If you’re passionate about information, technology, and efficient systems, choosing an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science is a good education path for you. By studying one of the best online information science bachelor degree programs online, you can learn on a flexible schedule and pay less than attending on-campus schooling.
In this article, we discuss the best schools to earn an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science. You’ll also learn about the best information science bachelor’s degree jobs available once you graduate, as well as their earning potential and job outlook. Continue reading to find out how you can earn an information science bachelor’s degree online.
Where Can I Get an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get an information science bachelor’s degree online include Oregon State University, Penn State World Campus, Regent University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of North Texas. A lot of colleges and universities offer an online information science bachelor’s degree, as distance learning becomes a more popular education option.
What Schools Offer the Best Information Science Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Oregon State University
- Penn State World Campus
- Regent University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of North Texas
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online information science bachelor’s degree include official school transcripts, satisfactory GPA, and standardized test scores. If you’re an applicant straight from high school, you need to provide a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. You also need a GPA of at least 2.0 to 3.4 and above.
Applicants who attended other colleges need to submit official transcripts for transfer credits. Some schools require results from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), or English proficiency tests (TOEFL). Others also require you to pass their aptitude exams if you can’t meet the minimum GPA or standardized test scores. Other requirements include an essay, resume, or letters of recommendation.
Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Official school transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- Standardized test scores in SAT or ACT
- Essay and resume
- Letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency test (for non-native speakers)
How to Get an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Online
You get an information science bachelor’s degree online by fulfilling all the necessary graduation requirements. Schools require undergraduate students to maintain a minimum GPA and complete 120 to 180 credits depending on the program. These credits comprise major or core courses, general education, and electives.
Information Science Degree Requirements
- 39 credits of core courses
- 43 credits of general education courses
- 38 credits of elective courses
- At least one concentration from provided options, as applicable
- Internship or capstone project, as applicable
Best Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems | Higher Learning Commission |
| Concordia University, St. Paul | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | Higher Learning Commission |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Penn State World Campus | Bachelor of Science in Information Science Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Bachelor of Science Information Systems | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of North Texas | Bachelor of Science in Information Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Information Science: Top Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
If you’re looking for the best online information science bachelor’s degree programs, we got you covered. In this section, we provide a detailed list of the best schools and their programs, tuition costs, and admission requirements.
What Is an Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree?
An online information science bachelor’s degree involves the study of how information is created, managed, stored, and shared. It also looks into the needs and wants of people who create and use information. Learning the technologies that enable this whole process of information creation and sharing are also integral to this online bachelor’s degree.
Since online learning involves a remote mode of instruction, students can watch pre-recorded videos, read materials on their own, or live stream lectures. This flexibility allows learning for those with home or work responsibilities and students from different parts of the world. Like in-person studies, an online bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.
Online vs In-Person Information Science Degrees
Online information science degrees are academic programs where students learn virtually and the class sessions may be live and sometimes pre-recorded. Most colleges with an online learning option allow a self-paced mode of learning, depending on an individual’s schedule, time, and availability, which works perfectly for busy students.
In contrast, an in-person information science bachelor’s degree involves students being in a face-to-face class session with a professor. This allows opportunities for greater interaction between students and teachers. Below, we detail further the benefits of online vs in-person information science degrees.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science
- Flexibe learning mode. Online academic programs allow for flexibility and convenience in this modern world. If you learn best at night or you can only afford the time to study during the day, you can still complete your classes at your convenience.
- Cheaper than in-person degrees. Most times, an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science is cheaper than an on-campus program. Even if you paid a more affordable tuition rate with an online program, your qualifications are still as widely accepted as an in-person degree.
- Ideal for parents and busy workers. You don’t have to miss out on earning a degree because of parenting responsibilities or a demanding career. Online degree programs in a private or public institution ensure you continue with your learning despite your other obligations.
- Easy access to activities and learning resources. Distance learners can access seminars, conferences, or other learning resources mostly throughout the year. With in-person activities, it would be difficult to catch up if you weren’t able to attend.
- Opportunities for a global professional network. Online courses encourage students who are geographically away from the institution to take the course. During live sessions, students from various parts of the world can enrich the discussions and share their worldviews with the rest of the class.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science
- Uninterrupted learning. Unlike online students with many possible distractions that could derail their learning progress, on-campus students have more dedicated time and place for academics.
- More interactive sessions. Professors have more opportunities to disseminate knowledge in various formats. For example, when handling a database management course, they can ask for live demonstrations and also incorporate role-playing.
