Information Science

Overview

Information science programs teach people about the collection, organization, and use of information in traditional and electronic formats.

Information science programs include topics such as:

Information classification and organization
Systems planning and design
User interfaces
Database development
Information policy analysis
Communications and networking

Schools

Many community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in information science. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in information science. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in information science. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

In addition, many programs require you to apply for admission even after you've been admitted to the school. Typically you must complete introductory computer science courses as well as math and engineering courses before you are admitted.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced Algebra courses
Business Computer Applications
Calculus
Computer Science and Programming
Physics
Probability and Statistics

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Computer Science
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Professional computer experience

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Client/Server Systems
Computer Hardware
Computer Science
Data Communication and Networks
Data Structures and File Processing
Database Management Systems
Human/Computer Interaction
Information Storage and Retrieval
Information Systems Analysis and Design
Operating Systems
Problem-Solving
Programming Techniques
Relational Databases
Software Engineering
System Development

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

It is common for employers to require you to have a bachelor's degree to gain entry-level work in the field.

Information science degrees are sometimes offered as part of an overall computer science program. Often they are combined with computer science into a single program.