The Information School

370 Mary Gates Hall
Box 352840

Dean
Harry Bruce

Associate Deans
Robert Mason, Research
Matthew Saxton, Academics

Never in our society’s history has there been such a great need to manage so much information quickly and efficiently. The Information School is dedicated to preparing a rising generation of information leaders to embrace the challenges associated with the way we create, find, store, manipulate and share information.

The School offers four degree programs, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Informatics, Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Information Management, and Ph.D. in Information Science. The School also offers certificate programs, continuing education opportunities for professionals, and service courses for undergraduates in information fluency, research strategies, and technology. Graduates of the School assume a variety of professional roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors, with positions that span from information architects to children’s librarians, from Web developers to information technology (IT) managers, from network and information assurance professionals to researchers and faculty in the information field.

Our community is interdisciplinary, bringing together a variety of social science traditions, including: library and information science, computer science, sociology, communication, philosophy, and engineering. Most of our research addresses topics in the following broad categories:

• Ethics and Information
• Personal Information Management
• Human-Computer Interaction and Design
• Information Management
• Knowledge Organization
• Information Literacy
• Access to Information
• Information in Everyday Life

The School’s work remains focused on the human impact of information. The research and curriculum of the school examines information systems and technology from a user-centered perspective. By retaining a focus on the human impact of information systems and technology, we build on our community values of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

History

Originally established in 1911, the Information School has the oldest library and information science program west of the Mississippi, and continues to offer the most extensive American Library Association-accredited library and information science degree in the Northwest region of the United States.

In 1998, the University set out to transform the School by charging it with a new mission, to become what it is today: a broad-based information school that meets the challenges and opportunities of the information age. With the addition of three new degree programs, a new dean, an esteemed faculty, and state of the art facilities, the Information School became the University's sixteenth independently organized school/college in 2001.

The School seeks to explore the theoretical and applied cutting edges of the information field and to nurture the best of both worlds: traditional library values and ever-changing information frontiers.

Passion

The School is inspired by information, wanting everyone to know how vital information is in all aspects of life.

Vision

The School envisions a world where more effective use of information helps everyone discover, learn, innovate, solve problems, have fun, and make a better world. Information changes lives.

Mission

The School prepares information leaders through researching the problems and opportunities of information, designing solutions to information challenges, and making information work.

Undergraduate Program

Informatics refers to the study of information systems and technology from a human perspective. It features the Information School's emphasis on a human-centered approach to systems design.

Informatics students study a range of information constructs, from simple systems that support personal information management to complex systems that involve vast databases of distributed information manipulated in real-time by high-speed computer technologies. They analyze national and global information policy, the management of formal information systems in organizations, and the subtleties of everyday information behavior. Also, they invent methods for representing, classifying, and retrieving information and design new information systems responsive to people's needs and values.

Adviser
470 Mary Gates Hall
Box 352840
206-543-1794
informatics@ischool.washington.edu

Bachelor of Science

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: INFO 100, an English composition course (selected from the University list), CSE 142, CSE 143, and STAT 311, courses that develop strong analytical, qualitative and quantitative reasoning, and written and oral communication skills as well as courses that provide exposure to a variety of social science fields.

Program Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

1. INFO 100 (5 credits); CSE 142 (4); STAT 311 (5) or QMETH 201 (4); one English composition course selected from the University list (5), with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course. Departmentally approved transfer equivalents may be used to substitute for prerequisite courses. (Students may not receive credit for INFO 100 taken after CSE 142. Therefore, INFO 100 will be waived for students who have already completed CSE 142 or equivalent. If INFO 100 is waived, students make up the 5 credits by taking additional elective credits in the major.)
2. Minimum 2.00 cumulative college GPA.
3. Admission is competitive, based on the following criteria:
1. Overall academic performance
2. Grades in courses required for admission to the major
3. Personal statement reflecting an interest in and commitment to becoming a major in this field
4. Other evidence of interest in and commitment to the field (e.g., work experience, internships).

Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee admission.

4. Application deadline is April 15. Students apply online at www.ischool.washington.edu. Admission is for autumn quarter only.
5. Transfer students should contact the Information School as soon as they become interested in the informatics major. The School will consider courses equivalent to CSE 143 and may allow a student to be admitted provisionally on the condition that the student completes CSE 143 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 2.0 during the summer before matriculating in the program.

