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

Information Sciences + Data Science

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.

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Degree Requirements
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ICT Requirements
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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.

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