What Jobs am I Qualified for with a Master’s in Library and Information Science?

What is a Master’s in Library and Information Science?

A Master's in Library and Information Science is also called an MLIS. It's a specific advanced degree that prepares individuals for a wide range of positions in research and technical settings. If you would like to better focus your current undergraduate degree to work in a field where you'll help the way information is shared in the global world evolve, this could be the master's program for you. Here are some the of the careers that you can pursue with an MLIS degree:

Librarians in Various Settings

One of the more obvious jobs that you'd be qualified for with your MLIS degree is a job within a library. You could work as a Librarian in an academic setting or you could qualify for an executive position as a Library Director with your graduate degree.

If you're interested in law, there are Law Librarian positions in large firms and in legal offices. Reference Librarian positions are also available in county, state, and federal settings. There are several different routes that you can go if you'd like to utilize the library science aspect of your concentration.

Creative Project Management

If you'd prefer to stay out of the traditional library setting, you can use your MLIS degree for a long list of other non-librarian positions. Being a Creative Project Manager could be a good fit for you if you love to travel and you want to highlight your multi-tasking skills. In an MLIS program, you learn how to be a methodical thinker and you develop analytical skills that can be used in this fast-paced line of work.

Web Analytics Management

If you'd like a position more geared to the Information Sciences than librarian positions, you may also be qualified to apply for positions in Web Analytics Management. The web analytics field is becoming more and more diversified. Since web analytics managers play a vital role in extracting and presenting information from raw data, you will be able to use much of the library and information sciences curriculum in your professional role.

Featured Online Master's in Library Science

Research Coordinator

When you're trained to organize so much raw data, you could utilize your education to work as a research coordinator. Research coordinators can work in many different clinical settings. They will use their organization skill set and budgeting skills to coordinate research projects. They will also focus on designing documents for studies so that data can be captured properly. An MLIS program will develop skills for all of these.

Chief Data Officer

If you've always seen yourself as an executive, you could also pursue a position as a Chief Data Officer or CDO. Many people focus on CFO positions, but CDOs are the ones who are in charge of making data readily available by using data integration and management practices. Since you are trained to use raw data and there's a focus on information science in an MLIS program, it's a great unexpected career path to travel down.

Related Resource: The 25 Best Online Masters in Information Assurance and Security

When you are studying for a graduate degree in Library and Information Science, it's easy to assume that you will be working as a librarian of some sort. While that is certainly an option, it's not the only one. In MLIS programs, you learn so much that you can use your education in a variety of roles. Be sure to enroll in a program accredited by the American Library Association and start on your future.