The state of California is still one of the most dynamic employment growth states in the country. Even after the latest recession, California still boasts the 9th largest economy in the world, with a gross state product of $1.9 trillion in 2011. The state has the highest rate of employment by US subsidiaries of foreign companies.
SEE ALSO: 9+ Best MLS Online Degrees
Many hi-tech companies thrive in southern California in the ‘Silicon Valley’ between Palo Alto and San Jose, which is the home of the nation’s semiconductor industry, and also is a major producer of all types of software.
The state continues to be a major center for the motion picture and TV industries, and tourism also plays a very large role in the state.
California ranks 4th in science and technology, and is first in the number of patents issued per year. It is 3rd in the number of start up companies, and first in new branches of high tech companies.
There also is a very strong collection of public and private universities in California. For example, the University of California system has 10 campuses spread throughout the state. Other prominent colleges include USC, UCLA and San Jose State University. With all of the excellent universities here, there are many strong library science degree programs in the state for aspiring information professionals.
California is a good destination for professionals who are interested in a library science or information-related career. Any professional who desires such a career in librarianship or information studies needs to earn a master’s degree in library science. Earning this esteemed degree will allow you to pursue a dynamic library or information career in schools, universities, government agencies and special libraries.
YouTube Special Feature
What Do Science, Health and Medicine have to do with an MLIS? San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science goes in depth.
In California, there are many exciting places in government, universities and even the private sector where professionals with a library science degree can secure good employment.
Recommended Library Science Programs in California
San Jose State University
Campus: Online
Type: Public
Accreditation: American Library Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Tuition: Special Session and Regular Session fees. Inquire.
Time to Complete: 12 months-7 years
Credits Required: 43
GRE: No
On Campus Requirements: No – fully online
USC
Campus: Online
Type: Private
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); American Library Association Accreditation Pending
Time to Complete: As little as 18 months
Total Tuition: Library science not listed, however, graduate tuition is published as $21,081 per semester
GRE: No
On Campus Requirements: No – fully online
California State University Northridge
Campus: Los Angeles; partially online
Type: Public:
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Time to Complete: 24 months
Total Tuition: $25,290 per year for resident, , 7+ credit hours per semester, living off campus. Add $372 per credit hour for non-resident.
GRE: Yes, either accepted
On Campus Requirements: 60% online, 40% on campus in LA
California State University Long Beach
Campus: Long Beach
Type: Public
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Credits Required: 36
GRE: No
Time to Complete: 24 months
Total Tuition: $7,528 per each 7+ credit hour semester for resident; Add $372 per credit hour for non-residents.
UCLA
Campus: Los Angeles
Type: Public
Accreditation: American Library Association
Credits Required: 38
Tuition:$14809 per year for residents; $29911 per year for non-residents
Specializations: Library Studies, Archival Studies, Informatics, Rare Books
GRE: Yes
