Evolution and Enlightenment of Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS) Programs in U.S. Top iSchools: Re-Investigation of the Curriculum After 10 Years postprint

Abstract: [Purpose/significance] After 10 years, this paper re-investigated bachelor of science in information science (BSIS) programs in U.S. top iSchools, and explored the evolution and trend of undergraduate courses in the past 10 years, so as to provide useful experience and reference for educational reform of similar undergraduate majors in information management schools and departments in China.[Method/process] Select BSIS programs offered by top 10 iSchools on U.S. News best graduate schools rankings of library and information studies. Collect the information of bachelor degree programs and corresponding courses through iSchool official websites. Investigate and analyze the changes of overall project design, training objectives, core courses and elective courses, classified the courses and probed into the moving directions of each course classification.[Result/conclusion] Compared with that of 2009, the BSIS programs in U.S. top iSchools had undergone new changes in project development, training objectives setting, core (required)/elective courses design and so on in 2019. By classifying and coding the undergraduate courses of the programs, the courses could be divided into 13 categories, but the distribution of courses in different categories is relatively scattered, showing obvious multi-path and diversified educational characteristics in U.S. top iSchools. Furthermore, this study examined and introduced the recent trends of each course category. The study also discussed five aspects of enlightenment to the undergraduate curricular reform of information management schools and departments in China.