Freshman Direct Admission Program (FDAP)

1. Designed to recruit top high school students to the program and to the UW. Students who indicate an interest in the Informatics program are automatically considered for FDAP participation upon application to the UW. They are evaluated based on careful review of qualitative and quantitative factors, including high school GPA, SAT scores, personal statement, and any additional information provided in their application file. Students selected for FDAP are involved in the academic and social life of the Information School, participating in courses, activities, and research opportunities as appropriate during their freshman and sophomore years.
2. The number of early admission (FDAP) students will not exceed 10% of the number of majors admitted each year.

Major Requirements

92 credits as follows:

1. Courses required for admission to the program (24 credits, as shown above)
2. Human Centered Strand (20 credits): INFO 310, INFO 311, INFO 320, and INFO 380
3. Technical Strand (13 credits): CSE 143, CSE 373, INFO 340, and INFO 341
4. Integrated Strand (23 credits): INFO 300, INFO 370, INFO 440, and INFO 490 or INFO 491
5. Major Electives (12 credits minimum) selected from upper-division electives from the Information School and approved courses from outside departments.

General Education: Beyond the 92 credits required for the major, students must also satisfy the following:

1. English composition (5 credits)
2. Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (5 credits)
3. Writing courses (10 credits)
4. Natural World (20 credits)
5. Individuals & Societies (20 credits)
6. Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (20 credits)

With courses required for the major, students automatically satisfy requirements for English composition (pre-admission English composition requirement), Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (STAT 311), Writing (INFO 310, INFO 311, and INFO 320), and Natural World (CSE 142, CSE 143, and INFO 340, INFO 341, and INFO 440). In addition, students satisfy a good portion of the requirements for Individuals & Societies (INFO 310, INFO 311, and possible electives). They satisfy requirements for Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts by taking courses outside the major. (INFO 424, an elective in the major, also counts towards the VLPA requirement.) Students must earn a minimum 180 credits to graduate.

Continuation Policy

Students are expected to make satisfactory progress towards attainment of the Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree. Under normal circumstances, an informatics major attending full-time would make satisfactory progress by completing the major requirements in approximately two years after admission to the major, or within three years for students admitted to the major as sophomores. Lack of academic progress may be evidenced by low scholarship as well as excessive course repeats, course drops, or University withdrawals and cancellations. For more details, see adviser.

Student Outcomes

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The Informatics program prepares students for a wide range of endeavors in the information field including information management and technology, research and information services, interactive system design, human-computer interaction, and information science.

  Graduates of the Informatics program are qualified for jobs in the information and technology industry and in business, public service, and other various professions. Possible job titles include security and performance analyst, Web developer, information management specialist, network administrator, product developer, business analyst, usability engineers, and many others.

  The program also provides strong preparation for graduate studies. Graduates are successfully placed in prestigious graduate schools and pursue a variety of programs, including information and management science, information science, biomedical informatics, business and accounting, and information technology.

  Informatics student learning outcomes include the ability to assess people's information needs and behavior; ability to design information systems to meet people's information needs; ability to work with information technologies (e.g., database, networks, Internet-based, interface design); ability to evaluate the impact of information technologies on people; ability to communicate effectively in writing and speaking; ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team; and ability to understand the research process and its implication for information systems design and use. All Informatics courses are designed to produce these outcomes through a rigorous experiential learning approach that emphasizes group work, research, writing, oral presentations, and technology.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: Located on the third and fourth floors of Mary Gates Hall, the School offers an extensive software collection, a state-of-the-art computer classroom, an innovative Technology Exploration (TE) Lab, and excellent network connectivity. Students have access to software applications including titles for database and text management, programming, graphics, multimedia, Web development, Internet exploration and collaboration, and office productivity. Students also have access to a large number of bibliographic databases and commercial information services.

  The School also has a dedicated information science research facility at the Roosevelt Commons Building. The research space comprises 7,000 square feet of offices, workstations, research labs, and meeting spaces.

• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Internships are encouraged, but not required. Students participate in a variety of internships, paid and non-paid. A significant number of students also work part-time in Informatics or technology-related positions, and participate in public service.

