Saint Michael's College

What you'll study

This programme builds a core understanding of how information is created, stored, retrieved and used, integrating technical skills with social and ethical perspectives. You will take a mix of required courses and electives, typically including:

• Programming and data structures — introduction to programming, algorithms and problem-solving.
• Databases and information systems — relational databases, data modelling and query languages.
• Information retrieval and search — indexing, ranking and basic search system design.
• Human–computer interaction — user-centred design, usability testing and interface evaluation.
• Data analysis and visualization — exploratory data analysis, statistics for information professionals and presentation of results.
• Networks and web technologies — fundamentals of networking, web development and APIs.
• Ethics, policy and information law — privacy, intellectual property and the societal implications of information technology.
• Research methods and capstone — methods course followed by a senior capstone project or practicum with a local organisation.

Electives allow you to tailor study towards areas such as GIS and spatial information, digital archives, cybersecurity basics, or entrepreneurship. The curriculum emphasises hands-on projects, collaborative coursework and opportunities for undergraduate research.

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme is through Saint Michael's College undergraduate application process. Applicants are expected to present a strong high school academic record with evidence of quantitative competence. Typical preparation includes coursework in mathematics and, where available, introductory computer science or technology classes.

Saint Michael's considers applications holistically, including academic transcripts, recommendations, and a personal statement. International applicants should demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and English language proficiency as required by the college. Transfer applicants with prior college coursework in relevant subjects are welcome and may receive credit for applicable courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Information Science are prepared for roles that sit at the intersection of data, technology and user needs. Common entry-level positions include information analyst, data analyst assistant, systems analyst, user-experience (UX) coordinator, information specialist in libraries or archives, and IT project support roles.

The programme also prepares students for employer-based internships and further study in fields such as information science, library and information studies, data science and computer science. Alumni find work across sectors including non-profit organisations, government, healthcare, education, small and medium enterprises, and technology firms.

Why study at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's College is a small liberal arts institution that emphasises close faculty mentorship, small class sizes and experiential learning. The Information Science programme benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, social sciences and the humanities, allowing students to develop technical skills alongside critical thinking and ethical awareness.

Students can access internship opportunities in the Burlington–Lake Champlain region and beyond, participate in faculty-led research projects, and engage with the college’s career services for guidance on job placement and graduate school applications. The campus environment supports hands-on learning, community engagement and personalised advising that help students translate classroom experience into practical career pathways.