- In-person collaboration. Learning the business and strategy skills involved in information science would be best learned in-person. Small discussion groups can be formed, where students can grasp the concepts better through shared learning.
- Better community and professional network. In-person students have better ways of interacting and are likely to form a strong bond with others that can be valuable in your career goals. This can create long-lasting relationships in your professional network.
- Scheduled routine. In-person information science degrees can help students who are more effective with routine. Setting your mind on a structured schedule for learning can make you more focused and organized.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Information Science?
The types of online bachelor’s degrees that are available in information science are a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS). Although any of these programs can help you obtain a bachelor’s degree, their coursework is not the same.
The difference between a BA and BS degree is that a Bachelor of Arts degree has more courses rooted in the arts, humanities, and society. This undergraduate program focuses on the creation, use, and dissemination of information in a social context.
A Bachelor of Science degree concentrates more on the technical, science, and math-based courses. It’s still multidisciplinary in a way since humanities and social sciences can be taken as general education or electives. A BS has a well-balanced mix of profession-specific and general education courses, while a BPS degree gives more weight to career-specific courses.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Information Science?
It’s better to get a Bachelor of Science in Information Science because it’s a multidisciplinary program with a good balance between arts and sciences. It allows students to gain technical skills and hands-on experience, while keeping other non-technical disciplines in perspective.
Bachelor of Science graduates have good opportunities to work in high-demand careers in government agencies or other fast-paced organizations. Bachelor of Arts in Information Science graduates, on the other hand, can go on to pursue a career in academia.
How Much Does an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
An information science bachelor’s degree cost ranges from $9,349 to $35,807 per year, according to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This tuition estimates are exclusive of accommodation and board fees.
The tuition fees depend on the nature of the instituition you enroll in. The cheapest is a public institution which will cost you about $9,349 per year while a private institution will cost you approximately $32,769 per year. The tuition fee in a non-profit institution will be $35,807 while that of a profit institution will be $14,957.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes four years to get an information science bachelor’s degree online. You’ll need at least 120 college credits to graduate, so you have to complete 15 credits per semester on average. Some colleges require up to 180 credits. This 120-credit hour coursework comprise core courses, electives, and general education.
Are Online Information Science Degrees Respected?
Yes, online information science degrees are as respected as in-person degrees. This is because most employers and human resource managers have embraced the possibilities and changes technology has brought. According to Society of Human Resource Management, 79 percent of employers hired an applicant with an online degree.
Is Information Science Hard to Learn Online?
No, information science isn’t hard to learn online. Since most of its core courses deal with digital tools and technologies, online students put information science concepts to practice much faster. They can review on their own and excel in their exams. The only thing that online learners need to ensure is that they are focused and motivated in completing their studies.
Why You Should Get an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get an information science bachelor’s degree online because of its flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. It can also introduce you to professionals from remote locations with different backgrounds and worldview.
If you have other commitments like parenting or work, online learning is the better option than attending an in-person class. Also, if you’re dealing with financial constraints, an online information science bachelor’s degree can grant you an opportunity to work at the same time as you study to finance your education. It allows you to study at your own pace without too much pressure.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Information Science?
The courses in an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science program include core courses, concentration courses, general education courses, and free electives. Some of these courses are outlined below.
Introduction to Information Systems
The focus of this course is understanding the world through data. Here, students will learn theories and key concepts shaping information science. These include technologies that produce data, the nature of information, and data representation and sharing.
Management Information Systems and Business Analytics
This course provides students with advanced skills in measuring, analyzing, reporting the effective use of information systems in businesses. Learnings from this course can be applied to teams, departments, or entire organizations. Using business analytics, students can trace areas of weaknesses in information systems and learn to apply risk mitigation measures.
Systems Technology, Infrastructure, and Architecture
In this course, students learn how to design the technology, infrastructure, and architecture for information systems. It covers basic concepts of systems security, network hardware and topologies. It also taps into applications, servers, and network protocols and security.
Data Analysis
Students learn to use their analytical skills to examine texts, information, and other forms of data through this course. They also improve their knowledge in data collection and measurement, information research, evaluation of representative studies, and data interpretation. Knowing data analysis gives students confidence in representing and sharing data.
Digital Curation and Preservation
This course deals with techniques and tools in creating, curating, and preserving digital content. It’s about making decisions about specific formats, descriptive components, and archiving standards. This allows for managing information for long-term use and easy access and retrieval in the future.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Information Science Bachelor’s Degree graduates can continue their education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Information Science. There are various types of master’s degrees they can explore, of which one common one is a Master of Science in Business Administration with an information science-related specialization.
