Information Sciences

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.

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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.

Courses That Introduce the Major

IS 202/INFO 202: Social Aspects Info Tech
IS 101: Introduction to Information Sciences
IS 107/STAT 107: Data Science Discovery
IS 226: Introduction to HCI
IS 229: Web Design Fundamentals
IS 266/MACS 266: Community Innovation
IS 308: Race, Gender, and Information Technology
IS 265/MACS 265: Innovation Illinois: From Accessible Design to Supercomputing Cultures

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

Possible Career Opportunities

Common Career Skills

Apply various approaches to research in the information sciences, including social science methods, data and text mining, digital humanities, historical approaches, and others
Apply critical analytical skills to information issues
Understand relationships among people, information, and technology
Understand the history, theory, philosophy and methodologies of the field of information sciences
Understand fundamental mathematical and programming tools for solving problems of information modeling, expression, and transformation

Common Career Titles

Content strategist
Data analyst
Database manager
Information governance analyst
Information technology analyst
Market research analyst
Product manager
Technology support specialist
User experience designer
Web content analyst

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Data Science Club
- Sports Analytics Society
- Design Innovation Illinois
- Association of Data Science and Analytics

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:

Computer Science & Advertising

Major Description

Facing the increasing dominance of technology companies such as Facebook and Google in advertising, the CS+ADV degree is aimed at preparing students for a career in the new digital advertising ecosystem. In this new ecosystem, successful careers not only involve understanding and applying concepts in Computer science (e.g. “big data”; “automation”, “real-time systems”) to different aspects of Advertising but also infusing a strategic and creative thinking in the design and creation of new technologies. Students in CS+ADV will graduate with a thorough understanding of the CS core and a new advertising curriculum adapted to the emerging digital advertising space. Armed with this interdisciplinary learning experience, graduates of the CS+ADV program will be attractive to large advertising agencies, leading brands, and digital media and technology companies.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2
CS 173 – Discrete Structures
CS 225 – Data Structures
MATH 220/221- Calculus/Calculus I
ADV 150 – Introduction to Advertising

Possible Career Opportunities

Common Career Skills

Analytical Skills
Data Analysis
Teamwork
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Communication Skills

See more on the Media Career Resources website.

Common Career Titles

Computer Programmer
Data analyst
Marketing Coordinator
Media Buyer
Public Relations Director
Software Engineer
Web designer

See more information in our Illini Success Report.

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- American Advertising Federation at Illinois: offers professional development opportunities in advertising through a nationally accredited organization
- Women in Computer Science: Women in Computer Science is a non-profit, educational, service organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of young women who are considering pursuit of a career in computer science or show an overall interest in computers.

Computer Science & Music

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science option in Computer Science and Music (CS+Music) is a program for undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in music technology, as well as students that want to push the state-of-the-art in music composition and explore new avenues of expression.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 124 – Intro to Computer Science 1
CS 128 – Intro to Computer Science 2
MUS 101 – Music Theory and Practice I
MUS 107 – Musicianship I
MUS 110 – Introduction to Art Music: International Perspective

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

Possible Career Opportunities

This degree will prepare students for advanced study at the graduate level for many existing programs on music and audio technology, as well as equip them with the proper skills to successfully join and lead a vibrant workforce community centered around the creation and distribution of entertainment media through constantly evolving technological platforms.

Common Career Skills

Ability to keep audience’s interests
Ability to read and write music
Ability to use various sound equipment
Adaptability and flexibility
Basic reading, writing, editing skills
Communication skills
Creativity
Entertaining skills
Good stage presence
Humbleness
Observation skills
Performance techniques
Physical stamina
Self-discipline
Singing/instrumental talents
Teaching abilities
Versatility

