Information science is a great field to enter for those who have a knack for working with information and data. Getting a master’s degree in this field would be beneficial to your career path and for your preparation for professional practice. If this interests you, then you should consider pursuing one of the best information science master’s degrees.
Choosing a Master’s Degree in Information Science is advisable to get a good return for your financial investment in a degree program. In this article, we explore the top 10 information science master’s degree programs, along with other essential and related information.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
Some of the best schools to get a Master’s Degree in Information Science are Indiana University Bloomington and Syracuse University. There are countless universities and colleges throughout the country that offer top-tier accredited programs for a Master’s Degree in Information Science. We’ve listed the top five below.
What Schools Offer the Best Information Science Master’s Degrees?
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Syracuse University
- University of Maryland
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Information Science are generally the same as most graduate programs. Most programs will require you to have an average GPA of at least 3.0. A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as information systems, computer science, or information science is also required. Some schools may ask for pre-requisite courses and standardized test scores. Students may complete a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree, but it will depend on the institution.
Information Science Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (varies)
- Standardized test scores (varies)
- Pre-requisite courses (varies)
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
How to Get an Information Science Master’s Degree
To get an information science master’s degree you must complete the graduation requirements.
You need to finish the required amount of credits, as well as a possible internship, independent study, a final project, or a thesis. Below, we discuss the specific amount of credits needed for this program and list the possible requirements.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
You need 30 to 64 credits to get a Master’s Degree in Information Science. The course load will consist of required classes for your degree or specialization, as well as a small number of elective courses. The program, on average, will take two years to complete, including the final project, independent study, or thesis.
Information Science Degree Requirements
- Complete concentration course credits
- Complete elective course credits
- Complete internship (if required)
- Complete independent study (if required)
- Complete a master’s project (if required)
- Complete a master’s thesis (if required)
Best Information Science Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| College of Charleston | Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Master of Information Science (MIS) | American Library Association (ALA) |
| Syracuse University | Master of Science in Library and Information Science | American Library Association (ALA) |
| Temple University | Master of Science in Information Science and Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| University of Maryland | Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MLIS) | American Library Association (ALA) |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Master of Science in Computer and Information Science | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) | American Library Association (ALA) |
| University of Pittsburgh | Master of Science in Information Science | Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) |
| University of Washington | Master of Library and Information Science | American Library Association (ALA) |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Master of Library & Information Science | American Library Association (ALA) |
Best Schools for Information Science: Top Information Science Master’s Degree Programs
These universities and programs are some of the best in their field. Prospective students should look through each one and figure out which one best fits their interests. Below, we have broken down the schools, programs, and requirements to apply.
What Is an Information Science Master’s Degree?
An information science master’s degree is a graduate diploma that certifies that you have completed a specialized area of study in the field of information science. With a master’s degree, you will be recognized for a higher educational standard than an associate or bachelor’s degree.
An information science master’s degree prepares you for better employment prospects and opportunities in the workforce than its educational predecessors. You will have the hands-on experience, knowledge, and acquired skills to pursue various career paths. You may also continue your education with a doctorate degree upon completing your master’s degree.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
A Master’s Degree in Information Science is important if you wish to increase employment opportunities, annual salaries, and technical skills in the field. Professionals who carry a master’s degree are also eligible for higher ranking positions, such as managerial and executive positions, which can help lead to a more fruitful career.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Information Science?
You can get a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Information Science. A master of science focuses more on technical skills, hands-on experience, and math and science courses. A Master of Arts, on the other hand, focuses on the social science courses such as the history of information science and societal implications.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Information Science?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Information Science. A Master of Science ensures that you get the technical experience and skills you need for the majority of professions within this field. With a master of science, you can rest assured that all skills you learn are meant to specifically heighten your employability and technical understanding in the field.
A master of arts, on the other hand, may not offer as much value in the practical sense. Graduate students of this degree type will learn more about the answers to various theoretical questions. They will learn about its impact on society, its relevance, and its history. A master of science ranks higher in value.
