Information Science: Study Resource & Degree Program Information

General Information About Information Science Degrees

While information science involves computer science, the focus on how systems are used as opposed to how the technology behind them works. The interdisciplinary nature of information science means that students will need to choose an area to focus on, whether it is closely aligned to library sciences, computer sciences or social sciences.

Information architecture structures information like data for a purpose and is commonly applied to web development, programming and technical writing. Data modeling applies a data model theory to create a way to structure and organize data, which is turned into a database management system. Information ethics examines ethical issues that come up because of the development and application of information technologies, such as ownership, privacy, intellectual freedom, accountability, security and copyright protection. Information retrieval is the science of searching for information in documents, the actual documents, metadata describing the documents or in databases, whereas information systems deal with development and application of information technologies, such as embedded systems. Bibliometrics consists of quantitative methods used to study and measure texts as well as evaluate the impact of research within a field.

Human-computer interaction (HCI) studies the relationship between people and computers, while intellectual property (IP) entails legal entitlements that protect certain names, inventions, written and recorded media. Information society studies the creation, dissemination and use of information as a political, economic and cultural activity. Usability engineering is specific to computer science and deals with how to design user-friendly software, which extends to user-centered design, a philosophical process where the needs and wants of the end user of an interface receive extra attention at each step of the design process.

Bachelor Of Science In Information Science

A Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences prepares students for careers in the information industry. This solid foundation in the subject will help students towards a career with expertise in the field while internships will help sharpen leadership skills. Coursework includes information use, information retrieval, information systems, information literacy and introductory courses on database concepts and applications.

Master Of Science In Information Science

A Master of Science in Information Science teaches students the human side of information and technologies as well as applying this knowledge to practical problems. Students must already understand the basics of computer literacy, including Internet-based tools, databases, spreadsheets and operating systems. Coursework includes database design, human computer interaction, organizational informatics, systems analysis and design in addition to programming and language classes.

Master of Science in Library Science

Library science is a discipline under the umbrella of information sciences, which means that many schools combine these programs with library science degrees. Earning a Master of Science in Library Science entails studying topics related to collecting, organization, archiving and preserving information and resources. Students will take many of the same courses, including information systems and technology, database management and information architecture. However, future librarians also take courses in knowledge management, human information and digital preservation.

Earning A Higher Degree In Information Science

A Ph.D. in Information Sciences involves studying how to identify and conceptualize research problems while challenging students to become innovative thinkers and leaders who will contribute to academia by contributing new knowledge. Students will write a dissertation and work closely with professors on subjects they are most interested in, as information science encompasses so many other fields.

Coursework In Information Science

Coursework for information sciences involves a combination of computer sciences and social sciences, so the interdisciplinary aspects of the major are reflected in the classes. Classes include information literacy, information retrieval, informatics, information security, user interface design, information ethics, abstraction and analysis, along with human-computer interaction, information systems analysis and design, human information interactions, natural language processing, database systems and electronic records management, those who are interested in library sciences will take specific courses about digital preservation, histories of libraries and archiving.

Career Opportunities In Information Science

The career opportunities for an information science graduate are all related to the information industry, but the hodgepodge of disciplines within this field of study means that jobs vary from creative to technical. Information industry jobs deal with construction and designing databases, collecting and retrieving information and researching technology as well as publishing electronic resources and developing the organizational system of libraries.

Other possible careers for information science graduates include database design and execution, web design, networking support, information architecture and information consulting. Graduates with a master’s degree in information sciences can find work as a web developer, systems analyst, database administrator or software engineer.

Potential Earning For Information Science Majors

Information sciences and library sciences is one of the fastest growing fields and is expected to increase job growth at a faster than average rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Computer systems analysts can make up to $80,000, while systems designers earn around $67,000. Database managers can earn anywhere from $84,750 to $116,000, whereas network architects can make up to $112,250. Database developers earn slightly less, from $73,500 to $103,000. Database administrators can start at $70,250, while web developers average at around $67,500. Software engineers earn a median salary of $84,560 and information scientists and researchers can earn up to $97,000 a year. Those with degrees in library sciences earn a median salary of $45,000, depending on the particular branch of library.