  Informatics students are extensively engaged in faculty research and internships. Over half of all informatics students participate in the University's Undergraduate Research Symposium each year. Students have co-authored publications with faculty, had their research accepted for presentation at national conference poster sessions, and been recognized with various awards, including the Mary Gates Research Training Endowment for three consecutive years (2001-03).

• Departmental Scholarships: The Henry Scholarships, in the amount of approximately $1500 each, are awarded to three second-year majors in recognition for academic achievement, leadership, and service to the School and in professional/student activities. Students to be considered for the award are nominated by the Information School faculty and Undergraduate Program Committee members. The merit-based awards, named after the founder of the school and first director, William Henry, are intended to recognize and honor student achievement.
• Student Organizations/Associations: Undergraduates participate in a number of the School's many student organizations, including the UW Informatics Undergraduate Association (IUGA) and the student chapter of the American Society of Information Scientists and Technology (ASIST).

Of Special Note:

Capstone Projects: Students often use their capstone projects (INFO 490) to identify interest areas, develop skills, and prepare for future pursuits. The capstone projects, with titles such as "Making Environmental Policy: Human Centered Analysis of Knowledge Sharing Between Cross-Functional Groups" and "Project Management in an Open Source Developing Community," encompass a wide range of topics. Through capstone projects, students demonstrate the skills, understandings, and competencies they can successfully use to prepare for employment and graduate studies.

Information Sessions: Prospective students are encouraged to attend an Informatics information session. For a schedule of information sessions, visit the School's Web site.

Graduate Programs

The School offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.), the Master of Science in Information Management (M.S.I.M.), and the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science.

Master of Library and Information Science

Graduate Program Coordinator
370 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352840
206-543-1794
mlis@ischool.washington.edu

Admission Requirements

• A current resume highlighting any relevant work experience, volunteer activities, and honors, awards, and presentations
• Three letters of recommendation
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement of educational and professional goals and responses to two supplemental questions
• Official transcript from each relevant institution attended
• GRE Scores. Applicants with an earned doctorate (Ph.D, M.D., J.D.) are not required to submit GRE scores.
• TOEFL score (for international students)

Degree Requirements

• Core curriculum (34 credits): LIS 500 The Life Cycle of Information (2), LIS 510 (4), LIS 520 (4), LIS 530 (4), LIS 540 (5), LIS 550 (4), LIS 560 (3), LIS 570 (4), LIS 580 (4)
• Electives (29 credits)
• Portfolio or Thesis Option: MLIS students must complete either a portfolio or thesis in order to graduate.
• Directed Fieldwork: LIS 590 (2-4, max. 8) is an elective course designed to provide students with an opportunity to work in an information environment under the supervision of an experienced professional mentor.

Master of Library and Information Science, Law Librarianship

Admission Requirements

• A current resume highlighting any relevant work experience, volunteer activities, and honors, awards, and presentations
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement of educational and professional goals and responses to two supplemental questions
• Official transcript from each relevant institution attended
• Earned J.D. prior to enrollment in the M.L.I.S. program
• TOEFL score (for international students)

Degree Requirements

• Core curriculum (23 credits): LIS 500 (2), LIS 510 (4), LIS 520 (4), LIS 530 (4), LIS 540 (5), LIS 550 (4)
• Law librarianship courses (17 credits): LIS 591 (3), LIS 592 (3), LIS 593 (3), LIS 594 (4), LIS 595 (4)
• Directed fieldwork: LIS 590 (4)

Master of Science in Information Management

Admission Requirements

• A current resume highlighting any relevant work experience, volunteer activities, and honors, awards, and presentations
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement of educational and professional goals
• Official transcript from each relevant institution attended
• GRE or GMAT Scores. Applicants with an earned doctorate (Ph.D, M.D., J.D.) are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
• TOEFL score (for international students)

Degree Requirements, Day Option

• Core curriculum:
  • Foundational core courses: IMT 480 (4), IMT 440 (1-5, max. 5), IMT 500 (1)
  • Technology core courses: IMT 540 (4), IMT 541 (5), IMT 542 (3)
  • Management core courses: IMT 580 (4), IMT 581 (3), IMT 582 (4)
  • Integrating core courses: IMT 598 (3), IMT 595 (3-5)
• Electives (24 credits): Beyond the required core courses, students have the option of crafting a program of study, in collaboration with their faculty adviser, specific to their interests and career goals. M.S.I.M. course electives include, among others, principles of information retrieval systems, strategic planning and evaluation, and marketing foundations for information professionals.
• Internship: M.S.I.M. internships are structured around a course (IMT 590) and are designed to provide students with an opportunity to work in an information environment under the supervision of an experienced professional mentor. During the internship placement (lasting a minimum of two academic quarters), the student works to meet meaningful learning objectives that have been mutually defined by student and internship supervisor.

