by our College Data Analytics TeamIf 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.
Studying Information Science involves the study of Information Science/studies. Continue reading for the key facts every information science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering information science programs.
In the U.S., information science is a widely-pursued major, with 22,425 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Information Science Schools ranking analyzes these 380 schools to determine the best overall colleges for information science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of information science programs later in this article.
Coursework for Information Science emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations information science graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills emphasized by a information science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a information science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several information science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 539 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,046 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 9,605 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 11,021 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 197 |
People currently working in careers related to information science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 38.4% |
| Master’s degree | 17.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 12.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 9.0% |
| Some college courses | 4.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.3% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in information science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in information science opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to information science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to information science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
| Web Administrators | 510,685 | 0.7% |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | 509,308 | 13.0% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of information science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,846 |
| 4 years | $81,091 |
| 5 years | $90,854 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for information science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers information science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Information Technology Project Managers | $124,655 |
| Blockchain Engineers | $123,667 |
With 380 different information science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased information science school rankings to help you.
Those considering information science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 118,381 |
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 57,935 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Programming | 15,336 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,034 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
