URL: https://www.pexels.com/photo/students-and-teacher-in-the-classroom-near-brown-table-8197494/
Alt-Text: Collection of students speaking with a professor
The best schools for information science lay the foundation for a career in the industry. Since information science is a broad field, students often have a lot of programs and concentrations to choose from at the best information science colleges. The field is promising and rewarding as employment in information science is expected to grow by 22 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The best information science schools for different levels of education include both public universities and private universities. This guide will highlight the best information science universities to help streamline your search.
Best Information Science College and University Rankings: Top 10 Information Science Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Bloomington | IN | In-person | #68 |
| San Jose State University | CA | In-person | #22 |
| Syracuse University | NY | In-person or online | #59 |
| Temple University | PA | In-person | #103 |
| University of Maryland – College Park | MD | In-person, online, or hybrid | #59 |
| University of North Carolina | NC | In-person | #28 |
| University of Pittsburgh | PA | In-person | #59 |
| University of South Carolina | SC | In-person | #117 |
| University of Washington | DC | In-person or online | #59 |
| Wayne State University | MI | Online | #249 |
Information Science School Rankings: Best Information Science Colleges and Universities
Most of the programs offered by the best information science schools take place in person, but there are a few hybrid or completely online programs. Any of these institutions can give you the training and knowledge you require, it’s just about finding the right fit. Below is an expanded list to give you a better idea of what the schools offer.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
The Best Schools for Information Science: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
There are six main types of college degrees and programs offered by universities. The best information science schools have different admission and graduation requirements for each of these programs. Read below to find all you need to know about these degrees and certificates.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
[query_class_embed] *degree-vs-*degree
Best Information Science Schools: Other Information Science University Rankings
The best information science schools offer a hands-on approach as well as career support to its students regardless of their program type. This gives students the skills and knowledge that employers in the field are looking for. Below is a rundown of the best schools for information and the information science university rankings.
Best Online Information Science Schools
- Syracuse University. This online school offers career advisors to help students prepare for life after graduation. Students get expert advice for summer internships, interviews, and resumes among other things. Its online program is flexible as students can choose to attend part-time or full-time.
- University of Maryland. UMD’s College of Information Studies gives students a foundation and prepares them for their careers. Students have lots of resources to gain practical knowledge during the program.
- University of Washington. This university is ideal because it offers flexibility for students who want to study in person or online. It has a great reputation and is highly ranked among universities and colleges in the United States.
Best Community Colleges for Information Science
- Bucks County Community College. This college is known for its diverse community of students. It provides resources for students to reach their career and personal goals. The school offers hybrid, online, and in-person learning for working professionals.
- Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC). DTCC offers different learning options for its students, as students can study in person or from a distance. The faculty provides learning communities to help students collaborate with one another.
- Prince George’s Community College. This college offers a student services center virtually to offer different kinds of assistance to students. This makes it easier to enroll, get financial aid, and more. Its programs are also flexible.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Information Science
- University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. This university offers balanced programs that help students to get technical, social, and ethical skills that they can apply in modern-day technology and systems.
- University of North Texas. This university has one of the best undergraduate information science programs because it offers different tools to aid students in their learning process. It occasionally hosts special lectures featuring renowned scholars. The University of North Texas offers online, in-person, and hybrid programs.
- University of South Carolina. This university offers flexible programs irrespective of the degree type. Students can customize their degree to create a program that helps them achieve their career goals or land a job.
Best Graduate Schools for Information Science
- University of North Carolina (UNC). UNC is widely known as an education leader due to its high rankings. Its information science degree programs are multidisciplinary and flexible.
- University of Pittsburgh. This university stands out for graduate information science degree programs because of its emphasis on experiential learning and community-focused tech projects. It has structures in place to promote the flexibility of programs.
- Wayne State University. This university is an excellent option for graduate information science studies. The program is hands-on with lots of opportunities to sharpen your skills as an information scientist. Its School of Information Sciences has been teaching students for more than 100 years.
Best Information Science Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- New York University | Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS). This university has a unique approach when it comes to integrating experiential learning with theoretical training. The dual degree gives you the knowledge and skills to work in different professional settings.
- University of Maryland | History and Library & Information Science Master’s Degree. This dual degree interdisciplinary program is run by two schools at UMD. Graduates of this program are awarded a Master of Arts in History and a Master of Library and Information Science.
- University of South Carolina | Public History and Library and Information Science (MA / MLIS). This program offers a dual degree in which students can get a public history and library and information science master’s degree at the same time. Students can get both a Master of Arts and Master of Science degree.
Best Schools With Accelerated Information Science Programs
- Indiana University | Applied Data and Information Science B.S. + Master of Library and Information Science. This program is a dual accelerated program. Participants can get both a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Data and Information Science and a Master of Library and Information Science in five years.
