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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degrees & Programs
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Coursework

The BSIS+DS requires a total of 123 course credit hours:

  • General Education courses
  • Data Science (DS) Core courses
  • Information Sciences (IS) Core courses and IS electives
  • Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience courses

DS Core

The DS Core includes cross-college courses in mathematical foundations, data science fundamentals, computational fundamentals, and social impact in data science.

  • Mathematical Foundations
    • MATH 220: Calculus (MATH 221: Calculus I or MATH 234: Calculus for Business I may be used as alternatives.)
    • MATH 227: Linear Algebra for Data Science (MATH 257 Linear Algebra with Computational Applications may be used as an alternative.)
  • Data Science Foundations
    • STAT/IS/CS 107: Data Science Discovery
    • STAT 207: Data Science Exploration
    • CS 307: Modeling and Learning in Data Science
  • Computational Fundamentals
    • CS 277: Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science
  • Social Impact in Data Science
    • IS 467: Ethics and Policy for Data Science
    • IS 477: Data Management, Curation, and Reproducibility

IS Core

  • IS 100: Introduction to the iSchool: 
  • IS 101: Introduction to Information Sciences
  • IS 202: Social Aspects of Information Technology
  • IS 204: Research Design for Information Sciences
  • IS 206: Introduction to Database Concepts and Applications
  • Information Sciences and Culture: IS 308, 309, 310 or 311

Meaningful Research or Discovery Experience courses

One of the most important skills a student will gain in an 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.
6 Hours Required. Select from:

  • Professional Skills in Information Science: IS 200
  • Professional Skills in Information Science (credit only given for the PSU section): IS 490PSU
  • Independent Study: IS 189, IS 389, INFO 199, or INFO 299
  • Information Sciences Practicum: IS 249
  • Advanced Research Design: IS 304
  • Colloquium: IS 400
  • Study Abroad Experience with one or more courses focused on discovery (work with advisor for approval)
  • Students may complete a “Special Request Petition” to use another relevant course/independent study (work with advisor for approval)

Eligibility for BSIS+DS

Current Illinois students may apply for the BSIS+DS degree during the application periods.

  • Minimum Academic Requirements (Required - no exceptions)
    • MATH 220/221/234 Complete with a B+ or higher
    • STAT/IC/CS 107 Complete with a B+ or higher
    • At least one IS Core course (IS 101, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) Complete with a B+ or higher
    • Minimum Illinois/Overall 3.67 GPA
    • Minimum DS+IS Major 3.67 GPA (includes all courses included in the DS+IS curriculum, and all IS/INFO courses)
  • Application