The UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS) offers the Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS), the only program of its kind in North Carolina and one of a few in the nation. The BSIS program prepares its graduates for a variety of careers in the information field, as well as for graduate study.
Prerequisites
To be completed prior to admission
- MATH 115, - Reasoning with Data: Navigating a Quantitative World - Quantitative Reasoning (QR).
- Cross listed as BIOL 115, PSYC 115, and STOR 115.
- Please note, MATH 115 is required for students starting at UNC in Fall 2022. Students who enrolled at UNC prior to Fall 2022 may use either MATH 115 or PSYC 101.
- INLS 201, Foundations of Information Science - Social and Behavioral Sciences (SS/HS)
- COMP 110, Introduction to Programming, OR COMP 116, Introduction to Scientific Programming - Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- INLS 161, Information Tools
Core Requirements
The information science major consists of 10 courses (30 credits).
- INLS 382, Information Systems Analysis and Design
- INLS 385, Information Use for Organizational Effectiveness
- INLS 523, Database Concepts and Applications
- INLS 697, Emerging Topics in Information Science (taken in the senior year)
Six Electives
- 6 electives (18 credit hours) that meet the student's objectives/interests/career goals.
- For a list of internal electives and approved courses outside of SILS, please refer to our Electives page. For students needing inspiration on elective courses based on interests, please refer to our Suggested Concentrations page.
External Transfer Students
Any pre-requisite courses not completed prior to applying must be completed during your first semester at UNC.
Additional Opportunities
Topics not discussed in courses may be addressed through a variety of courses at SILS. These opportunities require additional applications and permission. Please see student services for additional information.
Field Experience, INLS 393:
- Prerequisite: INLS 201, INLS 161 and INLS 382. Permission of school.
- Supervised observation and practice in information science. The internship typically takes place in an information agency or an information technology company. Faculty-led seminars and a paper enhance the experience. Pass/Fail only.
Independent Study, INLS 396
- Study by an individual student on a special topic under the direction of a specific faculty member. A prospectus/plan for the work is required in advance of registration.
Honors Thesis
Part I, INLS 691H
- An introduction to research methods used in information science. Includes the writing of a research proposal.
Part II, INLS 692H
- Prerequisite: INLS 691H and permission of instructor.
- Students in the SILS Undergraduate Honors Program engage in independent research and write an honors thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