What Is the Difference Between an Information Science Master’s Degree and an Information Science Certificate?
The difference between an information science master’s degree and an information science certificate is the level of education. A Master’s Degree in Information Science is a higher credential than a certificate and will cover a broader range of topics in more depth. A graduate certificate offers quick, specialized training in a specific skill or area.
This also means that a Master’s Degree in Information Science would require more time commitment than an information science certificate. However, if you choose to complete a certificate you may transfer the credits earned to a master’s degree program, which will shorten the completion time.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
It will cost, on average, around $19,314 a year to get a Master’s Degree in Information Science.
The actual price may vary depending on various factors, such as what type of institution you go to and whether you enroll as a resident or non-resident.
For example, costs in public institutions in 2019-2020 reached as low as $8,944 a year. On the other hand, the average cost to get a graduate degree in non-profit private institutions was $28,430 a year.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Science Master’s Degree?
An information science master’s degree takes around 18 to 24 months to complete. On average it will consist of four semesters at 15 credits per semester, but various factors can shorten or lengthen the time it takes to complete your entire program.
Part-time students, in particular, take longer to complete a master’s degree program. On the other hand, students who have transferable credits from a graduate certificate or those who take accelerated programs will be able to finish in a shorter period.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
It can be hard to get a Master’s Degree in Information Science if you lack skills in math and science. With determination and plenty of support, a Master’s Degree in Information Science is easily achievable.
Why Should You Get an Information Science Master’s Degree?
You should get an Information Science Master’s degree because of the great opportunities and skills that come with it. Getting a master’s degree, on top of having professional experience, will ensure that you have a great foundation in the information science industry. This will grant more opportunities, a higher median salary, and greater skills to compete in the job market.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Information Science?
Some of the courses you will take in a Master’s Degree Program in Information Science include Information Retrieval, Management for Information Professionals, and Research Methods. Students will also learn about programming for information professionals and computing fundamentals.
Information Retrieval
This course is focused on equipping graduate students with information retrieval and evaluation techniques. Through this course, they’ll learn various important concepts in the area of library and information science. They’ll interact with different data systems and statistical models, such as business information systems.
Management for Information Professionals
This is a foundational course meant to equip students with general management principles and techniques. Through this course, students learn to apply basic organization concepts to improve their efficiency in the field of Information Science. Discussed topics include budgeting, planning, and decision-making.
Research Methods
This course covers the various research methods that professionals will use in the field of information science. Students will know how to efficiently and effectively analyze and evaluate information. They’ll also learn about research ethics and develop digital literacy to better digest digital data for research.
Programming for Information Professionals
In this course, students are introduced to various programming concepts. Through it, students learn how to write basic programs using techniques such as variables and error handling. The technical experience gained through this course will help information science professionals find ways to automate various tasks in data retrieval and organization.
Computing Fundamentals
Through this course, information science students will learn how to use computing fundamentals to aid them in data storage and manipulation and other systems in data. They’ll learn how to work with algorithms and use software knowledge for automation.
Continuing Education Paths for Information Science Master’s Degree Graduates
After completing a Master’s Degree in Information Science, graduates can continue to pursue a PhD. Earning a PhD opens up even more opportunities for professionals and is a viable path after earning a master’s degree. Professionals may also choose to do certificates in specialized areas within information science.
Related Information Science Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Science Master’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best Information science master’s degree programs may include the cost of the program, the curricular content, and school reputation. You should also look at employment outcomes and accelerated program options. Below, we will discuss five of the most important things to look for in the best information science master’s degree programs.
Cost
The cost of graduate study can vary greatly between programs and schools. You should choose a program that is affordable to you. At the same time, you have to ensure that the quality of education you get from the program is worth the amount of money you’ll invest.
Employment Outcomes
The employment outcomes are also important considerations because getting a good salary is one of the main factors in a master’s degree. It will offer insight into whether the program equips you with employable skills for a great career.
