Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Business + Data Science

Major Description

The Department of Business Administration sponsors this major in collaboration with the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, iSchool, and Mathematics. The Business + Data Science Major is designed for students seeking to supplement their Business Specializations foundations with a strong background in data science. This major prepares students for professional and graduate work while involving a particular distinction for analytics.
 

Courses That Introduce the Major:

 

  • CS 107, IS 107 or STAT 107- Data Science Discovery
  • BADM 350- IT for Networked Organizations
  • BADM 310- Mgmt and Organizational Behavior 
  • 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:

The Business + Data Science Major will develop abilities to understand technical and business concepts, making graduates ideal Project Managers, Consultants, or Systems Analysts.
 

No
  • • Data Communications Analyst
    • Consultant
    • End-User Computing Manager
    • Inventory Manager
    • Product Development Manager
    • Quality Assurance Analyst
    • Medical Systems Designer
    • Applications Programmer
    • Operating Systems Programmer
    • Telecommunications Manager
    • Administrative Services Manager
    • Business Credit or Loan Administrator
    • Compensation or Benefits Administrator
    • Consultant, Management or Organizational
    • Contract Administrator
    • Database Administrator
    • Entrepreneur
    • Facilities Manager
    • Hospital or HMO Administrator
    • Human Resource Manager
    • Insurance Agent or Broker
    • Job Analyst
    • Management Accountant
    • Manager Trainee
    • Organizational Development Specialist
    • Plant Manager
    • Production Manager
    • Property Manager
    • Purchasing Agent
    • Consultant
    • Human Resource Manager
    • Project Manager
    • Quality Manager Specialist
    • Strategy Consultant
    • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

  • Research
  • Design systems
  • Understanding of computer programs
  • Critical thinking
  • Investigating data to solve problems
  • Ability to prepare technical reports
  • Work independently and on a team
  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving
  • Sound decision-making
  • Critical thinking
  • Numerical computation
  • Organizing activities
  • Computer literacy
  • Planning activities
  •  Flexibility
  • Team player
  • Coordinating activities
  • Directing activities and staff
  • Cross-cultural skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Analyze and interpret data
  • Quantitative reasoning skills
  • Teamwork
  • Communication skills
  • Understanding of business systems
Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
  • 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.
  • Society for Business and Management in Architecture: Informs and educates architecture students about the large array of opportunities available to members in firm management, real estate, construction management, development, and law.
  • Construction Management Association of America: Encourage the development of a professional consciousness among construction engineering and management students.
  • 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.
  • Illinois Data Science Club: students explore data-oriented careers through special projects. It offers a speaker series about cutting-edge research in data science and networking events with top data science companies.
Further Information:

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

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Management Specialization. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of Management. These organizations include the American Management Association and the Society for Human Resource Management.

There are several professional organizations dedicated to the Operations Management (OM) Specialization. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of OM These organizations include the American Management Association and the BPM Institute.

 

The Business + Data Science Major is among the three newest Gies College majors. The Business + Data Science Major was introduced to campus in August 2023.