Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines core topics in information organisation and retrieval with technical training in data management and analytics, plus modules addressing human-centred design and information policy. Typical areas of study include:

• Information retrieval and search — principles and technologies that power search engines and retrieval systems.
• Databases and data management — relational and non-relational data models, metadata, data modelling and data quality.
• Data analytics and visualisation — statistical methods, exploratory analysis and tools for presenting information.
• Human–computer interaction and information architecture — UX fundamentals, usability testing and organising content for findability.
• Information policy, ethics and privacy — legal, social and ethical issues around data, access and use.
• Research methods — qualitative and quantitative approaches for information science research and evaluation.
• Capstone or thesis — a project-based or research-based culminating experience that applies learned skills to a practical problem or study.

Coursework typically mixes lectures, hands-on labs and project work, and allows elective choices to tailor the degree toward data analytics, user experience, information management or related areas.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline; degrees with quantitative or technical content are advantageous but not always required. Standard application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, and a current CV or résumé. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by accepted tests or institutional exemptions.

Some applicants may be asked to provide references and examples of prior work or projects. Where relevant, demonstrable experience with programming, databases or statistics will strengthen an application. Admissions may consider professional experience in lieu of specific academic prerequisites on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles that combine technical, organisational and user-centred skills. Typical career paths include:

• Information architect — designing content structures and navigation to improve findability and usability.
• Data analyst or data specialist — preparing, analysing and visualising data to inform decisions.
• Knowledge or records manager — organising organisational knowledge, classification systems and metadata practices.
• UX researcher or usability specialist — conducting user research to guide design and information presentation.
• Information systems analyst or consultant — advising on information workflows, systems implementation and data governance.

Graduates may work in corporate information teams, libraries and archives, digital agencies, healthcare, government and non‑profit organisations, or pursue further academic research.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a focused, professionally oriented programme delivered by faculty with applied and research experience in information-related fields. The university emphasises small class sizes and close student–faculty interaction, which supports collaborative projects and individual supervision for capstones or theses.

Students benefit from practical training, access to campus facilities and career services, and proximity to major metropolitan job markets that provide internship and employment opportunities. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to balance study with professional commitments and to specialise through elective choices aligned with career goals.