Curricular Content
The curricular content, or the various courses and topics covered by the program, is one of the most important factors to consider. Before choosing a school, look through its curriculum to ensure it covers topics and skills that are relevant to your educational and professional goals.
Accelerated Options
Whether or not a program has accelerated options is also an important factor. Many prospective students are already in the industry and would prefer not to be held back by a drawn-out program. Accelerated programs offer you the chance to complete the program in a shorter period.
School Reputation
Going to a school that’s known for having a quality education will save you some time when finding somewhere to apply. It will also look better in your resume, as most employers tend to look at the school you studied at, not just your degree itself.
What Is the Most Affordable Information Science Master’s Degree?
The most affordable information science master’s degree program on our list is the one offered by the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Its Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program costs $455 per credit for in-state students and $856 per credit for out-of-state students.
Considering its program is 30 credits, this sums up to a total of $13,650 for in-state students and $25,680 for out-of-state students. These tuition costs are the lowest on our list, making it the most affordable program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Information Science Master’s Degree Graduates
Getting a job is your next step after graduating with one of the best information science master’s degrees. After your two-year program, you will have a competitive edge and multiple career paths to choose from. Below we have outlined some of the best information science master’s degree jobs, along with salaries, descriptions, and highest-paying states.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Information Science Master’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an information science master’s degree. There’s no limit to the job opportunities after a graduate study. You will have developed experience through specialized training and technical skill development during your degree program. This will create a variety of job options in the private and public sectors.
What’s the Average Information Science Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an information science master’s degree is $91,000 per year. However, annual salaries still depend on what job you’re opting for. If you plan to seek a profession as a data scientist, the median salary is $97,924 per year. As an information technology (IT) manager, you can expect to earn $89,198 on average yearly.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Information Science Master’s Degree?
Some jobs you can get with an information science master’s degree are producing, archiving, assessing, and purchasing records. You may also choose a career path wherein you arrange data for diverse information formats, resources, and systems.
Information Science Degree Jobs
- Bioinformatician
- Data Science Engineer
- Intellectual and Structural Capital Specialist
- Multimedia Specialist
- Thesaurus Developer
Potential Careers With an Information Science Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Information Science?
You can make between $100,544 and $159,010 per year with an information science master’s degree. Below are the top five highest-paid career paths following graduate school with a Master’s Degree in Information Science. You can use the information below as your guide in looking for jobs after your success in graduate school.
Highest-Paying Information Science Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Science Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Architect | $128,311 |
| Database Architect | $113,983 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $101,881 |
| Software Product Manager | $100,544 |
| Information Systems Manager | $85,369 |
Best Jobs for Information Science Master’s Degree Grads
The best information science master’s degree jobs include computer and information systems managers, computer and information research scientists, and software product managers. Some other promising careers are software architects and database architects.
Below, all five are listed with annual salaries from highest to lowest, including the data on compensation, employment, and service offered by each position. Most of these careers require hands-on experience and advanced skills in each respective field.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Information Science Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Information Science is worth it if this is a field that you’re interested in. There is a significant shortage of labor for occupations requiring data expertise across various industries. Further, the median annual salary of a master’s degree holder in this field is considerable.
Additional Reading About Information Science
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Information Science Master’s Degree FAQ
A Master’s Degree in Information Science is a graduate degree that focuses on analyzing, designing, developing, maintaining, and operating information systems. Depending on your graduate school, hybrid-style or online programs are offered for learning flexibility.
Yes, the field of information science is on the rise. In fact, information science master’s degree jobs have promising job outlooks for the future. This means that there are many opportunities in this area of study.
Yes, jobs in information science might require coding. However, this will only require basic coding and programming abilities. Of course, it will depend on what career you’ll pursue, your seniority, and your employment sector.
The skills you’ll need to become an information scientist include an excellent eye for detail and analytical and leadership ability. It also demands the competence to utilize your initiative, completely comprehend computer systems and programs, and work effectively with others. In addition, you’ll need to know about computer operating systems, hardware, and software.
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