UMSI’s 2024 employment reports emphasize the value and versatility of an information science degree. In a tough year for the tech industry, UMSI graduates’ expertise in AI, data science and cybersecurity remained in high demand. 

“Despite hiring freezes and slowdowns at top tech companies, many UMSI students successfully pivoted to other tech roles, industries and regions,” says Joanna Kroll, director of career development at UMSI.

In a survey of the class of 2023 conducted by UMSI’s Career Development Office, the top industries where graduates reported landing were technology, consulting, financial services, and consumer goods and services. Despite the tech hiring slowdown, UMSI graduates were successful in landing positions at top companies including Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and Google.

Employment rates sat at 98%, 95%, 97% and 100% for graduates of the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Health Informatics and PhD in Information programs respectively. UMSI graduates continue to command competitive salaries relative to national averages for information science programs. 

2023 graduates were recruited and hired at companies including Lowe's, General Motors, Ford, Vanguard, Procter & Gamble, Nike, EA Games, Expedia, Mathworks, Fanduel, United Airlines and Wayfair, in innovative roles that ranged from entry-level to senior. 

Graduates across programs indicated that they prioritized company culture (support, flexibility and inclusion) and competitive salaries in their job searches. The average job search length was three to four months for BSI, MSI and MHI graduates. Networking continued to top the list of effective job search methods reported by UMSI graduates.  

“While networking is a crucial job search tool, we recognize that not all UMSI students have access to a professional network,” Kroll says. “That’s why the Career Development Office makes it a priority to provide greater access to alumni and industry professionals for all students.” Robust mentorship opportunities, available to any UMSI student who opts in, include the Alumni Career Connections Program and alumni panels hosted by the CDO throughout the year. 

More than 99% of respondents said their internship experience was valuable to their job outcome. “Internships set students up for career success and make them incredibly marketable and qualified candidates across a diversity of roles and industries,” Kroll says. Among graduates of the BSI program, 35% accepted a return offer from an internship.

Of the 16 BSI grads who chose to continue their education, 14 are pursuing their master's degree through UMSI’s Accelerated Master's Degree Program. 

Many graduates of the Master of Applied Data Science program, UMSI’s fully-online master’s degree, were able to secure a promotion within their current organization or make a successful career pivot after earning their degree. For those who landed their first data science position after graduating, the average starting salary was $107,000.

International students continue to find substantial roles in the U.S. after graduating from UMSI. The top industries where UMSI international students were hired and sponsored in 2023 include tech, financial services, and consumer goods and services, with Microsoft, Amazon, Google and MathWorks as the top four companies.

Across programs, the class of 2023 reported the value of hands-on experiences — including client-based projects and research — and career courses and coaching at UMSI. Sought-after job titles and high levels of job satisfaction speak to UMSI graduates putting this career preparation to good use soon after graduation. 

Learn more about employment outcomes in the 2024 employment reports.