Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Information Science and Technology
Majors Overview September 7, 2014The field of information science refers to the relationship between society and different types of technology, including automated teller machines, the Internet, and computers. Bachelor’s degree programs in information science will teach students how to understand and develop new technologies and provide improvements for them.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Information Science and Technology
Students enrolled in this baccalaureate program are provided with a core knowledge base that would help them pursue various careers in information science and technology; the impact of different technologies on society and the ways information technology can be used by people are addressed in the program.
Telecommunication, ecommerce, databases, website design, and computer programming are among the specific concepts covered. Importantly, the curriculum trains students in the use of potential and current technologies for resolving problems.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Minimal acceptable standards for SAT and ACT test scores vary by school. While schools don’t insist on prior courses in computer science and computer programming, students would benefit from completing them.
Coursework
While specialization within the major of information science and technology may be allowed, options vary by school and include human resource planning, human–computer interaction, systems integration, and systems development and design. Coursework may include the following topic areas:
•Networking and telecommunications
•Technology integration
•Data organization
•Information technology
•Information systems design
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete information science and technology programs can choose from various career opportunities in the fields of project management, multimedia systems, business operations, or marketing/sales, among others. They can aim for specific roles such as:
•Business developer
•Website design
•Information technology manager
•Database designer
•Internet services manager
•Software designer
Job and Wage Outlook
A faster than average job growth rate of 22% has been predicted for computer network architects, Web developers, and information security analysts over the 2010 – 2020 decade; over the same decade, a 30% growth rate has been predicted for software developers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
While information security analysts bank an average annual wage of $86,170, Web developers and computer network architects take home $62,500 and $91,000 respectively. In May 2012, applications developers and systems software developers earned average annual salary packets of $90,060 and $99,000 respectively (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Many schools offer master’s and doctoral degree programs in the field of information science and technology. The focus of these programs is generally on researching emerging technologies and their impact on society. Additionally, the development of new technologies is also emphasized.
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