The Department of Information Science seeks to expand human and technical capabilities through information in a world where information is of central importance to personal, organizational, social, political, technical, and economic progress. Information Science makes sense of the data that people gather through information technology. The programs that reside in the Department of Information Science focus on the transformation of data to information and knowledge, to intelligence and application, and on the technologies and systems that store and access the data in ways that impart its meaning.
The Information Science undergraduate degree program emphasizes design and development of information processing systems. The master’s degree program in Information Quality (MSIQ) is the first such program in the nation and continues to produce leaders dedicated to ensuring that information is fit for its intended use. We also offer a graduate certificate in Technology Innovation. Minors in Information Technology as well as in Bioinformatics help round out the department’s offerings. Additionally, advanced students can obtain their Ph.D. degrees in cooperation with either the Integrated Computing Doctoral Program or the UALR/UAMS Joint Bioinformatics program.
In concert with UALR’s mission to serve and strengthen society by enhancing awareness in scientific, technical, and cultural arenas, and the Donaghey College’s mission to educate the next generation of professionals in the skills and knowledge base necessary to create and manage technology-based enterprises, the Department of Information Science is committed to fostering the use of information through better systems and technologies in the State of Arkansas and the nation by:
- Educating students in the use of current information and communication technologies and in the design and development of systems and technologies for better processing and use of information.
- Offering degree and certification programs that prepare graduates to pursue successful careers and to continue lifelong learning in Information Science.
- Conducting research to advance the field of Information Science in a way that supports applications of information technologies.
