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Computer & Information Sciences · Information Sciences Rank #11 of 443

Information Sciencesat Western Governors University

Graduates earn $84,242/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Information Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $925K; scenarios range from $712K to $963K depending on AI disruption.

Salt Lake City, UT Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
90 ELITE
91
Optimistic
83
Pessimistic
Earnings
$84,242
1-year post-graduation
ROI
30.3x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$925K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
59% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Western Governors University

While these earnings figures are impressive, it's crucial to understand the unique WGU student profile. This isn't a traditional four-year campus experience; WGU's competency-based model disproportionately attracts working adults who are already in the tech field and are "upskilling" to advance. You'll be learning alongside mid-career professionals, not starting from scratch. The curriculum is built around earning valuable industry certifications as you go, making your resume immediately attractive for promotions or new roles.

Much of your success will depend on your own drive, as the flexible structure requires significant self-discipline. While the program’s AI risk score seems high, remember that these careers are about creating and managing AI, not being replaced by it. Your key action: leverage your existing professional experience. If you don't have any, actively seek internships to pair with your studies to match the profile of WGU's most successful graduates.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$712K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score83/100
Earnings Multiple21.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$925K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score90/100
Earnings Multiple27.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$963K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score91/100
Earnings Multiple29.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Western Governors University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Information Sciences graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Computer and information systems managers
+15.2% 10-yr growth · 55,600 openings/yr
$171,200/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Database architects
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$135,980/yr
Very High
4
Software developers
+15.8% 10-yr growth · 115,200 openings/yr
$133,080/yr
Very High
5
Computer network architects
+11.9% 10-yr growth · 11,200 openings/yr
$130,390/yr
High
6
Information security analysts
+28.5% 10-yr growth · 16,000 openings/yr
$124,910/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Information Sciences

How Western Governors University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of Pennsylvania
PA · Private nonprofit
84
DW Score
$146K
1-yr earn
10.3x
ROI
Top score
University of California-Los Angeles
CA · Public
91
DW Score
$136K
1-yr earn
38.8x
ROI
Yale University
CT · Private nonprofit
83
DW Score
$133K
1-yr earn
9.5x
ROI
Rice University
TX · Private nonprofit
82
DW Score
$131K
1-yr earn
8.2x
ROI
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
79
DW Score
$116K
1-yr earn
4.9x
ROI
Also at Western Governors University

Other top programs at Western Governors University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Western Governors University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Information Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Information Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Information Sciences at Western Governors University

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Sciences at Western Governors University?

This program scores 90/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Information Sciences nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Information Sciences careers?

With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $711,573 in decade earnings vs $962,945 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Western Governors University's Information Sciences program stand out?

Ranked #11 of 443 programs nationally, Western Governors University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.