University of Hawaii

What you'll study

• Core information concepts: fundamentals of information organisation, information behaviour, metadata, classification and knowledge representation.
• Data and information management: databases, data modelling, data quality, data governance and introductory data analytics.
• Information technology and systems: basics of programming, web technologies, systems analysis, and information retrieval techniques.
• User experience and human-centred design: research methods, usability testing, information architecture and design for diverse audiences.
• Ethics, law and policy: privacy, intellectual property, digital rights, and policy issues that shape information access and use.
• Electives and special topics: digital libraries, geographic information systems (GIS), archives and preservation, multimedia management, or applied machine learning, depending on student interests.
• Practical learning: project-based courses, lab work and supervised field placements or internships with local organisations, libraries, government agencies or tech companies.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of secondary education or equivalent qualification recognised by the University of Hawaii.
• A strong academic record, with recommended background in mathematics, computing and English or communication studies.
• Submission of any materials required by the campus admissions process; some applicants may be asked for transcripts, a personal statement describing interest in information science, and references.
• Where applicable, standardised test scores may be considered according to campus policy; international applicants will need to meet English language proficiency requirements.
• For certain pathways (for example user-experience or design-focused electives), a portfolio or evidence of relevant practical work can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

• Information Science graduates move into roles such as data analyst, information architect, records or digital curation specialist, and user experience (UX) designer.
• Other common career paths include library and information services, knowledge management, content strategy, systems analyst positions and roles in public sector information management.
• Graduates also work in private industry — for example in technology firms, media companies, healthcare organisations and non-profit organisations — where information design, data stewardship and policy compliance are needed.
• The programme’s combination of technical and human-centred methods also provides a foundation for postgraduate study in library and information science, data science or related fields.

Why study at University of Hawaii

• The University of Hawaii offers an environment where information work is shaped by Pacific-region priorities — cultural heritage, environmental data, and multilingual communities — giving students exposure to distinctive, real-world information challenges.
• Students benefit from on-campus resources including academic libraries, computing labs and opportunities to collaborate with researchers and professionals across disciplines.
• There are strong opportunities for internships and community-engaged projects with local government agencies, cultural institutions, non-profits and businesses across the islands.
• The programme’s interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to work in diverse settings, combining technical skills, policy understanding and user-focused design expertise valued by employers regionally and beyond.