Part of the Graduate School of Education
Undergraduate Minor in Information Studies
Our information studies minor, open to all UB undergraduate students regardless of your major, offers you the opportunity to develop skills in digital literacy and information management. Digital literacy is, now more than ever, important in our everyday activities and in a wide range of careers across many fields. The minor focuses on the management, policy, security and learning potential of information. No matter which graduate program or career path you choose, information is at the core of what you will do.
Why Minor in Information Studies?
The features of our program include:
- applying the principles of information studies in various subjects and applications
- determining and addressing the information needs of individuals, organizations and/or communities
- gaining the knowledge and skills needed to identify, retrieve, assess, analyze, disseminate and use information accurately
- understanding the nature and structure of information and its manifestations in many formats, including diverse information and research tasks
Program Overview
| Academic minor completed | Information Studies |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 18 |
| Time to completion | 2 to 3 semesters |
| Course delivery | Online |
| Careers |
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Program Coursework
Students who completed 3 courses in the minor's curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA can be admitted to the minor program. The minimum retention GPA for this minor program is 2.0. Students achieving a GPA below this minimum will not be allowed to proceed in the program.
The information studies minor consists of 18 credits: 3 required courses, and 3 electives. Course descriptions can be found in the UB Undergraduate Catalog.
- LIS 200 Introduction to Information Studies
- LIS 205 Information and Society
- LIS 405 Information Seeking and Use (prerequisite LIS 200)
At least 9 credits (3 electives) chosen from the following electives:
- LIS 425 Applied Information Management
- LIS 426 Psychology of Information
- LIS 427 Information Ethics, Privacy and Policy
- LIS 428 History of Information
- LIS 430 Decision Making and Story Telling
- LIS 499 Special Topics in Information Studies
Recommended Course Sequence
Freshman or Sophomore Year
- LIS 200 Introduction to Information Studies
- LIS 205 Information and Society
Sophomore or Junior Year
- LIS 405 Information Seeking and Use (prerequisite LIS 200)
- Two elective courses
Junior and Senior Years
- Two elective courses
The first course in the information studies minor, LIS 200, is an introductory course which identifies and investigates the theoretical foundations, history and access to information; explores the techniques and processes involved in the creation, distribution and management of information; and explores current information issues such as the digital divide and the impact of social media.
Application Requirements
- As a UB student, you must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5. As a transfer student, your GPA must include at least one semester of UB courses as a full-time, matriculated student.
- You must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at the time of application, with at least 12 credits from UB.
- All prerequisite courses should be completed or in-progress when you apply for this minor.
Learn More
University Computing Standards
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.
