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.[vii] Information Science Graduate Programs may therefore have courses that include aspects of other disciplines such as:[viii]
- 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.
Masters in Information Science
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.
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[ix].
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)[x] to management (e.g. Information Systems Director)[xi] and librarian roles (e.g. Technical Services Librarian)[xii] 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. 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.
sources: [i] onetonline.org/link/summary/25-4011.00[ii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm |[iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm |[iv] bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm |[v] bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm |[vi] bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm |[vii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_science#Definitions_of_information_science |[viii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_science#Definitions_of_information_science |[ix] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm |[x] onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.01 |[xi] onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3021.00 |[xii] onetonline.org/link/summary/25-4021.00
