Information science majors explore the way people and computers interact. If you choose this major, you’ll be studying ways to improve these interactions. How do people interact with, use, and sell information? As you examine a myriad of answers to these questions, you’ll use what you learn to create systems for retrieving and storing data.
Education
According to the College Board, an information science major is generally offered at the associate’s and the bachelor’s degree level. Your coursework will include study of computers and information technology, as well as human behavior. Many programs also require students to complete an internship as part of their degree program.
What to know before you apply
If you pursue this major, be sure to choose a school that offers a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines—everything from psychology to programming. Ask about internship pursuit; if you’re required to complete an internship, will your department help arrange one? It’s also important to make sure the school’s computer labs are equipped with the latest technology. As you complete various projects for this major, you might be spending a lot of time in the lab. Many information science majors include some sort of capstone experience. As you near graduation, you may find yourself enrolled in a seminar that provides guidance while you work independently on a major project.
Colleges offering related fields of study
• D’Youville College: Buffalo, NY
• United States Coast Guard Academy: New London, CT
• Le Moyne College: Syracuse, NY
• Midwestern State University: Wichita Falls, TX
Salary
Information science majors can pursue a wide range of jobs after graduation. You may work in the IT department of a large company, help develop and test new software, or build websites. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Research Scientists earned a median pay of $102,190 per year in 2012.
> For more information about careers and majors, check out NextStepU.com.
