Florida State University School of Library and Information Studies
The school of information at Florida State University is one of the first iSchools, it offers an undergraduate degree as well as two masters degrees offered exclusively online, two additional masters degrees, one of which is ALA accredited, a specialist degree, and one PhD program. The students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employers from the school of information find themselves in all facets of information—social media, cyber security, health information technology, data analytics, data mining, and so much more.
The Florida State University iSchool celebrates 20 years of online education and innovation. Students will never run low on resources, as the FSU Collaboratory in the Goldstein Library is known to be a center for technological innovation on campus complete with 3D printing, 3-D modeling and visualization, and so much more.
Founded in 1947, the School of Information prepares professionals to make important connections between humans and information since inception. The programs within the School are consistently ranked in top lists year after year. The School recognizes the importance of connecting people with information and technology for the advancement of society. The commitment to universal information creation, use, assess, and evaluation is demonstrated through advanced teaching, service, and research methods. All faculty and staff are committed to preparing all information professionals with the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and abilities to overcome all types of challenges brought to light within information organizations. The dedication to innovative and multidisciplinary research, service, collaboration, and leadership leads to the most respect for diversity and commitment to professional diversity.
Master of Science in Library and Information Studies, Information Architecture & Technology program of study
Students will absorb the knowledge for theoretical basis needed so that they can build up their knowledge, abilities, and skills that are needed to effectively function in an array of professional positions within the realm of Information Studies. Aside from the normally structured programs, students will also be able to design their own individualized program of study when the ones that are currently offered need to be tailored to fit their needs. Within the School of Library and Information Sciences, students will gain knowledge of the techniques and skills that are the basis for the most basic information activities, and grow their ability to adapt to the continuously changing world of technology, including applying new techniques and technologies.
Students should expect to complete the successful completion of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework. This includes 4 core courses and then additional courses from one or more areas of study that will best meet the goals that they have for their careers. Students will be prepared for a career in the facets of developing, managing, and maintaining networks in areas like hardware and software systems, maintaining networks for communication, maintaining networks for information, and also developing databases and applications. Students should complete all coursework for the Master's degree within 7 years of registration—the curriculum is made up of the 4 required courses as well as 20 credits of electives that are relevant to the educational and professional goals of the student. The program of study should be selected for the student's specialized area of interest.
Information Architecture Certificate
The Florida State University School of Information offers a variety of graduate level certificate programs, including Information Architecture. This certification can be completed online, and does require at least 12 credit hours to be completed. The certificate program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to grow their skills relevant to all technical aspects in areas of specialized study. Certificates are not the same as a degree or diploma, but they can be applied toward a master's or specialist degree with the approval of administration. Those interested in pursuing a certificate must apply and then be approved. Then, they must complete the required number of credit hours and earn a B or higher in all of the courses.
The Certification of Information Architecture provided by the Florida State University School of Information will prepare those who are information professionals to not only design and build websites, but also manage them as informational resources for the public. This certification program will offer the opportunity to better skills in areas like administration, web applications, web design, and usability. It will build up on the student's existing knowledge of all web technologies. In order to receive the certification, there are 2 required courses, Usability Analysis and Introduction to Information Architecture. Additionally, students must choose 2 courses from the following list:
Theory of Information Retrieval, Digital Media: Concepts and Production, Design and Production of Networked Multimedia, Website Development and Administration, Advanced Web Applications, Digital Libraries, Introduction to Data Networks for Information Professionals, Information Systems Management, Network Administration, Computers as Persuasive Technology, and Database Management Systems.