- The University of Arizona | Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. This accelerated program allows students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree programs within five years or less. It is for individuals who want to work as information specialists and librarians.
- The University of Oklahoma | Bachelor of Arts in Information Studies/Master of Library and Information Studies. This program gives students the opportunity to earn two degrees in information studies within 5 years. The BAIS and MLIS programs are available to qualifying students.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
[query_class_embed] colleges-that-don’t-require-*modifier
Is Graduate School for Information Science Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for information science is worth it. An information science graduate program helps you to develop skills and foundational knowledge to advance your career. There are a lot of higher-paying opportunities for graduates in this field. Employers tend to prefer candidates with PhDs as the skills can be applied to several industries and sectors.
What Jobs Can You Do With an Information Science Degree?
The jobs you can do with an information science degree include systems analyst, research analyst, information scientist, business administration, computer forensic analyst, librarian, digital archivist, data analyst, intelligence analyst, and data engineer. The best schools for information science on our list can also help you become a data analyst.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Information Science?
According to PayScale, you can earn between $69,000 and $92,000 with a degree in information science. The annual salary of each professional depends on factors such as the cost of living and location. The highest earners are information science PhD holders with an average yearly salary of $100,000.
Highest-Paying Information Science Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Usability Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $104,481 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
| Cloud Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $91,409 |
| Penetration Tester | Bachelor’s degree | $88,376 |
| Knowledge Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $78,682 |
| Clinical Informatics Specialist | Bachelor’s degree | $78,186 |
| Master Data Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $62,538 |
Best Jobs With an Information Science Degree
The best jobs for people with an information science degree include usability engineer, information architect, data scientist, and cloud engineer. These jobs mostly require a bachelor’s degree to secure, although employers may require a more advanced degree in some cases. Read below to discover the best information science jobs.
How Can I Pay for Information Science School?
You can pay for information science school through student loans, upfront payments, federal financial aid, scholarships, and even GI Bill benefits. Irrespective of the degree type, the programs are expensive, especially if you attend a for-profit university. Some of these methods below make it easier to pay tuition and receive a quality education without financial stress.
- Scholarships. Some universities offer different scholarships to cover the tuition and living expenses of students. This award is often given to students with a strong academic record or disadvantaged students. A scholarship does not need to be repaid.
- Student loans. There are both private and federal loans available to students to help them cover their tuition. The difference between both types of student loans is the interest rate you are repaying. Federal loans are more affordable in that regard.
- Financial aid. This could be in the form of grants. The first step is applying for FAFSA. This process will determine how much aid you can get and which you need to repay.
- GI Bill benefits. If you have served in the military, you can pay for your information science degree with GI Bill benefits. This bill helps veterans achieve their career goals by paying part of their tuition.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
[query_class_embed] how-to-pay-for-*modifier-school
Choosing the Best Information Science School for You
To choose the best information science school for you, you should consider accreditation, flexibility, accelerated degrees, concentration, and cost. We expand on each of these factors in detail to help you make the right decision for your education.
Cost
The first thing you should consider before choosing the best information science school is the cost. If you are on a budget, look for more affordable schools and consider the financial aid options each program offers. Attending a public school instead of a for-profit college can help reduce student debt.
Flexibility
More and more college students prefer flexible programs that give them the chance to work and pay for their education simultaneously. This could be in the form of a part-time or online program. If this is important to you, research if the program will give you the chance to choose your own learning schedule.
Accreditation
The accreditation of your school could affect your degree in so many ways. If your program is not accredited, you are at risk of not being able to find a job because employers do not recognize degrees from unaccredited schools. The government often does not allocate financial aid to students in unaccredited institutions.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*subject-school
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Information Science?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for your information science degree. Some programs are more prestigious than others and give you a better reputation and earning potential in the field. A good information science program will give you the right foundation in the relevant skills you need to work. Some schools are also more involved in experiential learning than others.
Information Science University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Information Science
We ranked the best information science schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our information science university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of information science degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Information Science
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-information-science-masters-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-online-information-science-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/information-science-vs-information-technology/
Best Information Science Schools FAQ
Information science is an academic field that focuses on the analysis, classification, collection, storage, manipulation, retrieval, dissemination, and movement of information. It is also known as information studies and is available in different degree levels.
An information science degree is not difficult if you learn the basics before progressing to more complicated topics. It is a broad field and you have the opportunity to choose an area of concentration that suits your preferences and skills.
Yes, information science requires math because you will deal with data in your career. In some cases, statistics and calculus may be part of the first-year curriculum of your undergraduate degree.
There are a lot of career paths for graduates with an information science degree. You can work as a data scientist, data analyst, penetration tester, cloud engineer, computer systems analyst, usability engineer, and information architect.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
