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While some of our students choose to acquire a general education in librarianship or information science, others select a distinctive area of study. This is a matter of personal choice. There is no one way to graduate in information studies. Our curriculum is designed to support both general and specific educational goals, allowing students to tailor the program to their interests or to follow a prescribed curriculum for specific certification. It is impossible to list all the specialist roles that may be filled by graduates of our program, but we do emphasize three general areas of research and practice within the School of Information:

Information Architecture

Students with an interest in designing and organizing online information services can take a suite of introductory and advanced courses that include the study of usability, information architecture, and digital design. Graduates develop skills to work in software companies, consultancies, and multi-user organizations to aid the design, implementation, and evaluation of usable and functional information resources and systems.

Librarianship

The School's long-established program in librarianship develops students' competencies for librarianship of all types: academic, corporate, public, or special. Students interested in public school librarianship can earn a Master of Science in Information Studies in conjunction with the Standard School Librarian Certificate as approved by the State of Texas Board of Education. The certification prepares graduates for work at all levels of public education in Texas, from kindergarten through high school.

Preservation of the Cultural Record

As home to the nation's #1 ranked program in archives and preservation, we offer students the chance to learn both the basics and advanced skills in archives and records management, paper and book conservation, museum studies and preservation management. Graduates from our program are prepared to work with special and rare collections and artifacts, or to advance organizational capabilities through digital assets management.

With a small set of core required courses, the freedom to select from multiple electives, and the choice of several options for completing Capstone experiences or internships, iSchool students can tailor a program of studies that is not limited by fixed ideas of how the information professions will develop.