University of Washington Information School

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Mary Gates hall, home of the Information School
Mary Gates hall, home of the Information School

The Information School (or iSchool) at the University of Washington is an undergraduate and graduate school that offers BS, MLIS, MSIM, and PhD degrees. Formerly the Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences (GSLIS), the Information School changed its focus and name in the late 1990s.[1]

The school is located in the University of Washington's Mary Gates Hall, one of several university buildings bordering Drumheller Fountain. Its current dean is Harry Bruce.


Contents

[edit] Curriculum

[edit] Bachelor's Program

The Information School offers a single undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree. The Informatics program is an exclusive, admission-based, two-year program, focused on the design of information systems and services. The program touches on privacy issues, ethics, and management, as well as search engines, web development, and database design. Students are asked to study a broad range of areas in the information field, including: information management and technology, research and information services, interactive system design, human-computer interaction, and information science. Graduates of the program typically go on to jobs such as:

  • Information architect
  • Web designer
  • Interface designer
  • Network administrator
  • IT director/manager
  • Technology solutions consultant
  • Project manager
  • Database developer
  • Product developer
  • Web developer
  • Systems analyst
  • Usability engineer[2]

The program's curriculum culminates in a capstone project in either design or research. Approximately 130 students are enrolled in the Informatics program.

[edit] Master's Programs

The Information School offers two Master's degrees, the Master of Science in Information Management degree, and the Master of Library and Information Science Degree.

[edit] Master of Science in Information Management

The Master of Science in Information Management degree is a two-year professional degree that takes a multidisciplinary approach to the management of information systems and policy, drawing on computer science, business, information science, philosophy, design, and law to inform its curriculum. The MSIM program is divided into two sub-programs: the day program, a traditional, daytime program for students of all academic and work backgrounds with a current enrollment of 62 students; and an executive program, an evening and weekend program tailored to working professionals with 43 currently enrolled students.

Graduates work in a variety of professional areas and positions, including but not limited to:

  • Project Management
  • Web Development
  • Information Management
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Organizational Analysis
  • Information Architecture
  • Systems Analysis
  • Database Management
  • Information Systems
  • Software Development
  • Technology Management
  • Competitive Intelligence Consulting
  • Knowledge Management
  • Training Specialization[3]

[edit] Master of Library and Information Science

The Master of Library and Information Science degree is the iSchool's oldest degree. It is a two-year professional degree that prepares students for careers in the library and information professions. Like its sister, the MSIM program, the MLIS degree is divided into two sub-programs: a day program for traditional students, and a distance program for geographically disparate students. The MLIS program has the largest enrollment of any program at the iSchool, with 202 day students and 229 distance students. In 2007 the iSchool's MLIS program was ranked #4 in the nation by US News & World Report.[4]

Additionally, the iSchool offers a third MLIS degree—the Law MLIS program, a one-year degree designed to prepare lawyers to serve as law librarians. The Law Librarianship program was the highest-ranked program in the nation by US News & World Report in 2006.[5]

[edit] PhD Program

The PhD program is a theoretical, research-based doctorate that focuses on creating new knowledge in the field of information science. There are currently 37 doctoral candidates.

[edit] Student Organizations

The iSchool offers several opportunities for students to participate in professional and student communities. The most prominent student groups within the iSchool are:

  • ALISS (Association of Library and Information Science Students)
  • APC (Archives and Preservation Club)
  • ASIS&T (American Society for Information Science and Technology)
  • BIG (Bookarts Interest Group)
  • GPSS (Graduate and Professional Students Senate)
  • iArts
  • iParents
  • iPeer (a community for distance MLIS students)
  • iServe (the iSchool's volunteer and service organization)
  • IUGA (Informatics Undergraduate Association)
  • SLA (Special Libraries Association)
  • SALA (The University of Washington's Student Chapter of the American Library Association)

[edit] Faculty

[edit] References

  1. ^ Roseth, B. (1998). New director leads Library school into Information Age. University Week. Archived Copy
  2. ^ UW ISchool. Overview - Informatics (BS). University of Washington Information School. Retrieved August 3, 2007.
  3. ^ UW ISchool. Overview - Info Mgmt (MSIM). University of Washington Information School. Retrieved August 3, 2007.
  4. ^ US News & World Report 2006 Library and Information Studies School Rankings [1]
  5. ^ Ibid [2]

[edit] External links

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