How do I Learn Information Science Online?

For someone interested in a career in information science, seeking a degree is a common starting point. It is no longer necessary to attend a brick-and-mortar university in order to study and learn. Instead, a person may enroll in an online program that offers undergraduate or graduate degrees in this field. Information science involves the collecting, storage and retrieval of information. It includes classifying information as well as using and managing it in various forms.

Information science is a broad subject that covers a wide variety of topics. A person studying information science online, or in a classroom, will usually examine the workings and design of computer information systems and their use in a variety of settings. He will also cover different types of programming languages and systems. A comprehensive course of study will include the operation, development and management of information systems as well as human and computer interactions.

To earn an undergraduate degree in information science online, a person may choose to enroll in an online program that grants bachelor’s degrees in information science. Typically, it takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, and students study such things as information systems and the use and retrieval of information. Courses in information literacy and databases are included as well. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of education needed to begin many jobs in this field. Earning one may prepare a student for a career as an information specialist, consultant, analyst, indexer, market research professional, or records manager.

If a person is interested in delving even deeper into information science online, he may seek a master’s degree instead of stopping after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a master’s degree may take about two more years, with coursework including such things as database design and system analysis. Students may also study requirements and processes for addressing the user's needs, organizing information collections and assessing information quality. This level of study may be helpful for preparing students to become information experts, database developers and systems analysts.

Some people may wish to further their knowledge of information science and increase their job prospects by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in information science. A program that leads to a doctorate degree may take about three to five years to complete, preparing the student for research, teaching and other careers. It may concentrate on types of information systems and how they are used. Students may also consider the impact systems have on individuals and groups as well as their effects on organizations. Studying information science online usually includes review of the contexts in which information systems are used as well.