10 Easiest Library Science Degree Programs

College is all about learning information for a future career and students in library science study for a future career in sharing knowledge with others.

From the obvious careers like working in public or school libraries to careers in museums and other information-based organizations, library science is a degree that gives multiple career opportunities to graduates.

Sometimes this degree program is called Library and Information Science or Information Science, but the actual coursework is fairly universal regardless of degree program name.

Students passionate about this subject and want to start their new careers quickly will often look for the easiest way to get through college and start working.

Finding the easiest library science degree isn't always as straightforward as it might seem.

Easiest Library Science Degree Programs

We put together a list of higher education options to help potential library science students find the easiest degree programs that fit their needs.

The schools on this list were chosen because their library science degree programs satisfy multiple criteria that can make a degree easy.

Even though we've identified the program as an easier degree program, it doesn't mean it will be entirely easy. Regardless of our criteria, factors about each student such as passion for the subject, commitment to studying, and more will be the ultimate decider of difficulty for any degree program.

1. University of Southern Mississippi

With an acceptance rate of 97% and fully online degree options, the University of Southern Mississippi offers a program for students that many people would think is easier.

The degree program has a course load of 120 credit hours, which is standard for many bachelor's degrees, but the lack of a campus requirement makes attending class much easier.

Additionally, USM doesn't have any out-of-state tuition costs for online students, meaning you won't pay more for your education if you don't live in Mississippi.

2. University of Nebraska Omaha

The University of Nebraska Omaha also offers a fully online library science degree at a below-average credit enrolling at UNOMAHA is easier than at some universities.

The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5 for the 120 credit hours, which is roughly a C+ average.

3. University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

The library science degree program offered at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

The school has a lower admission rate than many schools at about 43.7% for the school as a whole and about 21.6% for the College of Information Sciences.

However, the graduation rate is nearly 70% meaning that the majority of those accepted do complete the program.

4. Pasadena City College

At Pasadena City College, students can earn an associate degree in library science in two years. Although this won't come with the same opportunities as a bachelor's, the lesser course load can make the degree easier to achieve.

The community college also has a 100% acceptance rate and no application fee, making it an appealing option for many students.

5. City College of San Francisco

Another community college that offers a 2-year degree program in library science is the City College of San Francisco.

Like many community colleges, there is a 100% acceptance rate to the City College of San Francisco, reducing barriers to learning. However, the school only has a 40% graduation rate, but that includes all degree programs.

6. Chippewa Valley Technical College

Chippewa Valley Technical College, located in Wisconsin, has a 100% acceptance rate and a fully online 2-year degree program for library science.

This degree program can help students quickly and affordably earn a degree and get to work with less coursework by attending a 4-year degree program with an on-campus requirement.

7. Palo Alto College

Sometimes, the difficulty of attending a college is the cost associated with earning a degree. Palo Alto College is a great school for students looking to have lower costs with below-average tuition rates.

The school also has a 100% acceptance rate and offers a two-year degree program and a certification program to be earned after graduation that can help set up graduates for career advancement.

8. Wayne State University

Wayne State University, located in Michigan, has a four-year degree program in library science.

The school has a 63% acceptance rate, but an over 55% graduation rate.

Despite having an increased course load compared to associate degrees, a library science bachelor's degree can improve the job opportunities and pay of graduates.

9. Cuesta College

Located in California, Cuesta College is a community college with a 100% acceptance rate offering associate-level degrees in library science.

Cuesta College has a graduation rate of 44%, which is slightly above average for community colleges.

Like many community colleges, Cuesta also has lower tuition rates making it a good choice for students looking to spend less on their education.

10. The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America, located in Washington D.C. offers a four-year degree program.

Because of their location, students also have opportunities to work with the Library of Congress for hands-on experience.

The school has an 86% acceptance rate and a graduation rate of over 70% across all subjects.

Even though there isn't a religious requirement to enroll, not every student will thrive in a religious environment at a university like this.

How Much Does a Library Science Degree Cost?

Students pursuing a degree in library science will pay around $22,000 on average.

Factors that can change the tuition costs include:

• College choice
• Whether the degree is earned in person or online
• The level of degree being earned (Associates vs. bachelor's vs. master's)

Most universities do offer financial aid that can be used by library science students to reduce these costs.

Can I Earn My Library Science Degree Online?

Yes, and there are many online library science opportunities for students to pursue.

Library science is a degree program that works very well online, and many schools offer both associate and bachelor's degrees both on campus and online.

What Is the Typical Course Load for a Library Science Degree?

It will depend on whether you are trying to earn an associate, bachelor, or master-level degree.

A general rule of thumb is that a credit hour equals an hour of class time per week for a standard 15-week semester.

Regardless of the subject matter, credit hours per degree are usually broken down as follows:

• Associate degree: 60 credit hours
• Bachelor's degree: 120 credit hours
• Master's degree: 150-160 (The 120 credits needed for a bachelor's and 30-40 more credit hours)

How To Get into a Library Science Program

To enroll in a library science program, you will need to apply to a university. Most programs have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and some will have SAT or ACT requirements, but not all schools.

Start Your Library Science Degree Today

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