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.
In 2020-2021, information science was the 58th most popular major nationwide with 18,325 degrees awarded. This is approximately the same as the 18,368 graduates the prior year.
This year's Best Information Science Schools ranking compares 198 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of IS programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Computer Information Systems
Use technology to drive crucial business strategies with the online BS in Computer Information Systems program at Southern New Hampshire University.
To stay competitive in today's information technology world, employees need to have training that goes beyond traditional computer programming and IT expertise.
AS in Information Technologies
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.
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.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most IS degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific IS careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different IS degree levels. You can get anything from a in information science to the highest IS degree, a . The time it takes to complete a IS degree varies depending on the program.
| 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. See the the most common levels of education for IS workers below.
| 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% |
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.
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.
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% |
Information Science graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $59,532 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $24,651 to as high as $128,592. As you might expect, salaries for IS graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
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 |
With over 747 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.
Learn about other programs related to Information Science that might interest you.
BA in Information Technologies
Gain a well-rounded education while preparing for a career in IT with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
BS in Information Technologies
Build the digital know-how required to become a leader in technology with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Information Science is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems | 88,434 |
| Computer Science | 59,565 |
| Information Technology | 40,555 |
| Computer Systems Networking | 14,700 |
| Computer Software & Applications | 14,336 |
Image Credit: By The Opte Project under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
