Become an Information Expert

A degree in information studies at UAlbany is the gateway to becoming an information expert in the Information Age. Flexible degree options allow you to tailor a program that gains you the knowledge and real world experience that leads to a rewarding career.

B.A. Degree

Faculty-Initiated Interdisciplinary Major with a Concentration in Information Science

Information Studies offers this program in cooperation with the departments of Computer Science, Communication, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Philosophy, and Psychology. Its major areas include: characteristics and properties of information; the flow of information from its origination to utilization; personal, economic, political and social value of information; the cognitive, intellectual and technological structures that govern information transfer; and the public and private organizational environments where information exchange has taken place.

The faculty-initiated interdisciplinary major with a concentration in information science equips graduates with essential skills and a sound knowledge base with which to enter the information industry or to pursue graduate studies.

Classes also provide an introduction to computer programming, Web development, digital imaging, networking, information storage and retrieval, and database management. Students apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real world settings.

Course Requirements

Requirements for major - A minimum of 46 credits, including a 31 credit core:

CORE

IST 100 (3) Internet and Information Access

IST 301 (3) The Information Environment

IST 361 (3) Web Development

IST 433 (3) Information Storage and Retrieval

IST 499W (3) Senior Seminar

CSI 201 (4) Introduction to Computer Science

LIN 220 (3) Introduction to Linguistics

MAT 108 (3) Elementary Statistics (or one of CRJ 281, ECO 320, PSY 210, or SOC 221)

PHI 210 (3) Introduction to Logic

PSY 101 or 102 (3) Introduction to Psychology or Advanced Introduction to Psychology (for majors)

Additional Requirements

3 credits – select from:

LIN 321 Introduction to Syntax

LIN 322 Introduction to Phonology

LIN 325 Sociolinguistics

LIN 499 Seminar on Topics in Linguistics (when 499 topic is appropriate)

3 credits – select from:

PSY 270 Social Psychology

PSY 380 Learning

PSY 381 Memory and Cognition

PSY 382 Sensation and Perception

9 credits- select from:

CSI 101 Elements of Computing

CSI 203 Data Processing Principles

CSI 204 Scientific Computing

CSI 205 Object Oriented Programming for Data Processing Applications

CSI 310 Data Structures

CSI 416 Computer Communication Networks

ITM 215 Computer Applications in Business

ITM 330 Business Information Systems and Technologies

IST 423 Networking Essentials

IST 424 Hardware and Operating System Essentials

Combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S Program

Accelerate Learning with Combined Degrees

The combined B.A./M.S.I.S.. or B.S./M.S.I.S. programs encourage highly motivated students to accelerate their careers by concentrating studies on particular areas. These students may pursue any undergraduate liberal arts major while also preparing for a career in the rapidly expanding information management fields.

The program focuses on information systems and services in libraries and information centers. A distinctive feature is the emphasis placed upon user and human, as well as technological, factors. Students combine academic study with graduate internships in local information facilities within such entities as IBM, GE, colleges and universities, hospitals, newspapers, schools, banks and law libraries.

Graduates are fully prepared for careers as librarians, information systems specialists, information analysts, and information officers and managers in a wide variety of settings within business, industry, law, the humanities, health and human services, and education.

For more information please check the B.A. M.S.I.S. Information Sheet.

Admission Requirements

Students may be admitted at the beginning of their junior year or after completing 56 credits, but no later than 100 credits. A carefully designed program allows the student to complete the program within 10 semesters. A GPA of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation are required for admission. The Graduate Record Exam is not required.

Email: isug [at] uamail [dot] albany [dot] edu
Phone: (518) 442-3843
Main Library LI-87