The information field in higher education is a flourishing and dynamic field that changes with technological advances. Students who earn a bachelor’s in information learn to identify challenges with technology and analyze how communities interact with information. Many go on to earn their master’s in library and information science to become librarians, but those with their undergraduate degrees will qualify for jobs in the fields of business, law, computer science, and data analysis.
There are no set standards for a bachelor’s in information science as long as the university is accredited by the regional or national standard. However, there is a standard for master programs in information science and it is set by the American Library Association (ALA). Therefore, this article highlights information bachelor programs from schools that also offer a master of library and information science degree that is accredited by ALA. This way, readers can be confident that much of the curriculum and the professors in the undergraduate programs in this list meet the ALA standards. The schools and universities that offer the following undergraduate programs are also respected institutions.
For each degree listed, we go over the format of the program and the coursework to expect. Additionally, we will highlight the program’s accomplishments and the career outlook for graduates. We also outline how to apply and the qualifications for the undergraduate program at each college or university and if there are additional requirements for the information school. Keep reading to see if any of the following programs sound right for you.
Bachelor of Science in Information Science from the University of Arizona
This is one of three information science bachelor’s degrees offered by the University of Arizona. All three are good programs and students can minor or major in more than one. Regardless, one minor in addition to a major is required for the university’s standards, or students can choose to double major. The B.S. in Information Science provides students with extensive knowledge of data science. Students will learn how to digitally, process, analyze, to organize, and retrieve large quantities of information. Careers students qualify for after graduation include jobs in user experience (UX), system development, data science, web design, and information architecture.
How to Apply
Applicants should meet the qualifications for high school competency. Then apply online, follow the online directions, and pay the application fee. Students will need to submit transcripts, and test scores where applicable. An essay is not required but they recommend sending a 500-word personal essay.
Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Informatics at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
This bachelor’s degree gives students the skills they will need for IT work as well as skills in humanities and social sciences. Students can choose a concentration of study to match their desired career. They can choose from areas of study in cyber security and information assurance, data management and analytics, web design and development, and video game production. Students graduate with the knowledge they need for jobs as IT specialists, web designers, software managers, and information managers, as well as real experience during a 3-credit hour internship. Additionally, the school offers a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media, and a fast-track option to combine the bachelor’s degree with an MLIS degree that can be completed in five years.
How to Apply
Apply to the undergraduate program and pay the application fee. After being accepted and having met the school of information’s admission requirements, apply online.
Bachelor of Information Science at the University of South Carolina
This program focuses on preparing students for the fast changes and advances in technology and the way communities interact with information. The degree includes classes in information literacy, technology, business management, information, and society, knowledge discovery, and social issues in information and communications technologies. Undergraduate students will also complete an internship, community service hours, and research in their field. The graduates from this program go on to careers as policy analysts for law firms, technology consultants, and other careers in information analysis and technology. Additionally, some go on to graduate-level education and become librarians, archivists, and higher educators.
How to apply
To qualify for the undergraduate program, applicants need to earn a high school diploma before the start of the bachelor’s program. Then applicants can apply online, pay the application fee, send in unofficial transcripts, and fill out a school report form. ACT and SAT test scores are not required for 2023.
Bachelor of Science in Information Science & Technology at the University of Oklahoma
The School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Oklahoma is accredited by the American Library Association and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in information. The undergraduate degree focuses on information technology and how society and various communities interact with information. They also learn skills in MySQL, PHP, HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, Python, R, and more. Careers graduates qualify for after completing the degree include IT project manager, information technology specialist, network administrator, system analyst, website designer and developer, software programmer, and document and records manager.
How to apply
The admissions department will look at a student’s GPA, classes previously completed, and ACT or SAT scores and compare each applicant to current students and other applicants. To apply, fill out an online application and pay the application fee. Additionally, applicants need to send in transcripts, letters of recommendation, ACT scores, and any AP or CLEP test scores.
Bachelor of Library and Information Science at the University of Southern Mississippi
This degree is completely online and is ranked #2 in the nation by Best Colleges. Additionally, it is one of the more affordable undergraduate programs in library and information science. It consists of core classes for a well-rounded college education and 45 credit hours of library and information studies. The LIS classes include web development, reference materials, and collection development, youth and children’s literature, information technology, storytelling and programming for children and teens, and how to run a school library and other small libraries. After graduating, students can go on to school librarianship, children’s librarian, and public librarian. Keep in mind, some states require a master’s or other certification for librarian positions.
How to apply
Contact the admissions office for more information to see if Southern Miss is the right option for you and apply online.
Bachelor’s in Integrative Studies: Library and Information Studies Concentration at Clarion University
This degree enables students to become paraprofessional librarians in the public library setting in Pennsylvania and many other states. The degree also provides students with skills in information management and retrieval, making them valuable for most businesses and organizations. Many students go on to earn their master’s in library science. Clarion also offers an MLIS degree and it is accredited by the American Library Association.
