• Program Overview: Regent University’s MLS program has an academic librarian focus. The program seeks to ground students’ learning and understanding of library systems and services in Christian faith and values.
• Key Highlights: 
  • This program can be completed on a full or part-time basis, making it ideal for working students.
  • This program focuses heavily on preparing students for leadership roles, such as those found within library management and administration.
• Additional Considerations: This program has a religious focus and emphasizes approaching librarianship from a Christian perspective.
• Accreditation status: This program is not ALA-accredited.

Longwood University

• Program Name: Master of School Librarianship (MEd)
• Modality: Hybrid; mostly online with some in-person requirements
• GRE Required?: No
• Program Length: Approximately two years
• Tuition: Dependent on the specific track a student needs:
  • For licensed teachers:
    • $16,200 for in-state; $16,450 for out-of-state
  • For the initial licensure track:
    • $17,550 for in-state; $17,940 for out-of-state
  • For the endorsement only:
    • $12,150 for in-state; $12,420 for out-of-state
• Program Overview: Longwood University’s MEd in School Librarianship focuses on preparing educators to be effective and intentional school library leaders. Students who complete this program often become school media specialists, also known as school librarians or library coordinators.
• Key Highlights: 
  • This program can be completed on a full or part-time basis, making it ideal for working students.
  • This program offers different track options for prospective school librarians of all types, including those who need to obtain teaching licenses as well as those who merely need the school media endorsement.
• Additional Considerations: This program is designed specifically for people wanting to be librarians in K-12 schools; it does not offer any public or academic library-focused classes or tracks.
• Accreditation status: This program is not ALA-accredited.

Bachelor’s in Library Science in Virginia

Currently, there are no bachelor’s programs for library science in Virginia. On the whole, bachelor’s programs in library science are quite rare, as the ALA only offers accreditation status to master’s degree programs. Virginia’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 Virginia

Currently, there are no PhD or Doctoral programs in Library Science offered through a Virginia 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 Virginia

Like many other states, public and academic libraries in Virginia 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.

However, there are specific requirements for a prospective K-12 school librarian to meet before seeking employment in Virginia’s public school system, as outlined in Virginia’s state laws:

1. Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and graduate from an approved preparation program for school library media, or 

2. Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and completed 24 semester hours distributed in the following areas:
   1. Teaching for learning
   2. Literacy and reading
   3. Information and knowledge 
   4. Advocacy and leadership
   5. Program administration and management, and

3. Complete a supervised school library practicum. In lieu of a practicum, one year of successful, full-time experience as a school librarian in a public or accredited nonpublic school may be accepted.

Salary and Job Outlooks for Librarians in Virginia

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 Virginia’s data? 

• Average yearly salary for a Virginia librarian: The median annual wage for librarians and media specialists in Virginia is approximately $69,144, making it slightly higher than the national average. Like most other states, salaries in Virginia can vary.
• Various factors, including location, institution type, and local cost-of-living adjustments, influence this average. 

Growth projections in Virginia: 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 means there will continue to be openings for qualified librarians with proper certifications.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Library Science Students in Virginia

There are a variety of scholarship opportunities open to library science students pursuing an education in Virginia: 

Virginia Library Association

The Virginia Library Association (VLA) offers a scholarship for Virginia residents pursuing MLIS degrees, even if they are attending a school outside of Virginia. Requirements include…

• Must have residence in the state of Virginia or be currently employed in a Virginia Library
• Must hold an undergraduate degree.
• Must be accepted by, or currently enrolled in, an ALA-accredited library school and working toward an MLIS degree.
• Must have membership in the Virginia Library Association

Fairfax Library Foundation

The Fairfax Library Foundation awards merit-based scholarships once a year to well-qualified individuals who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a graduate degree program in library science or a related field. To qualify, the student must live, work, volunteer, or attend school in Fairfax County and the city of Fairfax.

Mathews Memorial Library

The Mathews Memorial Library Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 as a way to encourage and support students in Mathews who were pursuing a library science education. Requirements include:

• Must be a resident of Mathews County, Virginia.
• Must be a graduate of a public or private secondary school.
• Must be accepted by an ALA-accredited graduate school of library or information science or accredited paraprofessional program leading to certification or a degree in information science or related field.

Professional Associations and Networking in Virginia

There are a variety of professional associations for librarians and library students in Virginia to join. 

The Virginia Library Association (VLA)

The VLA is the main statewide professional association representing library workers, trustees, and library supporters of all types across the state of Virginia. Participation in the VLA grants access to job listings, professional development opportunities, special interest groups, advocacy, conferences, and more.

The Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL)

This organization exists specifically to support K-12 school librarians. Similarly to the VLA, it offers networking opportunities, professional learning communities, conference opportunities, and advocacy resources.

Virginia Association of Law Libraries (VALL)

This group exists to support law librarians and legal information professionals in Virginia. In this community, specialized support is key. The group fosters cooperation, leadership, and professional opportunities for librarians who specifically serve in law-focused environments, such as academic or legal libraries.

Virginia Church Library Association (VACLA)

The VACLA was established in 1967 as an effort to strengthen bonds and networking between Christian ministries through church libraries of all denominations. The professional offerings of this group are tailored specifically to church library work.

Virginia Library Association Paraprofessional Forum (VLAPF)

This entity exists as a part of the overall VLA structure. It is designed to support library paraprofessionals in Virginia’s libraries, offering resources such as professional development and networking opportunities.

FAQs about Library Science Programs in Virginia

How many library science programs are in Virginia?

Virginia has 3 programs: Old Dominion (MLIS, ALA-accredited), Regent (MLS), and Longwood (MEd in School Librarianship). 

Do you need a master’s degree to be a librarian in Virginia?

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 Virginia library science students?

Currently, there is only one. The MLIS program offered at Old Dominion University is a fully ALA-accredited program.

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 or part time 
• Whether the student fails a class or needs to withdraw from a course and retake it again 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 students specific circumstances and needs.

What jobs can you get with a library science degree in Virginia?

Virginia offers a variety of job opportunities for people with MLIS degrees, such as…

• Librarian (public, academic, K-12 school)
• Archivist 
• Curator/special collections manager
• Information/data manager or specialist 
• Library director/administrator 
• Data curator 
• Systems designer/manager