Online Information Science Degrees: Curriculum & Program Info
You begin the path from student to working information science professional by deciding which specialty area interests you the most. Information science specialty areas include:
- Information systems specialization: involves using object-oriented design tools to design, build, implement, and test web-based information systems.
- User-centered design specialization: involves using visual and human-computer interaction skills to design and build prototypes of information systems interfaces as well as perform usability testing of these systems.
- Networks and security specialization: involves designing, building, and testing LANS, WANS, Wireless, Internet, and Web-based networks.
There are more than 900,000 professionals working in information science (IS). The number of information scientists is expected to increase by 30%-34% for the 2008-2018 decade, bringing the number of employees in this field to well over 1 million professionals.
Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree or higher for entry-level to mid-level positions, and advanced degrees for more complex positions and for jobs that require research or instruction. More than 50% of all information science professionals hold bachelor’s degree or higher.
Information science degree programs are available through on-campus technical schools, colleges, and universities. Many on-campus technical schools have made their degree programs available online, as well. In addition, there are hundreds of online technical schools and colleges that now offer information science degree programs through innovative distance learning formats. Aspiring information science professionals interested in flexibility and convenience usually choose the online option.
When searching for a suitable information science degree program, it is important to pay close attention to accreditation and curriculum. Accredited schools will require test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The information in the next section can be used as a valuable tool to compare accredited online and on-campus program curriculums to other curriculums.
On-campus and Online Information Science Degrees Curriculum
Accredited information science degree programs, whether online or on-campus, will require a combination of core courses in information science and specific specialty area courses.
Accredited information science degree programs will include some or all of the following courses:
- Application Development for Mobile Devices
- Applications of Network
- Computer Networking Laboratory
- Computer Security
- Database Management Systems
- Geographic Information Systems
- Graphics
- Human Factors in System Design
- Human Information Processing
- Information Systems Analysis
- Information Systems Design
- Introduction to Information, Systems, and Society
- Introduction to Programming for Information Science Students
- Introduction to Telecom and Networks
- Introduction to Wireless Networks
- Network Security
- Object-Oriented Programming for Information Science
- Physical Layer of Communications
- User-Centered Design
- Web Programming
On-campus and online information science students will also have access to internship opportunities, independent study courses, and special topics in behavior, programming, systems, and IT management.
Finding Online Information Science Degree Programs
To locate top accredited online information science degree programs, students may explore offerings at on-campus technical schools or they may search through comprehensive online directories such as Top Online Colleges. Well-known search engines such as Bing, Ask or Google are also useful. Each online degree program will offer information on accreditation. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tip: Before choosing an online technical school, discuss possible internship opportunities with your admission's counselor or IS program director. Internship programs involve supervised work in an information environment, which helps you understand and apply the skills, methodologies, and theories presented in your courses. Internships usually take place during senior year or at the beginning of the last five information science courses.
