Library & Information Studies - School Librarianship

  • Master of Library and Information Studies
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of STEM Education & Professional Studies

In a world where accurate information is essential and technology is constantly changing, you can help students find keys to knowledge.

With ODU's online MLIS and a concentration in School Librarianship, you can enhance your teaching credentials with an endorsement in school librarianship, grades K-12.

ODU is proud to emphasize cultural responsiveness. You'll learn skills to provide resources and services for increasingly diverse communities. You'll be prepared to start a rewarding career as a school librarian or media specialist.

The Master of Library and Information Studies Program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2028.

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    • 30 credit hours, including an internship

    Your coursework is project-based, which means you will be expected to spend time in a library for most courses. The internship is the capstone for the degree.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

    This program requires an internship.

  • With our MLIS degree and concentration in School Librarianship, licensed teachers will be prepared for endorsement as a school librarian/media specialist.

    You will provide valuable services in public and private school libraries, such as:

    • managing digital and physical information collections
    • connecting students to information resources
    • assessing information technology and knowledge systems
    • guiding students in their research and selection of information resources

    An MLIS degree also prepares you for careers as an information specialist, librarian, or media specialist in areas such as:

    • public and academic libraries
    • special focus libraries, such as law or health sciences
    • museums and archives
    • digital and physical knowledge collections
    • information technology
    • assessment and systems libraries
  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $599 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $623 per credit hour

    Virginia Public School educators may be eligible for a tuition discount of 25% per credit hour. Contact us for more details.

    Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

This degree program is designed to enable licensed teachers in Virginia to add an endorsement as a school librarian/media specialist, grades K-12.

Use these links to see if we have determined whether this program meets requirements in your state. If you live outside Virginia, we encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying to ODU.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • To apply, you must hold a Virginia Collegiate Professional License or an equivalent license from another state. You also need a bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

    GRE/GMAT scores are not required, but may be requested.

    If you want to teach but don't have a teaching license, please apply to our regular online MLIS program. You may need additional coursework and testing to prepare for licensure.