Online Post-Master's Certificate in Library and Information Science
Stay Ahead in an Evolving Information Landscape
Technology is reshaping the information profession, creating new opportunities for professionals who can adapt, innovate and lead. The fully online Post-Master's Certificate in Library and Information Science equips you with the Spartan Edge to expand your expertise, explore emerging technologies and stay current with evolving industry trends.
Designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree, this flexible program helps you strengthen your skills, advance your career and connect with a global community of information leaders.
Program Information
Modality
Online
Program Length
1 year · 16 units
Cost Per Unit
$596* for Spring 2027 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
July 1 – December 1 for Spring start | August 1 – May 1 for Fall start
Start Terms
Fall · Spring
How to Apply
General Requirements
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A master’s degree from any regionally accredited institution in any discipline with an overall GPA of 3.0 or in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units. View the SJSU iSchool GPA Calculation Instructions for more information.
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A general understanding of computers and technology.
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Access to a computer with an Internet connection and appropriate software.
Out-of-State Eligibility
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If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you.
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International students must demonstrate English language proficiency: TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version) or 100 (internet-based), or an IELTS score of 8.
Completion Requirements
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Complete the required 16 units and outcomes assessment within three years. The completed outcomes project is due about 2 weeks before the end of the student’s final semester in the program.
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Maintain a 3.0 grade point average, which is an average grade of “B.” No grade of C- or lower can be used toward the certificate.
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Demonstrate mastery of the overarching program learning outcomes.
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Application opens July 1; deadline of December 1 for Spring admission.
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Application opens August 1; deadline of May 1 for Fall admission.
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Before starting the application process, take the time to choose your career pathway. Be sure to read about each pathway you are interested in and the class choices for each pathway.
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Apply through Cal State Apply and submit the required documents.
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Submit transcripts.
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Receive confirmation email.
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Receive email with SJSU ID 5-7 business days after submitting application.
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Set up your MySJSU account and check for messages and document requests. All students start with an “NC-Incomplete” application status. (Students will be switched to either NCV (Incomplete Verified – the data specialist has reviewed the file) or AAG (Admit by Self-Report Data), depending on whether they self-report a 3.0 GPA or higher (or 2.8 for Informatics).
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Check your MySJSU account for “To-Do List” items. Required documents must be submitted by stated deadlines or your admission will be withdrawn. For course work outside the U.S. and Canada, request a WES document-by-document evaluation. Direct application questions to: grad-admissions@sjsu.edu.
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Your evaluator will begin the evaluation as soon as all your documents are received. (Your application status will change to “CO-Complete” if you have a WES evaluation in process, when all required documents are received and your WES review is pending).
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SJSU evaluators review your application for CSU eligibility within 7-10 business days.
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Your status will change to “RF-Referred to Dept.” if your application documents contain narrative evaluations.
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Graduate Admissions (GAPE) will post the university admission decision to your MySJSU account.
Attend a Virtual Info Session
Join us virtually to learn more about the Post-Master’s Certificate in Library and Information Science.
Register TodayValuable Learning Experiences
The Post-Master’s Certificate program at the SJSU School of Information focuses on emerging trends in the rapidly expanding information profession and on technological tools for solving workplace challenges.
The specialized curriculum in each pathway includes a range of courses that cover the skills and knowledge required in today’s diverse information landscapes.
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Learn 100% Online: Complete your certificate from anywhere with no required campus visits, orientations or in-person residency requirements.
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Balance Education and Career Goals: The program's flexible online format allows you to continue working while earning your certificate.
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Join a Highly Rated Learning Community: Graduates consistently identify the program's flexibility and online learning environment as its greatest strengths.
Featured Courses
What Can You Do With a Post-Master's Certificate in Library and Information Science?
The Post-Master's Certificate in LIS is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise, develop specialized skills and stay ahead of emerging trends in the information profession. Through focused career pathways, you can build advanced knowledge in areas that align with your professional goals while gaining technology, leadership and management skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills: About 14,900 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year through 2031.
Bay Area Salaries: MLIS professionals in the Bay Area earn a median salary of $80,000 - $100,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Digital Archivist
- Emerging Technology Librarian
- Informatics Specialist
- Knowledge Manager
- Library Director
- Library Manager
- Metadata Specialist
- Multimedia Librarian
- User Services
Top Companies
- City of Redwood
- County of San Mateo
- San Francisco Public Library
- San José Public Library
- San José State University
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, College of the Law
Top Sectors
- Corporate
- State, County and City Government
- Healthcare
- Higher Education
- K-12 Schools
- Legal Services
- Museums
- Private Schools
- Private Libraries
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support, and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education, or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
View Admissions Info
Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
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