How to apply
Applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree. To apply, fill out the online application and pay an application fee. Then send in transcripts and an updated resume.
Bachelor’s in Information Management and Technology at Syracuse University
This undergraduate degree is offered online and on campus. It is 120 credit hours and 39-40 credit hours go towards coursework in information management. Some other required coursework includes core classes in liberal arts and sciences and an international experiance. The classes for the major include 24-25 hours of core information classes and 15 credit hours of electives. Additionally, Syracuse offers a program that combines a bachelor’s with an MLIS degree that allows students to complete both one semester early. Also, students who graduate from the school of information find a career within their preferred field soon after graduating and they start earning an average of $73,000 a year.
How to apply
The school looks at applicants’ high school grades and academic achievements to decide on admissions. Talk to an admissions guide to learn more about the program and if the undergraduate program is for you. Then fill out the online application for the undergraduate program. Through the fall of 2025, the school is not requiring ACT or SAT test scores.
Major or Minor in Informatics at the University of Washington
Informatics is an area of study that analyzes the effects technology and information has on our culture through health care, environmental care, education, politics, and any aspects of our lives and in our communities. This undergraduate program creates a space for students to collaborate with other students, faculty, and members of the local community through research and other hands-on experiences.
How to apply
Apply for the undergraduate program online and pay the application fee. Then talk to admissions and your guidance counselor for getting on track for Informatics. Students need to take required courses and have at least a 2.0 GPA before qualifying for iSchool.
University of North Texas: Bachelor of Science in Information Science(BSIS)
This program is on campus and is 120 credit hours that include core classes in the arts and sciences, core classes in information science, and class electives to choose from in information. Also, students can choose a concentration, or customize their electives. The university’s School of Information also offers a master’s in library and information science that is accredited by ALA and is nationally ranked within the field of Library and information science by the U.S. News Report.
How to Apply
Contact the admissions department to see if the program is right for you. Then apply online and pay the application fee. Applicants also need to send in official transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
Bachelor of Science in Information at the University of Michigan
This is an upper-level undergraduate degree program that can be applied for after taking the required courses. The courses for the BS in information are generally taken in the junior and senior years of the bachelor program. This degree helps 94% of the graduates start careers in their field of choice with a starting pay of $80,000 a year. Careers often include creating data, storing and retrieving digital information, analyzing and using new technology, and serving communities by learning how culture interacts with information and technology.
How to apply
Talk to an admissions counselor to see if the University of Michigan is right for you and apply online to the undergraduate program.
All Bachelors in Library Science Programs
The following programs are either focused on the discipline of library science or on the larger concept of information management. Many of these degree programs lead to a master’s in library science graduate program.University Name | Program Name | Location | URL |
---|---|---|---|
Clarion University of Pennsylvania | B.S. Iin Integrative Studies: Library and Information Studies Concentration | Clarion, PA | https://www.clarion.edu/academics/degrees-programs/sois/library/ |
Florida State University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Tallahassee, FL | https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/programs/undergrad-programs/combined-bachelors-masters-program-in-information-technology/ |
Rutgers, State University of New Jersey | Digital Communication, Information and Media Minor | New Brunswick, NJ | https://comminfo.rutgers.edu/undergraduate-programs/digital-communication-information-and-media-minor |
University of Arizona | B.A. in Information Science and eSociety | Tucson, AZ | https://ischool.arizona.edu/ba-information-science-and-esociety |
University of Michigan | Bachelor of Science in Information | Ann Arbor, MI | https://www.si.umich.edu/programs/bachelor-science-information |
University of North Texas | Bachelor of Science in Information Science | Denton, TX | https://online.unt.edu/programs/undergraduate/information-science |
University of Oklahoma | Bachelor of Arts in Information Studies (BAIS) | Norman, OK | https://www.ou.edu/cas/slis/programs/ba-info-studies |
University of South Carolina | Bachelors in Library Science | Columbia, SC | https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/cic/academic_programs/bachelors/informationscience/index.php |
University of South Florida | B.S. in Information Science | Tampa, FL | https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/information/undergraduate/bs-information-science.aspx |
University of Southern Mississippi | Bachelors in Library Science | Hattiesburg, MS | https://www.usm.edu/library-information-science/lisbs_degree_plan_2020.pdf |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Bachelors in Library Science & Technology | Milwaukee, WS | https://catalog.uwm.edu/information-studies/information-science-technology-bs/ |
Final Thoughts
These programs are wonderful for anyone who knows what they want to do professionally while also providing students with flexibility and qualifications to start new and exciting careers in any field that will need to change with the changes in technology and the swift growth of information content. Hopefully, one of these programs is for you and that you found one that will work for your lifestyle and current responsibilities and help you to move forward with your education and career. To learn more about the world of information and library science, visit https://www.ala.org/