What programming languages are important for a future Information Science student?

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Students researching degrees in information science will see that many programs combine it with another major, like library science or technology. The combination will influence the credit hours devoted to subjects associated with computer science, namely programming languages. Therefore, in this post, we will present examples of different degrees, so you’ll know the extent of the importance of programming for information science.

The University of Wisconsin (UW) System offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology in its Flexible Option format. The term refers to their online self-directed, competency-based learning system for employed and busy adults. Not surprisingly, the curriculum focuses on IT, covering topics as front-end web design, database management, information architecture, information organization, and human-computer interaction. There are six hours of programming where you’ll become familiar with PHP (hypertext preprocessor scripting language), JavaScript, MySQL (structured query language), Python, and XML (eXtensible markup language).

Other courses at UW are User Interaction Design, Network & Systems Administration, Systems Analysis, and Data Visualization.

The School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina has a B.S. in Information Science (BSIS) with less emphasis on programming languages. It also studies semantic modeling, indexing, query construction, and rational database theory. There are three credit hours of Information Systems Analysis and Design where you’ll learn about organizational challenges for information systems and how to resolve issues. You will be exposed to SQL in the Introduction to Database Concepts and Applications class (3 hours).

The College of Media, Communication, and Information at the University of Colorado-Boulder offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science. Graduates will understand human-centered design and research, information analysis, and scripting for working with data. One of the two prerequisite choices is Programming for Linguistics or Computer Science 1, which teaches techniques for writing computer programs in higher-level programming languages. This program includes a course in Computational Reasoning that examines computational thinking using Python programming language.

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A Brief Explanation of Programming Languages

Specific names will recur in the field of information science. One is Python. It is an essential tool for data science used in data processing, analysis, modeling, and data visualization. Individuals not versed in Python can find out more about it as a beginner at their website. There are links to tutorials for those without programming experience.

Another common language is JavaScript – used as a visualization technique in data processing. Over 97% of the standard web browsers have a dedicated JavaScript engine. It works well to process large volumes of data in computational tasks.

SQL or Structured Query Language is often used to retrieve data, which is the essence of information science. Think of it as a computerized Microsoft Excel sheet, which is fine for small data amounts. SQL databases handle millions of data quickly and efficiently with specified information searches. For example, which clients spent more than $5,000 on your goods or services? It is touted as being easier for programming novices to master than Java or PHP.

PHP is another one you may learn that over 79% of websites use this server-side programming language, such as Facebook, Wikipedia, and WordPress. According to Geeksforgeeks, it is relatively easy to understand and has secured the #4 spot in programming languages.

Individuals who prefer to skirt programming languages might look at the Bachelor of Arts in Information Science and eSociety at The University of Arizona Online. Their site doesn’t provide the complete course list, but it seems this major would minimize one’s computer skills. Aimed at those who want a career in digital media, the coursework teaches web design, information manipulation, propaganda, and how to create programs online in digital environments. Graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in Marketing, Communications, or Public Relations.

The Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Science at the University of Maine-Augusta has a course in Web Page Design. Students learn the practical methods of website creation using HTML tagging and a web editing program. Evaluation techniques, site maintenance, human-computer interaction, and content assessment are also topics addressed in this class. Some courses touch on technology, such as Library Information Technology, Cataloging Technical Processes, and Digital Library Technology. The latter covers web-based services, library automation, and social networking. For the programming-adverse student, this might be a viable degree option.

Depending on the program, you may have heavy or light coursework in programming languages. The Department of Information Science, for example, at the University of North Texas offers six concentrations:

  • Information Science and Knowledge Organization
  • Project and Knowledge Management
  • Information Management and Health Informatics
  • Digital Content and Information Systems
  • Human Language Technology
  • Data Science

Data science teaches the design, implementation, and transformation of data. This selection might involve programming. In contrast, the Information Science concentration deals with collecting, classification, retrieval, and distribution of information.

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