University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

The Information Science curriculum emphasises the foundations of computing, data management and the human contexts in which information is used. Core topics typically include programming and data structures, databases and information modelling, information retrieval and search systems, web technologies, human–computer interaction, information architecture, and information ethics and policy.

Students follow a mix of required core courses, applied labs and elective options. Typical modules and subject areas are:

• Programming and software foundations — introductory and intermediate programming, data structures and algorithms.
• Data management — relational databases, database design, data modelling and basic data cleaning.
• Information retrieval and search — indexing, query processing and relevance measurement.
• Human–computer interaction and UX — user research, interaction design, prototyping and usability testing.
• Information architecture and knowledge organisation — metadata, taxonomies, classification and ontologies.
• Data analysis and visualisation — statistics for information science, visualisation techniques and tools.
• Systems analysis and project work — requirements gathering, systems design and software project development.
• Ethics, law and information policy — privacy, intellectual property and professional practice.

The programme typically culminates in a capstone or senior project in which students apply technical and design skills to a substantial, often team-based, problem. Students may also take electives in adjacent areas such as information security, machine learning, library science, health informatics or entrepreneurship.

Entry requirements

Admission is at the undergraduate level and requires the university's general first-year admission standards. Applicants normally need a completed secondary school diploma or equivalent. Strong performance in mathematics is highly recommended; prior study in computer science or related subjects is advantageous but not always required.

International applicants must present an equivalent secondary qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or prior education taught in English where required. Transfer students should provide transcripts from post-secondary institutions and, where applicable, course descriptions to determine credit transfer. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any programming experience, project work or relevant extracurricular activities in their application.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad labour market where employers value the combination of technical skills, data literacy and an understanding of user needs. Typical roles for graduates include information analyst, data analyst, user experience (UX) designer, information architect, systems analyst, knowledge manager, and technical consultant. Graduates also find roles in digital libraries, health informatics, government agencies, and technology firms.

Many alumni pursue further study in areas such as information science, data science, library and information studies, or computer science. The practical, project-based nature of the degree also supports entrepreneurship and roles in product teams.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is known for its strong experiential learning culture, most notably its cooperative education opportunities that integrate paid, real-world work placements with academic study. Information Science students benefit from industry partnerships across the Cincinnati region and beyond, gaining practical experience that complements classroom learning.

The university offers access to multidisciplinary research centres, computing facilities and faculty who combine expertise in technology, information management and human-centred design. Proximity to a diverse base of employers in healthcare, finance, manufacturing and technology gives students a wide range of internship and employment pathways. Small project teams, capstone projects and co‑op placements help students build portfolios and professional networks before graduation.