We have access to more information than any other time in human history. The key to accessing all that information in the 21st century is Information Science.
What Is an Information Science Degree?
With the explosion of data and information, the study of Information Science has grown into a broad discipline covering the collecting, sorting, analysis, storing, and transferring of information. Undergraduate degrees in Information Science aren’t limited to just computer programming and software development but will blend social and cultural aspects as well. Some programs offer minors in areas such as healthcare informatics, multimedia, communications, etc. B.S. degrees in Information Science can qualify you for management and system network specialist careers.
How Much Can You Earn with an Information Science Degree?
The glut of information is good news for those with an Information Science degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10-year job growth in this field is 11%, much faster than average. Salary ranges for this career start at the lower 10% earning $85,380 annually and the highest 10% earning an impressive $208,000. The median salary is calculated at $142,530 in 2018.
If you aren’t sure about information science, check out our master list of the Best Online Computer Science Degrees. If you want to tackle cybersecurity, check out the Best Online Information Systems Security Degrees.
What’s Required for an Information Science Degree?
Because Information Science cuts across a wide range of disciplines, you’ll benefit from courses offered in most general education prerequisites such as sociology, psychology, communication, humanities, etc. Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees in Information Science, but most employers are looking for bachelor’s or master’s prepared hires. Universities routinely accept transfer credits from two-year programs, which will cut down on the total number of hours required for your B.S. or B.A.
See Also: How Hard is it to Get a Job in Computer Science?
What Are the Best Information Science Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- 127 credit hours
- One of the most generous transfer policies in the country
- Military Friendly
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThe B.S. in Information Technology at Bellevue University covers computer programming, information systems management, and databases. There’s tuition discount for active military and their spouses. Credit for military training is considered.
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University of Maryland Global Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6936(in state) / $11,976(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Up 90 transfer credit hours
- 90+ online programs and specializations
School Wide
Program Level
94%OSR ScoreNamed on Reuters’ “100 Most Innovative Universities” list. The B.S. in Information Management Systems prepares for certification exams. Coursework designed by I.T. industry leaders and chief information officers.
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Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,240(in state) / $12,240(out of state)
- 124 Credit Hours
- Military friendly
- Alumni include NASA scientists and military generals
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreFlorida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) offers a 100% online B.S. in Computer Information Systems. You’ll study programming, network theory, database management, etc. Courses are eight weeks long.
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Davenport University
20-Year ROI$606,885
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,728(in state) / $16,728(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Course credit given for specific certifications
- 1st online learning community in Michigan
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreDavenport University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Computer Information Systems. The program covers computer languages, including Java, C++, and C#. You can also earn a math minor in applied mathematics.
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Grantham University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,360(in state) / $6,360(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Can be completed in 3 years
- Courses begin monthly
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThis B.S. in Information Systems offers three concentrations in Health Informatics, Cybersecurity, or Web Development. Electives in this degree in business, information systems, and computer science, etc. The school is “Military Friendly.”
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,484(in state) / $13,484(out of state)
- 125 Credit Hours
- Ranked in top 10 “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by U.S. News and World Report
- Rolling admissions
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis online B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology allows customization with two options, Integration and Application or Information Systems Design and Development. You can earn professional credentials as you go.
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Excelsior College
Quick Facts
- 120 Credit Hours
- Median of 43 transfer credits accepted
- Academic credit for military training and/or job expertise
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreA B.S. in Information Technology degree from Excelsior College offers concentrations in Network Operations, Cybersecurity Technology, and General Information Technology. Forbes considers Excelsior College as one of the best colleges for adults returning to school.
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Friends University
20-Year ROI$827,866
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $27,150(in state) / $27,150(out of state)
- 124 Credit Hours
- Adult Undergraduate focus
- Preparation for Microsoft Windows Server & Management and Analytics certifications
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreFor this B.S. in Computer Sciences and Information Systems degree, you’ll take coursework in Web Application, Server Administration, Advanced Programming, etc. The school will help you develop a career plan within the program to optimize your courses.
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University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,350(in state) / $31,415(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Transfer up to 90 academic credit hours
- Financial Aid and scholarships available for eligible students
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThe B.S. in Information Technology degree from UMASS Lowell will prepare you for a variety of careers. Online technology courses are offered three times a year.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,240(in state) / $14,880(out of state)
- 84 Credit Hours
- Credit for military training
- Fast track degree options
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThis online B.S. in Information Sciences focuses on database management, technology problem solving, and networking, and communication. You’ll study basic statistics, marketing principles, managerial and financial accounting, etc. Health Information and Information Technology minors available.
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,954(in state) / $18,644(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Up to 64 transfer credit hours accepted
- Cross-disciplinary curriculum
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreYou can choose from one of five concentrations with this online B.S. in Management Information Systems degree. Concentrations require prerequisites from core degree courses. The university is recognized as military friendly.
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Clayton State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,965(in state) / $14,426(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Healthcare related minors available
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreGeorgia’s Clayton State University has an online B.S. in Computer Science. This program focuses on computer problem-solving skills, ethics, and computational thinking. You can choose from Cybersecurity, General Computer, or Big Data concentrations.
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Mercy College
20-Year ROI$790,262
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,084(in state) / $18,084(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- 75-90 transfer credits accepted
- A U.S. News and World Report “Best Online Bachelor’s Program”
School Wide
Program Level
64%OSR ScoreThis B.S. in Computer Information Systems covers database management, artificial intelligence, and information systems, etc. The college provides online advising, an online learning center, and career services.
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South University-Savannah Online
20-Year ROI$655,870
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,260(in state) / $13,260(out of state)
- 180 Credit Hours
- Credit for military training and experience
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
64%OSR ScoreSouth University’s B.S. in Information Technology prepares you for entry-level positions. The program offers foundation courses in ethics, business, programming logic, etc. Check that South University is able to admit students from your state.
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Fort Hays State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,900(in state) / $13,723(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- 6 concentrations
- 73% graduation rate
School Wide
Program Level
63%OSR ScoreThis is B.S. or B.A. in Information Networking and Telecommunications. Choose from concentrations in Digital Media Production and Journalism, Health Informatics, Cybersecurity, etc. This degree qualifies you for professional certification exams.
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,091(in state) / $19,370(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Credit for military experience and training
- No residency requirements for tuition
School Wide
Program Level
62%OSR ScoreThis B.S. in Information Science and Technology is designed for those working in IT. Studies focus on IT competencies and “cross-functional” electives. The degree includes options for internships, study abroad, and/or independent study.
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McKendree University
20-Year ROI$909,540
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,560(in state) / $28,560(out of state)
- 120 Credit Hours
- Offers College Level Examination Program
- No tuition residency requirement
School Wide
Program Level
62%OSR ScoreYou’ll combine studies in IT and business courses to understand the application management foundations to a technology career. The program focuses on skills in database design, problem-solving, management, as well as software development. Coursework is entirely online.
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Murray State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,656(in state) / $22,656(out of state)
- 122 Credit Hours
- 100% Online
- Rolling admission
School Wide
Program Level
60%OSR ScoreMurray State University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report “Best Value Schools,” “Best College for Veterans,” and “Top Public Schools.” This is a Bachelor of Science in Business, degree with a Computer Information Systems concentration.
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University of North Texas
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,103(in state) / $18,063(out of state)
- 120 credits
- Must have 2.5 GPA to apply
- 5 optional minors available
School Wide
Program Level
59%OSR ScoreUNT has five major concentrations: Information Management & Health Informatics, Human Language Technology, Project and Knowledge Management, Data Science, and Information Science & Knowledge Organization. If students meet certain exam requirements, they may be able to finish the degree in a special three year track.
