Best colleges for Information Science/Studies
A program that focuses on the theory, organization, and process of information collection, transmission, and utilization in traditional and electronic forms.
369 U.S. institutions graduated 23,083 Information Science/Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0401, a specialization of Information Science/Studies (CIP 11.04), and leads most directly to the Computer and Information Research Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 15-1221).
About Information Science/Studies programs
A program that focuses on the theory, organization, and process of information collection, transmission, and utilization in traditional and electronic forms. Includes instruction in information classification and organization; information storage and processing; transmission, transfer, and signaling; communications and networking; systems planning and design; human interfacing and use analysis; database development; information policy analysis; and related aspects of hardware, software, economics, social factors, and capacity.
See also: 25.0101 - Library and Information Science., 52.1201 - Management Information Systems, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Information Science/Studies program focuses on the theory, organization, and processes involved in the collection, transmission, and utilization of information in both traditional and electronic forms. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how information is classified, stored, processed, and communicated, preparing them for various roles in the technology and information sectors. Students in this program will engage with a curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including database development, communications, and human interfacing. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, this program is ideal for those looking to make an impact in the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology.
Core coursework in the Information Science/Studies program includes critical skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and problem-solving. Students will gain knowledge in computers and electronics, mathematics, and design, equipping them with the tools needed to analyze and address complex information challenges.
Credentials awarded
What Information Science/Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree11,016 graduates / yr · 134 institutions48%
- Bachelor's degree9,628 graduates / yr · 212 institutions42%
- Associate's degree892 graduates / yr · 66 institutions3.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate418 graduates / yr · 36 institutions1.8%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year350 graduates / yr · 30 institutions1.5%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years286 graduates / yr · 13 institutions1.2%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years237 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.0%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship234 graduates / yr · 32 institutions1.0%
- Award of less than 12 weeks14 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.1%
- Post-master's certificate6 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.0%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Information Science/Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 11,649 |
| 2013 | 12,045 |
| 2014 | 13,067 |
| 2015 | 14,144 |
| 2016 | 15,277 |
| 2017 | 16,475 |
| 2018 | 17,086 |
| 2019 | 17,466 |
| 2020 | 18,015 |
| 2021 | 18,033 |
| 2022 | 17,210 |
| 2023 | 19,894 |
| 2024 | 22,098 |
| 2025 | 23,083 |
Top 50 institutions for Information Science/Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsPost-degree cert. | 1,679 | 33% | — | $72,140 |
| 2 | Trine University - Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Angola, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sAssociate'sBachelor's | 1,281 | 0% | $21,976 | — |
| 3 | University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 968 | 89% | — | $70,344 |
| 4 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 811 | 76% | — | — |
| 5 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CAPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 652 | 93% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, ILPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 594 | 85% | — | — |
| 7 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 558 | 93% | — | $88,515 |
| 8 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 548 | 84% | — | $56,360 |
| 9 | Lamar University Beaumont, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 457 | 37% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 438 | 70% | — | $63,334 |
| 11 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 437 | 61% | — | $52,449 |
| 12 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 428 | 40% | — | $46,815 |
| 13 | Pace University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 416 | 60% | $29,994 | $52,116 |
| 14 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 379 | 85% | — | — |
| 15 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 365 | 54% | — | $57,756 |
| 16 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 363 | 50% | $11,672 | — |
| 17 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 335 | 84% | $28,851 | $73,033 |
| 18 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NYPublicBachelor's | 328 | 72% | — | $51,864 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PAPublicBachelor'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 311 | 86% | — | $66,209 |
| 20 | Indiana Institute of Technology Fort Wayne, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 304 | 48% | $20,661 | — |
| 21 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 280 | 77% | — | — |
| 22 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 273 | 65% | — | $70,833 |
| 23 | Cleveland State University Cleveland, OHPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 256 | 51% | — | $57,661 |
| 24 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 220 | 52% | — | $63,986 |
| 25 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 216 | 91% | — | $75,834 |
| 26 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 200 | 84% | — | — |
