Degree Overview
This undergraduate degree prepares students to examine how people and organizations use, store, communicate and transfer information. Our students learn to work with data in a variety of contexts, allowing them to excel in everything from data science to communications. Some even go on to launch their own startups.
Why choose it?
Data skills are in high demand across all job sectors, but employers often struggle to find qualified workers to fill these positions. That’s because many data-focused degree programs teach the technical skills but not the big picture: how to apply them effectively within an organization (soft skills). In the iSchool, students develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. Our courses will prepare you to work with technology such as Tableau, R and JavaScript/JQuery. You’ll graduate ready to earn a competitive salary in a growing field.
Careers
As a graduate, you'll be stepping into an evolving field of possibilities. Some careers titles include data analyst, knowledge manager, systems analyst, web developer, or information architect — just about any job that uses and analyzes information. We have graduates at non-profits, large public companies and prestigious cultural institutions. The skills you acquire in the information science program transfer to almost any field. Here are some more career ideas for you.
Beyond the Classroom Experiences
You have the opportunity to enhance your classroom experiences and build upon your skill set by participating in leadership roles outside of the classroom. A few examples of beyond the classroom experiences that may help you become more marketable to employers include internships, research, and community service.
Want to help analyze information for cancer researchers? Crunch numbers to help people retire? Create systems to keep networks working smoothly? Work with local communities on health initiatives? Our students did this and more on recent internships. Companies are lining up to see who's next.
Classes
As an information science major, you'll get flexibility in the types of classes you take. You can combine the basics with other areas of study, creating a degree program that will help you land your dream job. Want to be an investigative reporter? Combine this with journalism. Interested in launching the next Candy Crush? You can tailor a program that includes computer science. Here, you'll learn how to analyze, implement, manage, and lead. You'll also study how people and organizations communicate and use information for making decisions and solving problems. Learn more about the courses you will take as an information science student in the university's academic bulletin.
Faculty
You’ll study under passionate leaders like Elise Lewis, whose love of technology and helping others embrace it shines through with enthusiasm; Darin Freeburg, whose research focuses on people and explores how knowledge is shared in organizations; and Amir Karami, who uses current social media, like Twitter, to find patterns in data.
Scholarships
The iSchool offers a number of scholarships for exceptional freshmen through the Dean's Scholars Program. Among the criteria considered for these awards are SAT scores, high school grade point average and extracurricular activities. Dean's Scholars are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve and for their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. You must be an information science accepted student in order to apply for this scholarship.
Need More Information
Complete this form and the School of Library and Information Science will send you more information.
The Next Step
Schedule a visit to campus.
Apply today to become a Gamecock.