Common Career Titles

Architectural Acoustic Monitor
Artist & Repertoire (A&R)
Church Music Director
Community Development
Composer/Arranger
Conductor
Copyright Specialist
Disc Jockey
Engineer/Mixer
Instrument Service Specialist
Film Music Editor
Music Software Programmer
Music Store Manager
Music Stringer
Music Teacher
Music Therapist
Manufacturers Representative
Music Attorney
Music Copyist
Music Critic
Music Promoter
Music Reporter
Musician
Orchestra Librarian
Piano Tuner
Publicist
Recording Technician
Singer
Studio Musician
Synthesizer Specialist
Tour Manager
Voice Teacher

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illinois Student Association of Music Scholars (ISAMS): enhance the academic experience, scholarship and community of students in musicology (historical and ethnographic) and related fields of music scholarship, including music theory, music education, and composition through fostering community interaction and dialogue, providing scholarly support and critical dialogue, offering professional development and organizational support.
- iRobotics: focuses on competing in CARD and other robotics competitions, as well as spreading the word of science and technology to the community.
- Women in Computer Science: offers a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Computer Science and Music. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of Computer Science and Music. These organizations include Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, Association for Computing Machinery, Association for Women in Computing, IEEE Computer Society, American Federation of Musicians and The American Musical Instruments Society.

Physics

Major Description

In this major, you will study, measure, and manipulate the fundamental interactions of matter, energy, space, and time. This branch of science forms the foundation of all natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Students in this major will gain a deep conceptual and mathematical understanding of the world around us through their coursework and hands-on learning opportunities. This program will give you the tools to quantitatively break down complex problems to solve scientific mysteries and reveal the inner workings of nature. This program provides a solid training in physics, but also allows space for electives, thereby providing students more flexibility to take more advanced Physics coursework or pursue other interests. Our Physics program will give you the keys to a wide range of challenging and fulfilling careers, whether you plan on entering a graduate or a professional school, or joining the private-sector workforce after graduation. There is also the option for those in Physics to earn a Secondary Education minor and obtain certification to teach Physics in high schools.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

MATH 221—Calculus I
MATH 231—Calculus II
PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

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

Possible Career Opportunities

There are a variety of career options for majors in Physics in the following areas: Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Government and Private-Sector Research, Medicine, Physics, Software, Teaching, and Technology Development.

Common Career Skills

Analytical skills
Communication
Design and conduct experiments
Knowledge of math, science, and engineering
Logic and reasoning skills
Teamwork

Common Career Titles

Acoustical Physicist
Application Engineer
Astrophysicist
Biophysicist
Engineer
Environmental Specialist
Fiber Optic Engineer
Fluid Physicist
Geophysicist Health
Physicist
Lab Technician
Materials Scientist
Medical Physicist
Project Engineer
Quality Engineer
Research Assistant
Research Physicist
Systems Engineer
Technical Analyst
Technical Consultant

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center and Engineering Career Services
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Society for Women in Physics: promotes networking and support for women in physics.
- Society of Physics Students: Illinois Chapter of the national organization whose members share an interest in physics.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Physics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Physics. These organizations include American Institute of Physics and American Physical Society.

Computer Science + Education: Learning Sciences

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science+ Education with a concentration in Secondary Education is the only program of its kind in the state of Illinois. This program is sponsored by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, providing computer science and education curricula.

More About CS + Education

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentration

The Learning Sciences concentration focuses on how technology can be designed and developed to further education. Social media, virtual and augmented reality, data analytics, mobile and wearable devices have created an opportunity to transform teaching and learning in both formal
and informal contexts.

