Information Science Graduate Programs in Washington

As a specialized discipline within technology, Information Science Degree Programs offer students the opportunity to expand technical and practical knowledge in informatics, information systems and library science. Whether you prefer research, information technology, computer programming, business management or working with online reference systems, graduate programs in Information Science are worth considering.

Information Science Graduate Programs: Basics

Information Science Graduate Programs are available as Graduate Certificates, Masters and Information Science PhD programs. Professionals in this interdisciplinary field are concerned with gathering, organizing, storing, analyzing, managing and transforming information and digital data to serve the needs of businesses and solve problems in industry. Students interested in a Masters in Information Science typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science, information systems or a related major. A Master’s degree can serve as a platform for a PhD Information Science program.

What are Information Science Graduate Programs?

An information science graduate program awards master’s and doctoral degrees as well as post bachelor certificates. These programs study a specialized are within technology. You could expect to broaden your technical and practical knowledge. Whether in informatics, information systems or library science. Many programs also provide a strong foundation in research and applied science – putting into practice what you learn in class.

Why Earn a Graduate Degree in Information Science?

Library and Information Science Graduate Programs often provide a strong foundation in research and applied science – putting into practice what you learn in class.

Naturally, investing your time, discipline and money on a graduate degree may seem daunting, and you want to know ‘is it worth it?’. Other than your personal goals, here are a few reasons to consider searching for an Information Science Graduate program and graduate school:

Librarians need a master’s degree in library science for entry-level jobs, they earned about 30% more than those with Bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, some employers require special librarians to have a professional degree or a PhD (BLS).

Having a master’s degree and in some cases a PhD may enable you to pursue a career as a librarian or information studies professional. Librarians and media specialists in this field face about 13,700 new job openings through 2032. Prospects are especially bright for those who can adapt to the fast-paced changes in technology. While pay rates vary, the average annual salary recorded by this group of professionals was $64,370 in May 2023 and some earned more than $98,650, per the BLS.

Information Science Courses and Curriculum

As a graduate student, you could expect the field of information sciences to touch on many disciplines. These areas tend to cover the various methods and practices concerning the information life cycle. Including how to acquire, generate, market, distribute, transform, store, secure and use information to suit goals.

DID YOU KNOW? Archivists create and maintain accessible computer databases that incorporate current advances in digital information storage technology. 81% of professionals in this field hold a Master’s degree, 3% a Post Master’s Certificate according to O*NET.

Explore Your Options: Informatics, Information Systems, Library Science

As an interdisciplinary field, information science studies all the methods and practices concerning the information life cycle. This includes acquisition, generation, marketing, distribution, transformation, refining, repackaging, usage, storage, communication, securing and presentation in any number of ways. Information Science Graduate Programs may therefore have courses that include aspects of other disciplines such as:

• Computer Science
• Archival Science
• Library Science
• Mathematics
• Management
• Analytics
• Cognitive Science
• Business
• Communications
• Law

Graduate Certificates in Information Science

Graduate Certificates may be available in Information Science, Information Systems, Informatics and Library Sciences. These credentials add-on career-oriented skillsets in a shorter term than it would take to earn a graduate degree. Some certificate program credits may be applicable towards a master’s degree which also keeps your option for continued education open.

What is a Graduate Certificate in Information Science?

A graduate certificate in information science, information systems, informatics or library science is a short term program beyond the bachelor’s degree. Certificates usually entail several targeted courses drawn from a related master’s degree program. Some yield transferable credits should you pursue a graduate degree later. And others may add on career oriented skills.

Information Science Master’s Degree

Masters in Information Science degrees such as the Master of Information Systems (MIS), Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) degrees often take two years to complete. With the exception of MLS programs which usually require an undergraduate degree in any major, MIS degree programs may require a technical background in computer science, information technology or information science. Some departments house library science and information science together. These programs may focus on developing technical skills, management, or research.

What is a Master’s Degree in Information Science?

A master’s in information science is a graduate degree that requires you to have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. Graduate schools may award various forms of the degree. For e.g., Master of Information Systems (MIS), Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS). As a rule, you can expect these programs to take two years to complete as some require a final research thesis.

PhD in Information Science

Information Science PhD programs build on the Master’s degree, and may also be offered in Informatics, Information Systems and as PhD in Library Science degree programs. Doctoral programs may require 4 to 5 years of study after earning one’s bachelor’s degree and are usually research intensive.

Specialized Information Science Graduate Programs

When you are ready to search for Information Science Graduate Programs, it is good to have your personality and career goals in mind. Search first by subject, then by degree level to pinpoint a few graduate programs that might suit you.

Informatics Graduate Programs offer students the opportunity to use computing skills, research, analysis and database design to help process information in business (business informatics), pharmaceuticals (bioinformatics), health care (health informatics) and other areas.

Information Systems Graduate Programs offer students the opportunity to use technology, data and research to help strategize in business to drive productivity or other objectives.

Library Science Graduate Programs offer students the opportunity to learn how to research, synthesize, edit and filter information systems and databases.

Campus or Online Information Science Grad Degree?

Are you someone who prefers the interaction of a campus classroom or a working professional who wants to learn through a web-based online format? Refine your search for graduate programs in information sciences by ‘campus’, ‘online’ or a blended online format called ‘hybrid’. You can also search for graduate schools by location; filter by city, state, or country for the abroad experience.

Accreditation

In the U.S., institutions of higher education seek accreditation through institutional and specialized agencies. Institutional accreditation agencies are classified as either regional or national. In the case of library science graduate programs, a degree from an American Library Association accredited program may stand you in better stead in the workplace.

What Accreditation do I Need for Information Science Graduate Programs?

In the U.S., institutions of higher education seek accreditation through institutional and specialized agencies. Institutional accreditation agencies are classified as either regional or national. In the case of library science graduate programs, a degree from an American Library Association accredited program may stand you in better stead in the workplace.

Potential Careers for Information Sciences Graduates

The variety of information science graduate programs means that there are different possibilities when it comes to careers; these range from science and research (e.g. Scientific Database Curator) to management (e.g. Information Systems Director) and librarian roles (e.g. Technical Services Librarian) among others. Make sure to ask for guidance in order to enroll in the graduate degree program that supports your goals.

Take the Next Step

Finding the right Information Science masters, doctorate or graduate certificate is easy, whether you are specifically looking for schools or want to earn your credentials through a distance-learning format near Washington . Browse the directory of sponsored listings that might include: Business Administration – Information Systems Management DBA, Master of Science in Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Master of Science in Information, Flexible MBA – Information Systems. Request information from your choice universities. Wording can vary and you want to ensure you know about their unique curriculums and stay on top of application deadlines.

GradSchools.com offers 2 Graduate Schools with Information Science Graduate Programs in Washington