u/Smart-Actuator2051

Hey y'all! Just got accepted as an international junior transfer for Information Science (InfoSci). Super hyped!

However, after looking into it, Information Systems (IS), which is under the Business School here, fits my career goals much better. Since I’m already entering as a junior, time is ticking.

Need some brutal honesty on a few things:

1. Switching vs. Double Major: How hard is it to internally transfer into the Business School as a junior? If I double major (InfoSci + IS), is there good course overlap, or will it delay my graduation?

2. The Workload: How heavy is the academic pressure in Information Systems? Will I still have a life and time for internship hunting?

Any insights from current students or transfers would literally save my life. Thanks! 🙏

TL;DR: Admitted as a junior for InfoSci. Want to switch to or double major in Information Systems (Business). Is it doable or a GPA suicide mission?

Hey everyone! Transferring to UMD this Fall as an InfoSci sophomore. As an international student, I’m trying to plan my path carefully given the market. Looking for some honest insights on 4 quick questions:

1. DMV Market without Clearance: Since DC is heavy on gov-tech/clearance jobs, how brutal is the local market for international undergrads? Where should I look for companies that actually sponsor (e.g., NoVA)?

2. Double Major Burnout: I want to do research + part-time internships. If I focus on UX/UI or Cybersecurity, what’s the best double major? Would Applied Math/Stats or EE be total overkill/burnout?

3. UX/UI vs. Cyber/Data Viz: For undergrad internships and entry-level roles, is UX/UI completely oversaturated right now? Would I have better luck targeting Data Viz or Cyber/Compliance as an international student?

4. HCIL Research (Plan B): If I go the grad school route, I want to get involved with UMD’s HCIL (specifically Human-Centered AI, Info Viz, or Privacy). How hard is it for an InfoSci undergrad to join these labs?

Appreciate any advice or reality checks. Thanks! 🐢

#UMD #InfoSci #UX #Cybersecurity #HCIL

Hey y'all, I am officially losing my mind and need a reality check.

I applied as an international transfer for Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS). My checklist has been 100% complete since March 4th, but my portal is still stubbornly stuck on "Awaiting Decision."

As an international student, the panic is really starting to set in. I have commitment deadlines for other schools coming up, and I desperately need to start the whole US visa process (I-20, embassy appointments, flights), which takes forever.

Is SBU admissions always this slow, or is the AMS department just massively backed up this year?

Anyone else who applied around early March still waiting? Or has anyone actually heard back recently? Pls send help/hope.

Hi everyone,

I'm a prospective international transfer student looking into the Information Science program at UMD. I’ve been doing some research online, and to be honest, I’ve seen a fair amount of "complaint posts" on Reddit saying the curriculum is a bit shallow, the academic rigor isn't quite there, and that it’s often seen as a backup for people who couldn't make it in CS.

Is this a fair assessment or just a loud minority? I’m particularly interested in:

Course Quality: Are the upper-level classes technically challenging, or does it feel like "busy work"?

Career/Internships: How do employers view UMD InfoSci grads? Is it possible to land solid data or tech-focused roles?

Vibe: Is the community genuinely engaged, or is there a lack of motivation among students?

I’m really interested in the intersection of tech and data/informatics, so I want to make sure I’m choosing a program that will actually prepare me for the industry.

Thanks for any insights!