HUMANITIES Specialization

Library Science

Library Science graduates pursue 3 occupations, with top roles paying $68,270/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

About Library Science

Library Science is a specialized field of study. The program is available at 18 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 131 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.


Colleges Offering
18
Graduates / Year
131
Avg Net Price / yr
$14,942

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 131 students who complete Library Science programs each year, the majority (93%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Master's 93%
Post-Bacc Cert. 6%
Associate's 1%

What Can You Do With a Library Science Degree?

Library Science connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Librarian leads at $68,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +1.7%
$68,270
$56K $84K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 13,500 openings/yr 134K employed nationally
↗ +3.8%
$64,550
$51K $83K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 1,100 openings/yr 8K employed nationally
↘ -6.8%
$44,580
$36K $52K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 13,000 openings/yr 69K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Library Science

Only 7 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Library Science graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public 77 9% $12,548 $82,511
2 University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR · Public 27 89.5% $16,511 $45,938
3 Long Island University Brookville, NY · Nonprofit 12 86.2% $33,062 $59,950
4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public 5 39.2% $14,091 $78,466
5 Marshall University Huntington, WV · Public 4 95.7% $7,502 $46,354
6 Emporia State University Emporia, KS · Public 4 97.7% $16,261 $47,601
7 Itawamba Community College Fulton, MS · Public 1 Open $4,616 $32,912

Ranked by Library Science graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Library Science program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Library Science Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Library Science shows 1 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 27,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
  • Limited program availability Only 18 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Library Science Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Library Science degree?
Library Science degree holders pursue careers including Librarian, which pays a median of $68,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Library Science program take?
While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Library Science students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.
How many colleges offer Library Science?
18 colleges and universities in the United States offer Library Science programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What skills do employers look for in Library Science graduates?
Employers hiring Library Science graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.
What is the job outlook for Library Science graduates?
The job outlook for Library Science graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of -0.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Archivists is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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