BSIS students-degree page-2024

BS in Information Sciences

Become an information specialist

If you are interested in learning how to use information and technology to help people reach their goals, our bachelor's degree in information sciences (BSIS) is right for you!

In today’s tech-centered job market, there is a high demand for information professionals. Our BS in information sciences (BSIS) will provide a competitive edge by teaching you how to:

  • Design information systems and services
  • Organize, manage, and evaluate information for diverse users
  • Interpret and use data for real-world application and collaboration

You’ll become a specialist in the information sciences who understands the human perspective, social context, and policy implications of information in society. You’ll take courses in programming, database concepts, and research methods while also learning about broader social issues, such as information equity and ethics.

The iSchool is a leader in higher education, ranked #1 among professional schools of library and information studies by U.S. News & World Report.

Take the next step

Prospective students (first-year students and transfer students from another institution) and current University of Illinois students looking to change majors are invited to learn more about the BSIS program and attend a virtual information session.

Khushi Jain

My dream is to create a nonprofit educational organization that leverages special online tools for teaching students diverse styles of music. Our world revolves around data, and I believe that learning how to efficiently collect, manipulate, store, retrieve, and protect it will better prepare me for the IT industry. I was also attracted to the human aspect/social perspective that the iSchool integrates into the curriculum.

Khushi Jain, Current student

Help others

Our degree is different from computer science because it emphasizes working with people who use the systems, technology, and tools you will create. As an iSchool student, you’ll focus on how individuals relate to information and how information is used in society.

The iSchool has established designated pathways to help guide you through your studies. BSIS students may take electives within a pathway or across multiple pathways.

  • Information & Culture
  • Data & Society
  • Data Analytics/Data Science
  • Human Computer Interaction (HCI)/User Experience (UX)
  • Narrative Design & Game Studies
  • Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums
Elysia Woodward

I am now leading teams in conducting research for new technologies that can be incremental to the development of the company. It seems small in scope, but knowing how large of an impact these technological developments can have on this growing company is crazy to think about!

Elysia Woodward (BSIS '23), Associate in the Early Career Digital Leadership Program at United Airlines

Careers

Our interdisciplinary, STEM-designated degree will prepare you to manage data and other types of information to help organizations achieve their goals. Examples of career paths include the following:

  • Computer Network Architect
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Content Strategist
  • Data Analyst
  • Data/Information Governance Analyst
  • Data Management Analyst
  • Database Manager/Administrator
  • Digital Consultant
  • Information Security Analyst
  • IT Analyst/Systems Analyst
  • IT Manager/CIS Manager
  • IT Support/Technology Support Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Product Manager
  • UX Designer
  • UX Researcher
  • Web Developer

You will have the flexibility to apply your skills in a variety of fields, such as education, health care, business and finance, arts and communications, and government.

Gradutes outside Foellinger Auditorium

The IS program is the most balanced program I have been able to find at UIUC that enables students to become socially, ethically, and technically skilled in our modern-day systems and technologies.

Bastian Sanchez (BSIS '21), SaaS Technical Support Engineer at Legwork

Celebrating academic achievement

The Dean's List is prepared each semester to honor all full-time students whose grade-point average (GPA) for that semester ranks in the upper 20 percent of their college. Congratulations to BSIS students who made the list!