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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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.
Course Substitution
- Generally, course substitutions are not permitted.
- For transfer students who may have already successfully completed equivalent courses at other institutions, course substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In order for the Department of Information Science (IS) to review requests for course substitutions, you must have been admitted to the information studies minor and must submit relevant course information to IS, such as the course syllabus and official transcript from the other institution.
- Course substitutions will not be permitted for current University at Buffalo students who wish to concurrently complete courses at other institutions.
- Students should expect that decisions regarding course substitutions will be rendered in no less than 30 days from the date that IS receives the request and all relevant course information.
Admission to this minor, continued enrollment in the minor, and/or conferral of the minor as part of the undergraduate degree may not be approved if a student demonstrates a lack of professionalism.
- 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.
Application Process:
- Complete the online application and submit it electronically.
- The department reviews your application and makes a determination regarding admission.
- The department notifies you of the admission decision by email.
Enrollment and Conferral: Enrollment in this minor will be verified via email from the department. In order to include this minor as part of your undergraduate degree, you:
- Must have been admitted to this minor prior to your application for degree.
- Must include this minor in your application for degree (for questions regarding the application for degree, you should consult your undergraduate advisor).
- Must successfully meet the requirements of this minor, which includes successful completion (grade of C or better) of the required and elective courses.
Questions about the program?
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu
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.