Related Online Information Science Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
When deciding what to look for in an online computer science program, students should consider flexibility, cost of education, and curricular content. You must also look into the reputation of the school and program and availability of career services. Let’s discuss these considerations further in this section.
Flexibility/Format
The best online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science program should fit into your current schedule and conditions. For example, if you’re working and you know you’ll further be busy as a student, a 100 percent online format would be the best. You may also check and see whether a hybrid format is an option.
Cost
Cost should not be the primary thing to look for but it plays a huge role. An Information Science degree in a good public university will be cheaper than a private institution and may not affect your job outcome. Choose a program you can afford or that has flexible financing options to allow you to study with ease.
Reputation
Check the school’s reputation based on graduation rate, quality of education, and its involvement with an independent accrediting agency. If they meet your expectations, the next thing to consider is the program rankings in the country. It’s possible to find a school with a great reputation but their bachelor’s degree is in the testing phase, which might be a deterrent in your decision-making.
Curricular Content
Most institutions will have curricular content on their websites. You may check for their available core courses and elective courses. You should get a degree program whose content suits the major academic path that you want to pursue.
Availability of Career Services
Getting into the job market can be a scary leap that needs guidance and support. An ideal institution should have career services that help students prepare as they enter the workforce. These career services include practice interviews, portfolio development, resume refinement, and networking events.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online information science bachelor’s degree is from the University of Arkansas Grantham. The tuition cost is $295 per credit hour for a 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, which is about $35,400 total to complete the degree.
Can I Get an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get an information science bachelor’s degree online for free. However, if you are financially strained, you can apply for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. You may also check out available scholarships or financing options at your chosen school.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Online information science bachelor’s degree jobs have a positive salary and job outlook. So landing your dream information science job with a high salary is possible. Let’s look at the career options you can pursue and the annual wage you can expect once you’re employed.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Information Science Bachelor’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science. Since this field focuses on the digital space, technology, and information cycle, it provides many opportunities to work in various institutions where data is important.
Most schools also help their graduates prepare for the workplace, making it quite easy to get a job. However, you should also play your part by having a strong portfolio and reaching out to prospective employers.
What’s the Average Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for an information science bachelor’s degree holder is $69,000 per year. The rate will change depending on the specific job you land and the company or organization that you’re hired into. For example, a data analyst is paid an average annual salary of $58,000, while a data scientist earns, on average, about $76,000 yearly.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online information science bachelor’s degree include database administrator, information systems manager, and management analyst. You can also become a data scientist or information security analyst. In the next sections, we share more about the best information science jobs, their salary, outlook, and job descriptions.
Information Science Degree Jobs
- Database administrator
- Data scientist
- Information security analyst
- Information systems manager
- Management analyst
Potential Careers With an Online Information Science Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make around $93,000 to $159,000 per year with an online information science bachelor’s degree. There are plenty of career opportunities that have average salaries in the six figures, which is great for a recent graduate. This section details some of the highest-paying online information science bachelor’s degree jobs, their responsibilities, and their outlook in the coming years.
Highest-Paying Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Data Scientist | $100,560 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Management Analyst | $93,000 |
Best Jobs for Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best online information science bachelor’s degree jobs include information systems manager, information security analyst, data scientist, database administrator, and management analyst.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, it’s worth it to get an online information science bachelor’s degree if using information to solve problems is what you’re passionate about. As you pursue the information science field, great careers await you as a data analyst, database administrator, or data scientist. It also helps you land one of the high-paying jobs with a degree such as an information systems manager.
As you build your skills, gain experience and enrich your portfolio, a career in this field offers you a chance to earn a six-figure salary per year. The job outlook for information science-related professions is also promising, with most of them having over 10 percent growth. The career growth potential is definitely something to watch out for, as more information science jobs will be in high demand in the next few years.
Additional Reading About Information Science
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Online Information Science Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
A Bachelor of Information Science involves studying theories, concepts, and practical applications that shape data and information. Coursework in this degree program covers data creation, management, mining, organization, and retrieval in an organizational setup.
Yes, an information science bachelor’s degree is marketable since it involves analyzing data, information, and systems for better decision-making. This degree has many career opportunities with a growth rate of up to 33 percent, which is above average.
No, computer science and information science differ in that computer science deals mostly with using computers to solve problems. In contrast, information science focuses on data and information processing in people, systems, and networks across computers.
No, an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science in the US is not expensive. You can get your degree at a tuition rate of $295 per credit hour, which is quite affordable compared to a $390 per credit hour average for four-year public schools. You can also apply for federal aid or scholarships for an accredited institution to reduce your cost of education.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
