3 leading iSchools preparing students for global graduate success

The power of technology is clear to see today. Every day, It transforms lives, businesses, and societies. Some even argue technology is our lives, businesses, and societies now.

Zoom and WhatsApp connect us across continents, making remote work and instant communication with our loved ones far away possible. Games like Minecraft entertain and teach problem-solving and collaboration.

In information science, tools like Google Maps are now the way to navigate. Artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, helps us do routine tasks almost instantaneously.

Whether you’re a gamer building virtual worlds, a researcher managing big data, or someone using apps to stay organised, technology drives progress, ensuring a smarter and more connected world for all. If you’re ready to join a rewarding profession in this field, start your journey at one of these universities:

Michigan State University’s Department of Media & Information ranks among the nation’s top programmes, allowing students to learn from renowned faculty leading research in games and interactive media. Source: Michigan State University

Michigan State University

If you’re passionate about technology, game design, or information science – or all three –  you’ll find life-changing opportunities at Michigan State University (MSU)’s Department of Media and Information. Whether it’s exploring information science, creating immersive games, or designing user-friendly technologies, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better world.

Take the Bachelor of Arts in Information Science programme, for example. Through this deep dive into big data, artificial intelligence, and information systems, you’ll understand user experience and how technologies shape the world. The curriculum balances theory with practical application, equipping graduates with the exposure and engagement to evolve into experts in human-centered design and information management. Graduates are ready to contribute to many sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

The Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media programme stands out as one of the best, ranked among the top 10 by the Princeton Review and #1 among public institutions in 2022. Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience in game design, development, and production, using cutting-edge technology. There are several labs where students participate in developing cutting edge products, such as the Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab. They create prototypes and research digital games’ impact.

There’s also the Master of Arts in Media and Information, a STEM-approved programme. You can focus on human-computer interaction, media policy, game studies — or even mix disciplines to tailor your education. With small class sizes, you’ll benefit from close interaction with faculty and peers and make the most of personalised learning paths. This in person programme allows students to engage in labs where faculty is doing cutting edge research into many domains.

For those drawn to user experience (UX), MSU offers an online Master of Science in User Experience programme, perfect for busy professionals or career changers who what to improve their credentials without relocating. The programme, delivered online and asynchronously, trains you to create intuitive, user-centred technologies. Real-world capstone projects with external clients add valuable experience to the curriculum.

For those who want to focus on game applications in many domains such as education and healthcare, there is the online graduate certificate in Serious Games. This allows deep and specific training for those who are working and want to enhance their skills.

No matter which programme you choose, you will learn from an award-winning faculty who leads groundbreaking research in games and interactive media. Apply to the Department of Media and Information today.

With diverse degrees, certificates, and minors, the University of Arizona College of Information Science prepares students to become changemakers in various fields of information science. Source: University of Arizona/Facebook

University of Arizona  

The University of Arizona College of Information Science (InfoSci), formerly the School of Information, is the place to be for those who want to explore the dynamic intersections of people, data, and technology. With a strong focus on empowering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future, InfoSci prepares students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Here, you’ll learn about technology and data and how to use that knowledge to stand out in competitive job markets.

With 10 academic programmes — five undergraduate and five graduate degrees — plus various certificates, InfoSci offers something for everyone.

Interested in designing immersive virtual worlds? The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development equips students with the skills to create interactive environments for devices and platforms. For those aiming to solve real-world information challenges across disciplines, the Master of Science in Information Science is an excellent fit. This interdisciplinary programme blends social and technological training with hands-on experience, offering a broad perspective that includes behavioural, psychological, and cultural insights.

If data science is your passion, the Master of Science in Data Science delivers the tools and training needed for success. From data collection to presentation, this programme ensures you’re ready to navigate data-rich environments with confidence and expertise.

Regardless of your path, InfoSci equips graduates with skills in areas like information management, data analysis, artificial intelligence, social media marketing, and more. Its multidisciplinary approach means you’ll be nurtured to become innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and game-changers prepared to lead in tomorrow’s workforce.

The iSchool at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a top destination for professional studies, shaping the future of information on campus and online. Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign/Facebook

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) transforms lives and society by harnessing the power of information. Through innovative teaching, research, and engagement, the iSchool is shaping the next generation of information professionals.

As a leader in online education and interdisciplinary research, the iSchool offers students the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty and connect with a strong alumni network. As many as 93% of graduates are employed within three months of completing their programmes — many of whom owe their success to iSchool’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

One such programme is the Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences (BSIS). This programme equips students to design information systems, manage and evaluate data for diverse users, and address real-world challenges. With courses in programming, database concepts, and social issues like information equity and ethics, graduates emerge ready to meet the growing demand for skilled information professionals.

For advanced study, the Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) focuses on developing expertise in managing and analysing information. Its flexible curriculum covers emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, while addressing social and organisational challenges. The iSchool’s reputation is underscored by its #1 ranking in library and information studies by US News & World Report, including a top ranking in information systems.

Interested in the booming health and biological information field? The Master of Science in Bioinformatics with an Information Sciences (IS) concentration is a gateway to careers in medicine, public health, and biomedical research. This interdisciplinary degree allows students to work across specialities such as molecular biology, environmental biology and biomedicine.

No matter the programme, the iSchool empowers students with skills to excel in fields like education, business, healthcare, and government. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International