If you are interested in the role technology plays in business, you may be interested in studying Information Science.
Information Science professionals not only know how computers and programs work, but they are able to understand the role technology plays in the business world and how people interact with it. Whether it be creating software or developing a website, Information Science professionals work to make this technology user friendly so it can be effectively utilized.
Some classes that Information Science majors take while working on this degree include computer science, programming, multimedia systems, information retrieval and data processing, computer engineering, web design, and statistics. Students will also take classes in business to help them understand how Information Science aids business processes.
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Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
In 2021-2022, information science was the 58th most popular major nationwide with 17,504 degrees awarded.
This year's Best Information Science Schools ranking compares 157 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom is rankings further below.
Gain the specialized knowledge and critical-thinking skills required to begin a career in tech with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Requirements for Getting a Degree in Information Science
A background in computers and systems will aid those who decide to pursue a career in Information Science. Strong analytical skills will help you decide how to tackle problems with information systems or how to use this technology to complete a project, while communications skills will allow you to share information between the IT department and management. Other necessary skills include creativity when developing programs to accomplish certain tasks and the ability to work as part of a team.
Information Science professionals typically work full time, but may work more than 40 hours a week depending on projects or other job requirements.
Along with a degree in Information Science, some employers prefer applicants who have a background in business. The combination of the two areas will further a student's understanding of how the areas work together and allow them to build programs that accomplish tasks more effectively.
ADBLOCK #171
Getting Accepted Into an Information Science Program
information science degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional is certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Information Science Degrees
There are various different levels of is degrees. Information Science programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest is degree you can get. Depending on the information science degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to is, with approximately 57.1% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to is tend obtained the following education levels.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
57.8%
Master’s Degree
17.3%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree)
5.8%
Doctoral Degree
5.5%
Some College Courses
4.5%
ADBLOCK #172
Most workers in is have at least a bachelor's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in information science have received.
This of course varies depending on which is career you choose.
IS Careers
Above AverageNumber of Jobs
$68kAverage Starting Salary
11% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
Although computer systems design firms employ a large majority of graduates, others have gone into finance, insurance, management roles in businesses, or work for the government. This major teaches students how business and technology work together making graduates assets to many different types of organizations.
As computers and technology are becoming more heavily relied on in the business world, organizations are raising the demand for Information Science professionals.
Solid Growth Projected for IS Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your is degree? Information Science careers are expected to grow 11.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to information science.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Systems Software Developers
472,100
11.1%
Computer and Information Systems Managers
411,800
12.0%
Computer Workers
313,800
9.3%
Computer Science Professors
42,900
8.1%
Computer and Information Research Scientists
33,200
19.0%
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To stay competitive in today's information technology world, employees need to have training that goes beyond traditional computer programming and IT expertise.
Information Science graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $67,964 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $25,534 to as high as $175,482. As you might expect, salaries for is graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for IS Majors
Salaries for information science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers is grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$152,860
Computer and Information Research Scientists
$123,850
Systems Software Developers
$114,000
Computer Science Professors
$96,200
Computer Workers
$93,350
ADBLOCK #173
Getting Your Information Science Degree
With over 788 different is degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased is school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
