2026-2027 Course Catalog
Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/ischool/information-sciences-data-science-bs/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
The Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences prepares students for a wide range of careers within the knowledge economy. In today’s technology-centered job market, there is a high demand for information professionals. By earning a B.S. in Information Sciences (BS/IS) from the School of Information Sciences (iSchool), you will gain a competitive edge. Our interdisciplinary, STEM-designated degree will prepare students for careers in a variety of fields. As a BS/IS student, you’ll learn how to manage data and other types of information to help organizations achieve their goals. You will become an information technology expert who understands the human perspective, social context, and policy implications.
Information Sciences + Data Science B.S. Degree website
Departmental Distinction: The top 10% of the graduating class will graduate with distinction.
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements.
Data Science Core
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Total Hours | | 28-31 | | | | | | Mathematical Foundations | | 7-8 | | MATH 220 | Calculus | 4-5 | | or MATH 221 | Calculus I | | | or MATH 234 | Calculus for Business I | | | MATH 227 | Linear Algebra for Data Science | 3 | | or MATH 257 | Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | | | Data Science Fundamentals | | 12 | | STAT/CS/IS 107 | Data Science Discovery | 4 | | STAT 207 | Data Science Exploration | 4 | | CS 307 | Modeling and Learning in Data Science | 4 | | Computational Fundamentals | | 4 | | CS 277 | Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science | 4 | | Social Impact in Data Science | | 6 | | IS 467 | Ethics and Policy for Data Science | 3 | | IS 477 | Data Management, Curation & Reproducibility | 3 |
Information Sciences Core
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Total Hours | | 61 | | IS 101 | Introduction to Information Sciences | 3 | | IS 202 | Social Aspects Info Tech | 3 | | IS 204 | Research Design for Information Sciences | 3 | | IS 205 | Programming for Information Problems | 3 | | IS 206 | Introduction to Database Concepts & Applications | 3 | | IS 308 | Race, Gender, and Information Technology | 3 | | or IS 309 | Computers and Culture | | | or IS 310 | Computing in the Humanities | | | or IS 311 | History and Foundations of the Information Society | | | School of Information Sciences Electives or approved courses in other departments | | 43 | | Twelve hours of 300/400 level (advanced) courses in Information Sciences (IS) must be taken on this campus. | | |
Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Total Hours | | 6 | | One of the most important skills a student will gain in a IS+DS degree will be the ability to present data in meaningful ways. A research or discovery experience is as much a pillar of this degree program as both the data science core coursework (Part 1) and the coursework in Information Sciences. | | | | IS 189 | Independent Study | 0 to 3 | | Examples of possible experiences may include: | | | | A semester study-abroad with at one or more courses focused on discovery while attending the international institution. | | | | A multi-semester capstone experience within the student’s area of specialization. | | | | A semester co-op experience outside of the Champaign-Urbana area focused within the student’s area of specialization. | | | | A multi-semester undergraduate research experience under the direction of iSchool faculty. | | | | A summer REU program focused within your area of specialization. | | |
Summary of Total Hours
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Total General Education Hours | | 25 | | Total Data Science Core Hours | | 28 | | Total Information Science Specialization Hours | | 61 | | Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience | | 6 | | Total Hours | | 120 |
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
Sample Sequence\ This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| IS 101 | 3 |
| MATH 220, 221, or 234 | 5 |
| Composition I or Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 |
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| IS 202 | 3 |
| IS 107 | 4 |
| IS 1XX-2XX Level Elective | 3 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) or Composition I | 4 |
| Free Elective course | 1 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| IS 204 | 3 |
| IS 1XX-2XX Level Elective | 3 |
| STAT 207 | 4 |
| Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience | 1 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 1 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| IS 206 | 3 |
| MATH 227 or 257 | 3 |
| IS 1XX-2XX Level Elective | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| IS 205 | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| IS 308, 309, 310, or 311 | 3 |
| IS 1XX-2XX Level Elective | 3 |
| IS 3XX-4XX Level Elective | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience | 1 |
| Free Elective course | 2 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| IS 467 | 3 |
| CS 277 | 4 |
| IS 3XX-4XX Level Elective | 3 |
| Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience | 1 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 14 | |
| Total Hours 14 |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| CS 307 | 4 |
| IS 3XX-4XX Level Elective | 3 |
| Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| IS 477 | 3 |
| IS 3XX-4XX Level Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 |
Total Hours: 120
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science program will be able to:
- Understand relationships among people, information, and technology.
- Understand the history, theory, philosophy and methodologies of the field of information sciences.
- 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 fundamental mathematical and programming tools for solving problems of information modeling, expression, and transformation.
- Understand the data life cycle and be able to analyze, interpret, explain, qualify, and contextualize data at scale.
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences + Data Science
School of Information Sciences\ Interim Dean: Emily Knox\ School of Information Sciences website\ iSchool Faculty\ 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211\ (217) 244-3432, (800) 982-0914 (within the US)\ ischool email