MS Information Science

Program Overview

Master of Science in Information Science

Overview

The Master of Science in Information Science is an ALA-accredited program that covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library and archival science, information management and policy, artificial intelligence and data analysis, and intelligence analysis.

Program of Study

Core Courses (9 credits)

• The Information Environment
• Information and Knowledge Organization
• Administration of Information Agencies

Research and Statistics Course (3 credits)

• Research Methods

Information Science Internship (3 credits)

Gain practical experience applying your knowledge to real-world problems while receiving professional guidance and personal feedback from an expert in the field.

Concentration Courses (21 credits)

See course requirements for your chosen concentration.

Concentrations and Careers

Archives and Records Administration

• Required Courses
  • Fundamentals of Records Management
  • Electronic Record Management
  • Archives and Manuscripts
  • Preservation Management in Archives and Libraries or Archival Representation
  • Supporting courses as advised (9 credits)
• Jobs
  • Special Collections Librarian
  • Archival Project Manager
  • Rare Books and Manuscripts Librarian
  • Records Management Specialist
  • Preservation Projects Manager

Library and Information Services

• Required Courses
  • Information Processing
  • Information Sources and Services
  • Supporting courses as advised (15 credits)
• Jobs
  • Library Branch Manager
  • Acquisition and Materials Librarian
  • Instructional Services Specialist
  • Circulation Supervisor
  • Collection Development Director
  • Resource Consultant

Information Management and Technology

• Required Courses
  • Information Storage and Retrieval
  • Information and Public Policy
  • Human Information Behavior
  • Information Systems
  • Supporting courses as advised (9 credits)
• Jobs
  • Digital Access and Metadata Librarian
  • Interactive Designer
  • Emerging Technologies Librarian
  • Web Project Manager
  • User Experience and Usability Specialist

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

• Required Courses
  • Database Systems and Data Analysis
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics
  • Supporting courses as advised (12 credits)
• Jobs
  • Data Integration Specialist
  • Research Information Analyst
  • Data Management Officer
  • Risk Assessor
  • Performance Measurement Manager
  • Web Analytics Director

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Departmental Assistantship Consideration
  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: Not Available
• No Departmental Assistantship Consideration
  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: January 1
  • Summer: April 1

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Goals

Student Learning Objectives

1. Explain the basic foundational concepts, models and theories in the information professions.
2. Discuss the different environments within which information is produced, processed, sought, disseminated and used.
3. Use the major sources of information and literature pertaining to the information science disciplines.
4. Explain the dynamic nature of the relationships and interactions between information, content, people and technology within the context of the various information environments.
5. Apply knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to adapt to the changing nature of information, technology and users.
6. Explain how information and information professions have changed over time, and how they continue to evolve.
7. Effectively apply the relevant professional standards for information organization and knowledge discovery in a variety of information environments.
8. Apply best practices and standards in the information life cycle stages of creation, acquisition, organization, preservation, access, retrieval and security in different information environment.
9. Explain cognitive approaches to knowledge organization, retrieval and use by different user groups and in various types of information settings.
10. Respond appropriately to users’ diverse information needs.
11. Develop user education programs.
12. Promote the use of information services and systems.
13. Empower users in a variety of information environments.
14. Formulate policies using organizational and information theory.
15. Interpret policy through the lens of organizational and information theory.
16. Implement policies based on organizational and information theory.
17. Discuss codes of ethics established by professional organizations and how they are applied to information professions.
18. Apply the principles, basic values and ethics, and relevant legal frameworks, such as information access and availability, privacy and confidentiality, intellectual freedom and property rights, to issues in the information professions.
19. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of research methodologies used in information science research.
20. Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques.
21. Produce effective written communication of research, theory and/or applied methodology.
22. Critically evaluate the research design, methodology and results in published information science research literature.
23. Apply management theories, techniques and best practices to manage information issues and information in organizations.
24. Develop leadership qualities required to collaborate with larger communities and the global environment.
25. Participate in leadership roles for the advancement of the profession.

Program Outline

Outline

The MS Information Science program is a two-year program that offers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library and archival science, information management and policy, artificial intelligence and data analysis, and intelligence analysis. The program is divided into three segments:

• Core Courses (9 credits):
• The Information Environment
• Information and Knowledge Organization
• Research and Statistics Course (3 credits)
• Research Methods
• Information Science Internship (3 credits)
• Concentration Courses (21 credits):
• Students choose a concentration from:
• Archives and Records Administration
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Each concentration has specific course requirements.
• Supporting Courses (9-15 credits):
• Students take additional courses to fulfill the requirements of their chosen concentration.

Assessment

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Coursework: Students are assessed through exams, papers, and projects.
• Internship: Students are assessed on their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Portfolio: Students create a portfolio of their work to demonstrate their skills and achievements.
• Capstone Project: Students complete a capstone project that demonstrates their mastery of the program's learning objectives.

Teaching

The program is taught by a faculty of experienced professionals who are active in research and practice. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Students receive instruction on the core concepts of information science.
• Seminars: Students engage in discussions with faculty and peers on current issues in information science.
• Hands-on Projects: Students apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Careers

The MS Information Science program prepares students for a variety of careers in the information field. Some potential career paths include:

• Archivist: Archivists preserve and manage historical records.
• Records Manager: Records managers are responsible for the organization and storage of records.

Other

• The MS Information Science program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
• The program is offered both online and in-person.
• The program has a 94.6% first-year retention rate.