So...what is information science?

What Inoformation Science means to a few ISSUE members, in their own words

Information science is the study of cognitive, social, technological, and organizational roles of information in all its forms. It rests on three foundational pillars:

• Content: the substance of the information being created, communicated, stored, and/or transformed
• People who interact with the content; they may be creators of information, recipients of information, or intermediaries in the communication process
• Technology used to support the creation, communication, storage, or transformation of the content

What are some of the benefits of an IS degree?

The School of Information and Library Science (SILS) was founded in 1931 and is one of the most highly-regarded graduate programs in the nation. The School first offered a minor in information systems in 1997, and initiated a major in information science in 2003. UNC-Chapel Hill is the only university in the state offering a bachelor’s degree in information science and is one of only a handful of schools nationwide offering such a program.

The BSIS program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the information industry, including information architecture, database design and implementation, Web design and implementation, and information consulting, as well as for graduate study. Students gain an understanding of computing, multi-media, electronic information resources, and the Internet.

Students graduating from UNC with a BSIS have the highest rate of employment (87.5%), and according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 30 fastest-growing occupations from now until 2016 include a number of information science occupations. The field of network systems and data communications is listed as the number one fastest growing occupation in the nation. Occupations like computer software engineers, systems software developers and database administrators are included on the list that require a bachelor's degree are included on the list as well.

What undergraduate IS programs does UNC offer?

Undergraduate Major in Information Science

The School of Information and Library Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree in information science. This degree prepares its graduates for a variety of careers in the information industry, including information architecture, database design and implementation, web design and implementation, networking support, and information consulting.

Undergraduate Minor in Information Systems

The undergraduate minor in Information Systems provides students with an understanding of computing, networking, multimedia, electronic information resources, and of the Internet that can be used to solve problems in a variety of contexts. The minor complements the student's major field of study by offering knowledge, skills, and experience using these technologies and will require 15 hours of credit to complete. The minor is designed for undergraduate students who wish to develop knowledge and skills in the use and design of information systems.