Courses That Introduce the Major

CI 210 – Introduction to Digital Learning Environments
CS 124 – Intro to Computer Science I
CS 128 – Intro to Computer Science II
EPOL 201 – Foundations of Education; or
EPOL 202 – Foundations of Education-ACP

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

Possible Career Opportunities

The CS+ Education program prepares future educators, researchers, leaders, and passionate advocates. Graduates will be prepared for careers in a range of settings, including K-12 education, higher education, technology and software companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

Common Career Skills

Communication
Technology Skills
Analytical Skills
Equity & Inclusion
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork & Collaboration
Organization
Professionalism
Initiative
Leadership

Common Career Titles

Game Designer
Simulation Designer
Software Developer
Web Developer
Curriculum Developer
User Interface and Experience Designer
Mobile Application Developer
Educational Technology Engineer
Educational Technology Consultant
Technology Specialist
Data Analyst
Instructional Designer
Data Scientist

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Association for Computing Machinery: The university’s largest computer science organization, with
  diverse interests and a strong student and alumni network.
- Project Code: A project-centered organization of like-minded peers that explores areas of
  computer science, such as app/web development, machine learning, game development, and
  more.
- Epsilon Delta: A professional teaching fraternity for undergraduate students who are preparing for
  careers in education.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Computer Science and Education. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of computer science and education. These organizations include Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, and National Education Association.

Supply Chain Management

Major Description

Supply Chain Management studies the movement of materials from their procurement as raw material, parts, or components through the manufacturing or processing sector to the marketing and distribution of end products for industrial or commercial users. It spans processes such as procurement, purchasing, plant and transportation logistics, demand fulfillment, and promotion management. For most manufacturing, distribution and retail companies, supply chains constitute a significant amount of their annual spending – large corporations may have billions of dollars of annual supply chain related costs. Managing this supply chain effectively is vital to compete in a global and hyper-competitive environment.

More About Supply Chain Management

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 310- Management and Organizational Behavior
BADM 320- Principles of Marketing

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

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates with a supply chain management background can find employment in a wide range of occupational specialties including logistics, facility management, transportation management, traffic management, operations and production, and purchasing, to name but a few. Salaries for recent graduates in supply chain programs, according to several surveys, rank near the top among the various business majors.

Common Career Skills

Negotiations
Team building
Relationship management
Strategic Planning
Cost/price Analysis

Common Career Titles

Logistics Analyst
Materials Management
Production Planner
Purchasing Specialist
Quality Management Specialist
Vendor Relations Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- OTCR Consulting: Works with clients ranging in size from startups to Fortune 500 corporations with service offerings that span Business Strategy, Technology Strategy, and Technology Implementation.
- Phi Beta Lambda: Provides members with leadership skills and professionalism in preparation for the business world.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Supply Chain Management. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Supply Chain Management. These organizations include American Management Association and Institute for Supply Management.

Operations Management

Major Description

Operations Management centers on integration of technology, people, and operating procedures to execute ongoing organizational tasks. It focuses on analyses, design, and management of processes so the service or product is produced faster, at less cost, and with higher quality. Understanding and improving decision-making is emphasized, along with becoming more productive in work and life, and practicing fact-based management.

More About Operations Management

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 275- Fundamentals of Operations Management

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

Possible Career Opportunities

There are a number of options available to students who major in Business Process Management.

Common Career Skills

Understanding of computer and other technologies
Quantitative reasoning skills
Teamwork
Communication skills
Understanding of business systems

Common Career Titles

Consultant
Human Resource Manager
Marketing
Project Manager
Quality Manager Specialist
Strategy Consultant
Supply Chain Analyst

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- OTCR Consulting: Works with clients ranging in size from startups to Fortune 500 corporations with service offerings that span Business Strategy, Technology Strategy, and Technology Implementation.
- Phi Beta Lambda business society: Provides members with leadership skills and professionalism in preparation for the business world.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Business Process Management professionals. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of BPM. These organizations include American Management Association and BPM Institute.

Marketing

Major Description

Marketing encompasses business activities directly related to the process of placing meaningful assortments of goods and services in the hands of the consumer. It is concerned with the efficient performance of marketing activities and their effective coordination with other operations of the firm. Initially, students graduating with this concentration are qualified for entry-level positions in marketing, sales, and marketing research. They may be selling consumer goods to retailers and wholesale industrial goods to manufacturing or services to consumer and business users.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 320- Principles of Marketing

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

Possible Career Opportunities

Marketing majors start in entry-level positions in marketing, sales, market research, and more.

