Explore information systems and computational methods that are being used to transform data and information into knowledge.

About the Major

A B.S. degree in Information Science will give you the mathematical and computational foundation to analyze and extend the digital world. The B.S. is more technical than our B.A. in Information Science & Arts, including higher math requirements and specialized courses.

Hands-on learning: Participate in internships and develop valuable contacts with local and national companies, such as Hydrant, Octavia Digital Media, and the Enterprise Technology division of State Farm

Areas of Study

In Information Science, you'll learn key introductory skills in data science and programming foundations. You'll also study information beyond data, studying the ethics of information use, as well how to apply skills to cutting-edge real-world problems. Ultimately, Information Science students study the intersections between information, people, and technology.

You will choose between two emphasis areas:

Data Science

With this emphasis, students  will build beyond their core classes to develop more advanced skills in data science and the crucial ways that data science can be used in the real world, including: applied classes such as Data Mining, Principles and Practices of Data Science; uses for Big Data, such as Data Engineering and Database Development; Applied Cyber Infrastructure concepts, as well as applications to Machine Learning and Algorithm Development. While still earning an Information Science degree, in the Data Science emphasis, students will graduate with key technical skills in applied data science.

Interactive and Immersive Technologies

This emphasis focuses on designing information delivery systems (websites, games, user experiences). Students study the ways data and information can be presented and visualized, which can include our coursework in Virtual Reality, Web Design and Development, and  Human Computer Interaction. While students in this sub plan will have the core programming and data science skills from the ISTA core curriculum, their emphasis coursework will focus less on data science and analysis and more on how to convey information to users with established and emerging technologies.

See degree requirements

Required Minor

You are required to have a minor or second major. Common minors to pair with this degree include computer science, math, and business administration.

Career Pathways

Our graduates are highly sought after for careers such as:

• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Data engineer
• Computer systems analyst
• Information security manager
• Information architect
• Internet applications programmer
• Web designer and administrator
• User experience (UX) designer
• System Developer