Information Sciences + Data Science, BS
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
The Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences prepares students for a wide range of careers within the knowledge economy. In today’s technology-centered job market, there is a high demand for information professionals. By earning a B.S. in Information Sciences (BS/IS) from the School of Information Sciences (iSchool), you will gain a competitive edge. Our interdisciplinary, STEM-designated degree will prepare students for careers in a variety of fields. As a BS/IS student, you’ll learn how to manage data and other types of information to help organizations achieve their goals. You will become an information technology expert who understands the human perspective, social context, and policy implications.
Information Sciences + Data Science B.S. Degree website
Departmental Distinction: The top 10% of the graduating class will graduate with distinction.
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements.
Data Science Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 28-31 | |
| Mathematical Foundations | 7-8 | |
| MATH 220 | Calculus | 4-5 |
| or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| or MATH 234 | Calculus for Business I | |
| MATH 227 | Linear Algebra for Data Science | 3 |
| or MATH 257 | Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | |
| Data Science Fundamentals | 12 | |
| STAT/CS/IS 107 | Data Science Discovery | 4 |
| STAT 207 | Data Science Exploration | 4 |
| CS 307 | Modeling and Learning in Data Science | 4 |
| Computational Fundamentals | 4 | |
| CS 277 | Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science | 4 |
| Social Impact in Data Science | 6 | |
| IS 467 | Ethics and Policy for Data Science | 3 |
| IS 477 | Data Management, Curation & Reproducibility | 3 |
Information Sciences Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 61 | |
| IS 101 | Introduction to Information Sciences | 3 |
| IS 202 | Social Aspects Info Tech | 3 |
| IS 204 | Research Design for Information Sciences | 3 |
| IS 205 | Programming for Information Problems | 3 |
| IS 206 | Introduction to Database Concepts & Applications | 3 |
| IS 308 | Race, Gender, and Information Technology | 3 |
| or IS 309 | Computers and Culture | |
| or IS 310 | Computing in the Humanities | |
| or IS 311 | History and Foundations of the Information Society | |
| School of Information Sciences Electives or approved courses in other departments | 43 | |
Twelve hours of 300/400 level (advanced) courses in Information Sciences (IS) must be taken on this campus. | ||
Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 6 | |
One of the most important skills a student will gain in a IS+DS degree will be the ability to present data in meaningful ways. A research or discovery experience is as much a pillar of this degree program as both the data science core coursework (Part 1) and the coursework in Information Sciences. | ||
| IS 189 | Independent Study | 0 to 3 |
| Examples of possible experiences may include: | ||
A semester study-abroad with at one or more courses focused on discovery while attending the international institution. | ||
A multi-semester capstone experience within the student’s area of specialization. | ||
A semester co-op experience outside of the Champaign-Urbana area focused within the student’s area of specialization. | ||
A multi-semester undergraduate research experience under the direction of iSchool faculty. | ||
A summer REU program focused within your area of specialization. | ||
Summary of Total Hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total General Education Hours | 25 | |
| Total Data Science Core Hours | 28 | |
| Total Information Science Specialization Hours | 61 | |
| Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
School of Information Sciences
Dean: Eunice Santos
School of Information Sciences website
iSchool Faculty
501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211
(217) 244-3432, (800) 982-0914 (within the US)
ischool email