Bachelor of Science in Information Science

Graduates of the Information Science program learn how to analyze data, implement solutions, and lead teams. They are sought after employees and can choose from a wide range of possible careers after graduating. This IA degree can lead to successful careers as information architects, web developers, systems analysts, knowledge managers, and more. Some students combine this degree with journalism to pursue studies in investigative journalism. Graduates with information science skills are in demand at nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies.

This information architecture program is one of many undergraduate degrees offered at the University of South Carolina. Incoming freshmen take the Carolina Core along with the rest of their freshmen class, which includes courses in communication, analytical reasoning, lab science, foreign languages, historical thinking, multicultural understanding, art, and ethics. This IA degree is offered by the School of Library and Information Science, a top-ranked school for education and leadership in library and information science.

In addition to the Carolina Core and other general requirements, students must take 36 credits in their major. Required courses include specific information science courses such as Introduction to Information Science, Introduction to Information Literacy and Technology, and Information Storage and Retrieval. However, students also take Introduction to Computer Technology and Applications for Information Environments, Introduction to Management Within Information Environments, Program Design and Development, Computer Applications in Business II, Web-Based Support Systems, Communication and Information Transfer (or Information Issues in Cultural Heritage Institutions). Additionally, there is also the opportunity to complete Independent Study in Information Science (or Internship in Information Science). Students must also take an additional six hours of elective courses in the field, as well as another 18 elective credits or a minor.

Most students in the Bachelor of Science program finish their information architecture degree in four years or eight semesters. The typical freshman enrolls the fall after graduating from high school, and either lives on campus or with family nearby. After completing their core courses in the first two years of their time on campus, they focus more closely on the information science program as an upperclassman.

Interested students have the option of taking a predesigned complementary program. There are four options: Integrated Information Technology, Visual Communications, Public Relations, and Media Arts. Each of these programs allows students to develop the knowledge that they need to pursue the career of their dreams.

Freshmen applicants are current high school students, or high school graduates who have never attended college or university. Most freshmen scored at least 1200 on the SAT and had a minimum of a 3.6 weighted GPA. Transfer students with less than two years of college credits and at least a 2.25 GPA may also apply. Students should submit an online application and a $65 application fee.

Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina is a public university with seven campuses across the state of South Carolina. The university system has an enrollment of approximately 50,000, with more than 34,000 of them on the main campus in Columbia. It is the largest university system in South Carolina.