Degree Requirements, Executive Option

• Core curriculum:
  • Foundational core courses: IMT 480 (4), IMT 440 (1-5, max. 5), IMT 500 (1)
  • Technology core courses: IMT 540 (4), IMT 541 (5), IMT 542 (3)
  • Management core courses: IMT 580 (4), IMT 581 (3), IMT 582 (4)
  • Integrating core courses: IMT 598 (3), IMT 595 (3-5)
• Electives: Students complete a minimum of 11 credits of electives, which includes advanced M.S.I.M. courses, relevant upper level coursework in other academic disciplines, or an Independent Study (IMT 600).

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science

Ph.D. Adviser
370 Mary Gates Hall
206-543-1794
phd@ischool.washington.edu

Admission Requirements

• Current curriculum vitae highlighting any academic and/or work experience, honors, publications, presentations, and research experience
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement of educational and professional goals
• Official transcript from each relevant institution attended
• GRE Scores. Applicants with an earned doctorate (Ph.D, M.D., J.D.) are not required to submit GRE scores.
• TOEFL score (for international students)

Degree Requirements

• Required courses: INSC 501 (3), INSC 570 (4), INSC 572 (5), INSC 500 (2); two research practica; two teaching practica; at least one of the following quantitative methods courses: BIOST 502 (4), BIOST 517 (4), COM 520 (5), CS&SS 507 (3), PSYCH 524 (4)
• Additional elective coursework selected in consultation with the faculty advisers
• 18 graded credits in courses at the 500 level and above (taken prior to General Exam)
• 60 credits taken prior to General Exam
• 27 dissertation credits (INSC 800)
• Preliminary Review determined by a School-based Advisory Committee at the end of the required first-year of full-time study
• General Examination upon completion of coursework and practica components to attain formal candidacy for the Ph.D. program (Candidate’s Certificate)
• Successfully defend a dissertation before a Supervisory Committee (Final Examination)

Financial Aid

The University of Washington Financial Aid Office administers a variety of government and University funded financial aid programs for which applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). For more information, contact the UW Financial Aid Office, 105 Schmitz Hall. Information on the FAFSA is also available online.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

Financial aid options for full-time students may include graduate assistantships and scholarships. Graduate assistants generally work 220 hours per quarter, and receive a tuition waiver as well as a monthly salary and medical benefits. Prospective M.L.I.S. and M.S.I.M. students are encouraged to apply during the admissions process and throughout the year as other positions become available. Please visit the Student Employment Opportunities page to apply for open positions. Ph.D. students are automatically considered for graduate student service appointments.

M.L.I.S. scholarships are awarded on a basis of financial need, based on information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and academic merit.

Information regarding additional sources of financial aid, from sources outside the Information School, is available at the Information School Financial Aid Resources Web page.

Special Research Facilities

Located on the third and fourth floors of Mary Gates Hall, one of the University's high-technology buildings, the School offers an extensive software collection, a state-of-the-art computer classroom, an innovative Technology Exploration (TE) Lab, and excellent network connectivity. Students have access to software applications including titles for database and text management, programming, graphics, multimedia, Web development, Internet exploration and collaboration, and office productivity. Students also have access to a large number of bibliographic databases and commercial information services.

The School also has a dedicated information science research facility at the Roosevelt Commons Building. The research space comprises 10,000 square feet of offices, workstations, research labs, and meeting spaces.

For more information, please visit the School's Web site at www.ischool.washington.edu/technology/.

Continuing and Professional Education

The Information School works with University of Washington Educational Outreach to offer classes, workshops, and certificate programs for continuing education and professional development. Current certificate programs include Web Solutions, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, and School Library Professional. Those interested in continuing education or certificate programs should contact UW Educational Outreach, 4311 11th Avenue NE, Box 354978, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105. Phone: 206-543-2320 or see www.extension.washington.edu/ext/.