| 27 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 199 | 63% | — | $62,116 |
| 28 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 196 | 68% | $28,141 | $60,468 |
| 29 | CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NYPublicBachelor's | 186 | 21% | — | $45,790 |
| 30 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 186 | 49% | — | $51,582 |
| 31 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 183 | 90% | — | — |
| 32 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sMaster's | 165 | 95% | $14,799 | $102,998 |
| 33 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 165 | 89% | — | — |
| 34 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NYPublicBachelor's | 161 | — | — | $73,937 |
| 35 | New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 157 | 73% | — | $61,739 |
| 36 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 155 | 50% | — | — |
| 37 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 148 | 89% | $21,956 | — |
| 38 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MOPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 146 | 64% | — | $65,393 |
| 39 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 145 | 65% | — | $68,362 |
| 40 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 145 | 34% | — | $66,209 |
| 41 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 144 | 85% | — | $59,951 |
| 42 | Robert Morris University Moon Township, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 135 | 66% | $24,175 | $62,375 |
| 43 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VAPublicBachelor's | 135 | 80% | — | $80,173 |
| 44 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublicBachelor's | 133 | 62% | — | $58,651 |
| 45 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicMaster's | 127 | 68% | — | — |
| 46 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 126 | 67% | — | $67,827 |
| 47 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NYPublicMaster's | 126 | 75% | — | — |
| 48 | Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, FLPublicBachelor's | 124 | 52% | — | $57,313 |
| 49 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 115 | 86% | — | — |
| 50 | Prince George's Community College Largo, MDPublicAssociate's | 109 | 18% | — | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Information Science/Studies field (CIP 11.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 47 states & territories
Where Information Science/Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all Information Science/Studies programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-1221, Computer and Information Research Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Information Science/Studies program can pursue various careers, including roles as Computer and Information Research Scientists, Software Developers, and Computer and Information Systems Managers. The job outlook for this field is promising, with a growth rate of 19.7%, an average of 3,200 annual openings, and a median wage of $140,910, typically requiring a Master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0401
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Research Scientistsprimary SOC 15-1221 | $140,300 | +19.7% Much faster than average | ~3,200 | Master's degree |
Software Developers SOC 15-1252 | $135,980 | +15.8% Much faster than average | ~115,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer and Information Systems Managers SOC 11-3021 | $175,140 | +15.2% Much faster than average | ~55,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer Occupations, All Other SOC 15-1299 | $116,580 | +8.2% Much faster than average | ~31,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Web and Digital Interface Designers SOC 15-1255 | $104,000 | +7.0% Faster than average | ~9,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Database Architects SOC 15-1243 | $139,500 | +8.7% Much faster than average | ~4,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1021 | $96,980 | +5.3% Faster than average | ~3,500 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Information Science/Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, Associate's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate in Information Science/Studies.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, mathematics, and problem-solving.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 19.7% and about 3,200 annual openings.
What types of careers can I pursue?+
You can pursue careers such as Computer and Information Research Scientist, Software Developer, or Information Systems Manager.
What is the CIP code for Information Science/Studies?+
Information Science/Studies is CIP 11.0401 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Information Science/Studies (CIP 11.04). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the theory, organization, and process of information collection, transmission, and utilization in traditional and electronic forms. Includes instruction in information classification and organization; information storage and processing; transmission, transfer, and signaling; communications and networking; systems planning and design; human interfacing and use analysis; database development; information policy analysis; and related aspects of hardware, software, economics, social factors, and capacity.
How many institutions offer Information Science/Studies programs?+
369 U.S. institutions reported Information Science/Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 47 states & territories, awarding 23,083 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Information Science/Studies graduates.
How much do Information Science/Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Computer and Information Research Scientists occupation, which Information Science/Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $140,300 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Information Science/Studies field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $56,789, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Information Science/Studies graduates, so its figures match the Information Science/Studies program page.
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