Common Career Skills

Ability to work well with people of differing personalities and background
Ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments
Ability to persuade and influence others
Possess a good understanding of vocabulary and have effective communications skills
Good knowledge of marketing techniques and consumer products and needs
Ability to solve problems
Physical stamina and emotional well-being
Aptitude for selling

Common Career Titles

Account Representative
Advertising Executive
Art Director
Bank Officer
Buyer
Claims Adjuster or Examiner
Consumer Loan Officer
Credit Manager
Credit or Loan Administrator
Customer Service Manager
Distribution Manager
Financial Planner
International Marketer
Investment Manager
Lobbyist
Marketing Director
Marketing Planner
Marketing Researcher
Packaging Specialist
Product Manager
Promotions Director
Product Analyst
Public Relations Manager
Purchasing Agent
Media Planner
Merchandising Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Representative
Specialty Advertising
Wholesale Salesperson

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- American Marketing Association: Provides business students with the opportunity to take part in marketing activities and listen to professional speakers.
- Krannert Center Student Association: Promotes and celebrates the arts by providing volunteer opportunities and activities that unite those who appreciate the arts throughout the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the University of Illinois, and larger communities.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Marketing. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Marketing. Check out the American Marketing Association and The American Advertising Federation.

Information Systems

Major Description

Information Systems provides students the skills necessary to understand and manage information, information technology development, systems analysis, e-business management, and electronic commerce. Information Systems (IS) professionals are interested in the application of information technology to business activities. They are concerned with the design and implementation of information systems to support the information processing needs of an organization.

More About IS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 350- IT for Networked Organizations

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

Possible Career Opportunities

Majors in Information Systems’ ability to understand both technical and business concepts will make graduates an ideal project manager, consultant, or systems analyst.

Common Career Skills

Math & Science skills
Research
Design systems
Oral & Written communication skills
Understanding of computer programs
Active listening skills
Critical thinking
Investigating data to solve problems
Ability to prepare technical reports
Work independently and on a team

Common Career Titles

Data Communications Analyst
Consultant
End-User Computing Manager
Inventory Manager
Product Development Manager
Quality Assurance Analyst
Medical Systems Designer
Applications Programmer
Operating Systems Programmer
Software Tester
Web Master
Telecommunications Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Association for Information Systems: Progresses knowledge in the use of IT to improve organizational performance and individual quality of work life.
- Business Leaders of Today: Prepares members for professional life after college within their careers and how to effectively be a leader.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Information Systems. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of IS. These organizations include Association for Information Systems and Association of Information Technology Professionals.

Finance

Major Description

The field of Finance is primarily concerned with the acquisition and management of funds by business firms, governments, and individuals. A business seeks financial advice when considering the purchase of new equipment, the expansion of present facilities, or the raising of additional funds. Determining the value of financial and real assets and derivatives is a key activity in Finance. Finance is designed to provide students with both the theoretical background and the analytical tools required to make effective judgments in these situations.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FIN 221- Corporate Finance

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

Possible Career Opportunities

As the study of finance is designed to provide the student with both the theoretical background and the analytic tools required to make effective judgments in finance, many students select careers in business financial management, commercial and investment banking, investments, government finance, insurance, and real estate.

Common Career Skills

Active listening
Writing & Speaking skills
Critical thinking
Computer skills
Mathematics
Prepare/organize records
Plan & Administer budgets

Common Career Titles

Account Executive
Account/Branch Manager
Analyst
Consultant
Credit Advisor
Employee Benefits
Financial Auditor
Financial Planner
Inventory Control Specialist
Manager
Researcher
Sales
Stockbroker

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- ASCEND Student Chapter: Promotes the development of leadership skills in Asian and Pacific Islander students interested in pursing a career in accounting, finance and other business related professions.
- Personal Finance Club: Works together as an organization to achieve an elevated level of professionalism.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Finance. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Finance. These organizations include American Finance Association and Financial Management Association.