Download PDFFROM STUDY TO SKILLS
The Bachelor of Science in Information program is housed in the University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) and is an upper-level program for juniors and seniors. UMSI takes a unique interdisciplinary approach to the study of information, exploring both the social and technical aspects of the digital revolution. Students will examine major issues at the intersection of people, information, and technology. During the course of the program, you can expect to study issues such as: Does social media enhance or undermine human relationships? What is the role of digital media in emergency situations? How are scientists using massive sets of data to track global phenomena like climate change?
Upon successful admission to the BSI program, your upper-division coursework will include required core courses, a project-based capstone course that tests your knowledge and skill, a path to focus your work and prepare you for your future, and electives to round out your education.
Given the unique skill set and interdisciplinary background you will develop as a BSI student, there are a wide variety of career paths you could pursue. Students can expect to find jobs in fields such as technology, business, corporate, government, consulting, entertainment, healthcare, education, non-profit and research. Some may continue their studies in graduate programs.
Related fields include Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Informatics, Survey Research/Survey Methodology, Engineering, Communication Studies, and Art and Design.
Paths of Study
A path is an area of concentration in advanced courses that allows students to claim a specific identity, often defined in terms of career opportunities. The first two paths approved for the degree are the information analysis path and the user experience design path.
Information analysis path
Students opting for the information analysis path will complete courses that allow them to identify and articulate questions that matter to stakeholders, gather data that are essential to answering the questions, find answers that are grounded in empirical evidence, and present these answers in a convincing way.
User experience design path
Students opting for the user experience design path will complete courses that allow them to design, build, and evaluate compelling interactive systems. The philosophy of the path is user-centered design—that is, that designers of computing systems need to take account of and even prioritize the needs and experiences of the system’s users.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Computational/Technical Skills
Computer modeling
Programming
Operating computer simulations
Web development
User experience design
Graphic design
Communication/Presentation Skills
Ability to communicate abstract concepts
Ability to transition between written text and computations/formulas
Ability to describe processes in non-technical language/explain theories and ideas/summarize findings
Interpersonal Skills
Online community building
Ability to work in collaboration/be a team player
Relationship management/interpersonal skills
Motivated/enthusiastic approach to work
Entrepreneurial Skills
Leadership
Ability to take initiative
High level of motivation
Out of the box thinking
Risk-taker
Resilience
Visionary/strategic thinking
Analytical/Problem Solving Skills
Ability to be creative
Detail oriented
Applying methods to problems
Developing theories
Recognizing types of problems
Perceiving patterns and structures
Identifying relationships between problems/solutions
Quantitative Skills
Numerical simulation
Analyzing statistics
Design programs/systems for processing data
Applying quantitative analysis
Mathematical modeling and analysis
Designing questionnaires
Developing sample forms
Applying statistical packages
Interpreting data from tables/charts
Projecting from data
Categorizing data
Modeling complex systems
Information visualization
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in class. Other options include study abroad, Alternative Spring Break, part-time jobs, or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
BSI students develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide variety of careers in government, healthcare, research, business, and non-profit organizations. UMSI graduates are in high demand. Below is a sample list of career opportunities for BSI grads:
- User Experience Designer
- User Experience Researcher
- Web Architect
- Website Consultant
- Business Technology Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Analytics Specialist
- Search Engine Optimization Analyst
- IT Consultant
- Database Designer
- Digital Marketing Associate
- Social Media Strategist
- Product Manager
- Online Community Manager
- Technology Product Manager
- Web Analyst
- Sales and Training Analyst
- Quality Assurance/Business Analyst
- Marketing Research Analyst
- Data Analysis Consultant
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
There are four prerequisite courses: SI 110, SI 106, STATS 250, and the First-Year Writing Requirement. Additionally ORGSTUDY 201 is recommended, but not required. BSI students must complete 60 credit hours while enrolled in the School of Information during their junior and senior year, with 45 of the 60 credits being completed within the School of Information. There are three required core courses (SI 206, SI 301, SI 310).
There are currently two focus areas within the BSI program: Designing for the User Experience (UX) and Information Analytics. Students utilize their advanced and elective courses to specialize in one of these tracks.
Bachelor of Science in Information
School of Information Office of Student Affairs
3360 North Quad
734-763-2285
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.si.umich.edu/content/bsi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMSI.undergrad
NEXT STEPS AND RESOURCES
For more information about careers in information, including graduate study, see:
https://www.si.umich.edu/careers/careers-information
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit UMSI’s iTrack umsi.info/iTrack, or the Career Center’s Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
For UMSI student groups visit:
https://www.si.umich.edu/programs/msi/student-groups
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in across campus:
http://campusinvolvement.umich.edu/topic/managing-your-student-organization