IS – Division of Exploratory Studies

Major Description

The School of Information Sciences (iSchool) sponsors this major in collaboration with the Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. The Information Sciences + Data Science Major is designed for students seeking to supplement their education by adding a strong background in data science. It prepares students for careers in a variety of industries, utilizing information and technology to make data-driven decisions.

More About Information Sciences + Data Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

Please note that the courses that appear higher on this list are recommended for those who are exploring the major.

STAT/IS/CS 107: Data Science Discovery
MATH 220/221/234: Calculus/Calculus 1/Business Calculus
IS 101: Introduction to Information Sciences
IS/INFO 202: Social Aspects of Information Technology
IS 204: Research Design for Information Sciences
IS 206: Introduction to Database Concepts and Applications
MATH 227: Linear Algebra for Data Science (can substitute MATH 257)
STAT 207: Data Science Exploration
CS 277: Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science (can substitute CS 225)
IS 308: Race, Gender, and Information Technology
IS 309: Computers and Culture
IS/INFO 310: Computing in the Humanities
IS 311: History and Foundations of the Information Society

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Data analysis is increasingly a part of everyday life. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 36% in data science jobs from 2021 to 2031, driven by the demand for workers who can handle big data.

Because of this, students will be able to work in a variety of industries, which can include finance and insurance, information technology, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Many of our students become data consultants in a wide array of industries.

Common Career Skills

Manage and analyze data
Build and evaluate data-based models
Create data visualizations
Communicate and collaborate with others to make data-driven decisions
Consider ethical and policy implications of data use and analysis
Understand and manage issues of data reproducibility
Apply data science skills and concepts in projects or research, and communicate and interpret results

Common Career Titles

Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Data Analytics Consultant
Database Administrator
Technology Consultant
Data Visualization Engineer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Illinois Data Science Club
Psi Eta Mu (Information Sciences Professional Fraternity)
Illinois Business Consulting

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Information Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Information Science. These organizations include:

Major Description

Information Science focuses on how people use technology to better organize, analyze, and manage information, as well as how society and individuals relate to information. In our program, you’ll learn programming, database concepts, and research methods. You’ll also explore broader social issues such as information equity and ethics. Our program will prepare you to become a specialist in the information sciences who understands the human perspective, social context, and policy implications of information in society.

More About Information Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Information and Culture

Understand the critical, social, and cultural contexts of information science.

Data and Society

Understand the impact of data in governance, business, culture to educate citizenry in a democracy, and inform policy.

Data Analytics/Data Science

Understand the data life cycle and be able to analyze, interpret, explain, qualify, and contextualize data at scale.

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)/User Experience (UX)

Understand the principles of information architecture and human-centered design, and be able to build useful and usable information systems

Narrative Design & Game Studies

Understand the power of narrative in human society, gain familiarity with storytelling tools and techniques, with professional applications in business, publishing, youth services, curation and the game industry.

Galleries, Libraries, Archives, & Museums

Understand the role of cultural heritage and other memory institutions in our society and become familiar with the practices and professions associated with the collection, organization, preservation, curation and dissemination of information.