Program Overview

Overview of the B.S. in Information Science Program

The B.S. in Information Science program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly expanding field of information science. This field is focused on the needs of people and organizations, making it distinct from fields like computer science, which are more focused on technology.

Program Details

• The program requires 39 credit hours.
• It is designated as a STEM program, allowing eligible international graduates to apply for a 24-month OPT extension.
• The program includes a programming course in Python, but most students do not pursue careers in coding.
• Instead, students learn the mental model of computer science and develop professional skills valued by employers, such as communication and teamwork.

Curriculum

• Students learn about the many ways in which information can be created, communicated, stored, and/or transformed to benefit individuals, organizations, and society.
• They acquire practical skills for analyzing, processing, and managing information and developing and managing information systems.
• The program emphasizes problem-solving and decision-making skills to effectively utilize information tools and take leadership roles in the information economy.
• Students evaluate the role of information in various industries, organizational settings, populations, and purposes.
• They also learn about the value of information and information tools, their current role in society and the economy, as well as their historical significance and potential impact on the future.

Field Experience Program

• The program offers a field experience opportunity, where students gain 135 hours of professional experience in an information organization while receiving three hours of class credit.
• Field experiences can be completed during the fall, spring, or summer term.
• Students are mentored by both a supervising professional in the organization and a full-time SILS faculty member.
• The program is intended for students who are junior or senior status.

Careers in Information Science

• Graduates of the program go on to work for top companies, including Google, Credit Suisse, LinkedIn, Twitter, SAS, Atlantic BT, Nielsen-Norman, Red Hat, and Capital One, as well as government organizations and non-profits.
• Graduates assume a variety of job titles, including:
  • Business Analyst
  • Database Designer
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Manager
  • Technology Consultant
  • UX (User Experience) Architect
  • Web Developer

Admission Criteria

• UNC students may apply to the information science major once they have completed all three prerequisite courses or have completed two and are currently enrolled in the third.
• Students will then complete five core courses and five pre-approved electives.

Dual-Degree Program

• The program offers a dual-degree option, where students can enroll in graduate-level coursework while pursuing the BSIS that will apply towards a Master of Science in either Information Science (MSIS) or Library Science (MSLS).