Information Science with a concentration in Data Science, BS

The Bachelor of Science with a major in information science equips graduates with the knowledge, skills and abilities to work in work in a variety of current and emerging areas in the information field. Information science focuses on the intersection of people, information and technology. Students gain a foundation in the discipline and professional practice through a set of core courses, a selection of specializations and through multiple experiential learning experiences.

The Bachelor of Science with a major in information is recognized as a STEM undergraduate degree. It is a professional degree designed to prepare the student for a career and/or further studies in the practice and the discipline at the intersection of people, information and technology.

Program Goals

Program goals for the Bachelor of Science in information science:

To prepare learners with the knowledge, skills and abilities to construct and deliver solutions, services and processes at the intersection of people, information and technology.
To develop in learners their capabilities to analyze, design, implement, evaluate, manage and lead to address and meet social, organizational and individual information needs.
To provide learners with rigorous courses, experiential learning and real-world opportunities leading to successful and worthwhile careers in the information field.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes for the Bachelor of Science in information science indicate specific, demonstrable (measurable) and learner-centered statements of the knowledge and skills graduates of the program will be able to demonstrate:

Collect, analyze and interpret data to identify and understand people’s information needs and behaviors.
Design, implement and evaluate user-centered technical systems and applications to meet people’s information needs and behaviors.
Use and/or construct processes and procedures to solve problems related to organizing, managing and preserving data, information and knowledge for diverse user groups.
Discuss and explain professional, social, policy, ethical, legal and security issues and responsibilities of information professionals and researchers.
Employ and practice excellent written and spoken communication and effective interpersonal skills whether working in teams or as an individual.
Recognize that you are responsible for your learning and demonstrate abilities to be an independent and life-long learner.

Degree requirements

Students must be admitted to the university prior to being accepted in the information science program. Students must meet all general requirements for admission to undergraduate study as stated in the Admission section of this catalog. To enroll for more than 6 hours of courses in the Department of Information Science , students must have the following:

At least sophomore standing.
At least junior standing is required to enroll for more than 12 hours in the department.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 120 semester hours, 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in General degree requirements and the requirements of this catalog: University Core Curriculum in the Academics section of this catalog.

Bachelor of Science degree requirements

Information science majors must complete 33 credit hours of coursework in the following categories:

Five required core courses totaling 15 credit hours; these required courses cover the following main topics:
- Introduction to information, information science and information technologies
- Information organization and management
- Information users and their needs
- Data modeling and database design
- Professional preparation and career development
A required concentration comprising 6 required courses totaling 18 credit hours; current concentrations are:
A capstone experience in the form of a 3 credit hour course as one of the six required courses for each concentration.

Concentration in data science

Cross-functional

Cross-functional electives comprising 45 credit hours, with at least 9 credit hours at the upper level (courses numbered 3000 and above). Cross-functional elective are determined in consultation with the academic advisor.

Students should work closely with the director of the BS-IS program and the college advising office when choosing cross functional electives. The program recommends specific elective courses to enhance students’ preparation for professional information work. These electives fulfill total number of hours required for degree and to meet advanced hour requirement.

Other requirements

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 across all information science major courses taken.