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Greetings! I am considering the master of library science programs at both Clarion University and the University of Pittsburgh and would really appreciate some advice, since I don't know many people in the field.
Although both programs are ALA-accredited, Pitt is ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report. It is also much more expensive, even for a PA resident. I have been laid off and will be pursuing the degree full-time and will need to obtain more financial aid (on top of my undergraduate loans) to do so.
It is likely that I will move to another state after obtaining my degree, so I wonder how important name recognition is. I've already had people outside of PA ask me about Clarion. Yet I have also noticed that Pitt has gone down in the rankings (from #7 to #10 most recently). Any comments on the quality of either program would be greatly appreciated.
I am most interested in academic or public librarianship, and new technologies and the future of libraries are also of importance to me. Are the quality of both programs in these areas the same?
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you can provide.
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Location: Ashland, OH
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When deciding to get my MLIS I pondered exactly the same question, I did my undergrad work at Clarion (B.S. Education) and was familiar with the campus and new multi-million dollar library constructed there within the last five years (speaking to your interest in the future of libraries). My ultimate decision selecting Pitt over Clarion came to program offerings, name recognition, and proximity. Pitt had what I wanted.
Pitt offers a wider variety of programs, is located in the more urban area of Oakland, and is definitively more expensive. Clarion is known for education (it was a normal school for teachers many years ago) and has a well established school library program, is less expensive, and is located in a rural setting. Most academic positions require a masters degree from and an ALA accreditted program; while name recognition may help, in the long run what you bring to the position is most important. Both would have quality programs to offer.
I would recommend visiting both institutions and determining which is the "best fit" for you.
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Most hiring organizations will not even know a rank of a degree granting school or even care. Even name recognition may mean little. The key is do you have the skills and experience to fulfill their needs. I would pick the school you can afford, fits your learning styles, and offers the concentrations you want.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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I'm a Clarion MLS alumna. I sent you a PM.
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