University of Denver Online Library Science Masters Review
For most working professionals, getting their master’s degree can help them improve their skills and subject matter expertise as well as boost earnings. But in many fields, earning a graduate degree is one of the only realistic paths to a successful career. For most library science professionals, a master’s degree is a crucial educational step, especially for those planning to work in schools or public libraries.
Many institutions, including the University of Denver, offer online master’s degrees in library and information science that can help budding library science professionals start off on the right foot. Let’s explore what students should know about UD’s program and why it might be their best option.
About the Program
Before we dive into some of the positives and negatives of the University of Denver’s library science master’s degree, let’s explore a handful of basic facts potential applicants should know.
Basics
- Institution type: Private
- Campus: Denver
- Accreditation: American Library Association (ALA)
- Program format: Online, traditional
Tuition and fees
- Expected total tuition: $54,346
- Per credit-hour tuition: $937
Degrees & requirements
- Library science degrees offered: Master of Library and Information Science
- Number of credit hours required: 58
- Estimated time to completion: 27 months
- Optional specializations: Archiving
Biggest Pros
What are the strongest factors in favor of students applying to the University of Denver’s online MLIS degree?
Accreditation
The University of Denver’s online MLIS stands out as the only ALA-accredited library science program in the state of Colorado. Accreditation is important in any field, as it signals to employers and others that an individual has completed an academic program that meets certain minimum standards. But in library science, ALA accreditation often is required to earn certification to work in select spaces, such as schools and some libraries.
Flexibility
Students in Denver’s MLIS program aren’t bound to any single course of study, as they can complete their degree entirely online if they wish, or if they’re in the area, they can attend in-person.
No GRE required
Applicants to Denver’s online MLIS program don’t have to submit a GRE score, which helps them save time and stress — not to mention money on prep courses.
Biggest Cons
What are some examples of issues that might give students pause when it comes to whether Denver’s online MLIS is the best option for them?
Specializations
A single specialization is available, and it is composed of just three courses. So, there’s no doubt Denver’s MLIS is a generalist education. By definition, that should apply to a large number of applicants, but other programs in the space offer students a much better chance to customize their educational journey.
Cost
By the time all is said and done, graduates of Denver’s MLIS program should expect to have spent upwards of $50,000 on tuition, which is on the high end of the cost spectrum. That said, while there’s no doubt that’s a lot of money, it is in line with other private universities, and all online students pay the same rate. In some cases, out-of-state students pay a higher tuition cost even if they’re getting a degree online.
University of Denver Online Library Science Program FAQs
Here’s a look at some of the questions applicants ask most frequently about the University of Denver’s online library science program.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Denver does not require library science applicants to submit GRE scores, but they must have undergraduate GPAs of at least 2.5.
Is an internship required?
An internship is not required, but students can complete either an internship or capstone project, both for credit, if they choose to. A culminating internship requires 100 hours of service over a 10-week academic term, while a capstone project is done with the detailed guidance of a faculty member.
Can I complete my degree entirely online?
Online students in Denver’s library science program have the option to participate in immersion experiences where they can meet classmates and faculty face-to-face, but these experiences are entirely voluntary and not for credit.
Conclusion
Getting a master’s degree in any field is something to celebrate, as it represents dedication and perseverance. It also represents a huge investment of time and money, so students should take their time to consider all their options. The University of Denver’s online Master of Library and Information Science is on the more expensive side, but being the only ALA-accredited program in Colorado has its advantages.