Overview
Information studies is an academic minor where students learn how information is produced, shared, and preserved. As an information studies minor you’ll develop advanced research skills and information literacy which are in demand in all sectors of the job market as well as graduate and advanced professional programs.
Information studies students investigate complex issues such as information policies and censorship, collective memory and archival preservation, social justice and information access issues such as the digital divide, intellectual property rights, social media and participatory culture, online search behavior and information architecture, the role of libraries, and more. Students in the minor work closely with faculty to do hands-on research and explore different areas within the field of information science and adapt the minor to their major course of study and career goals.
The information studies minor is taught primarily by library faculty at the Mason Library. The Mason Library provides the perfect venue for students to engage in hands-on learning, whether in the college archives and special collections, through independent studies and internships, and cooperative arrangements with local information organizations. The library and information studies faculty are dedicated to learning by doing, and students engage in collaborative projects in every course.
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Career and Other Opportunities
The information studies minor enhances any major field of study. Students in the minor come from a wide variety of academic majors. Students work closely with faculty to adapt the minor to their major course of study and career goals.
Many information studies students are interested in preparing for careers in fields such as:
- Journalism
- Publishing
- Teaching/Education
- History, archives, and museum studies (see KSC Master of History and Archives)
- Libraries (public, academic, legal/specialized)
- Information Science
- Social Media Marketing/Publishing
- Management
- Public Policy
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
And many more...
Outcomes
Students who complete an information studies minor are able to navigate the information environment, participate as producers of information, and utilize information technology while recognizing the ethical and legal impact that access to information has on society and themselves. They develop advanced research skills and information literacy, which are in demand in all sectors of the job market as well as graduate and advanced professional programs.
In addition, the Information Studies minor contributes to the development of students’ critical thinking, reading, writing, communication, and technological skills.
