Information Sciences Ranked Among the Nation’s Most In-Demand Degrees by Employers

A new national survey confirms what a growing number of students and employers already understand: information science is not just relevant, it’s essential.

On February 17, 2026 CNBC reported findings from the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Winter 2026 Salary Survey, which ranks the 10 most in-demand bachelor’s degrees for the Class of 2026. At No. 7 on the list: Information Sciences and Systems, with 48% of surveyed employers saying they plan to hire graduates in the field.

In a hiring market described as one of the toughest in five years, that demand stands out. While entry-level hiring remains competitive, employers continue to prioritize graduates who understand how to work at the intersection of data, technology and human needs. That is precisely where information science lives.

At the University of Arizona’s College of Information Science (InfoSci), this national recognition underscores something long known: preparing students to navigate and shape our data-driven world is not optional. It is foundational.

Why Information Science? Because the World Runs on Information

Information science is inherently interdisciplinary. It explores how people interact with data and technology, and how systems can be designed to serve communities ethically, efficiently and inclusively.

At the College of Information Science, our undergraduate students don’t just learn to code or analyze data. They learn to ask better questions. They examine how algorithms shape society. They design systems with accessibility and equity in mind. They collaborate across disciplines—from business and healthcare to government and the arts—because information touches every field.

Employers recognize this versatility. In a labor market that rewards adaptability, students who understand both technology and human behavior are uniquely positioned to lead.

Undergraduate Degrees Designed for a Dynamic Future

InfoSci offers a range of undergraduate degrees that reflect the field’s breadth and dynamism. Across our programs, students gain:

• Technical fluency in data, analytics and computing
• Critical thinking skills rooted in ethics and human-centered design
• Real-world experience through research, internships and industry collaboration
• The flexibility to tailor their education to emerging technologies and career goals

Information science evolves rapidly, so InfoSci continuously adapts curricula to reflect developments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, digital information management and human-computer interaction. Students graduate not only with in-demand skills, but with the intellectual agility to grow as the field evolves.

Nationally Recognized Excellence

National rankings place College of Information Science programs among the best in the country, underscoring both academic rigor and real-world impact. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations is ranked No. 1 among 400 cybersecurity programs nationwide. The Bachelor of Science in Information Science is ranked No. 17. And the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development contributes to the U of A’s ranking as the No. 22 public game design school in the U.S.

These rankings matter not simply as accolades, but as evidence of a thriving academic community committed to excellence in research, teaching and student success.

Accessibility and Opportunity

Information science is also a gateway degree. Because it bridges disciplines, information science attracts students from diverse academic interests and backgrounds. Some arrive with a passion for coding. Others are drawn to data visualization, archives and libraries, information ethics or policy. Still others want to apply data science in fields such as healthcare, business or natural resources.

InfoSci fosters that diversity of thought and experience. The college prioritizes accessibility and hands-on learning environments that prepare students not just to enter the workforce, but to shape it.

In a year when only 30% of graduates nationwide report securing jobs in their immediate field, according to employability studies cited by CNBC, demand for information science graduates sends a powerful signal. Employers need professionals who can translate data into insight, build systems that center human needs and navigate technological change with ethical clarity.

A Degree for an Accessible Future

As organizations confront questions about artificial intelligence, data privacy, cybersecurity and digital equity, they need leaders who understand both the power and the responsibility embedded in information systems. They need graduates who see technology not as an end in itself, but as a tool to empower organizations and communities.

The CNBC ranking affirms a national trend. The future belongs to graduates who can move fluidly between people, data and technology. At the College of Information Science, that future is already taking shape.
  

Learn more about College of Information Science undergraduate programs, including career outcomes.