School of Information Studies

Jeff Rubin, Interim Dean
ischool.syr.edu

About the School

The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) is a leader in the information field, advancing innovation in the digital age through our work at the intersection of business, technology, and society.

The iSchool became the original information school in the U.S. when it embraced information technology and the rise of the internet. Today, we offer an innovative curriculum that is continually updated to meet future industry trends and incorporate rapidly changing technologies.

Our faculty combine expertise in information systems, linguistics, computer science, library science, economics, education, business management, school media, digital literacy, management information systems, data science, enterprise and cloud computing, and communication. An active research community explores topics that reflect the faculty’s diverse intellectual backgrounds and interests.

Accreditation

Syracuse University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and all programs are registered with the New York State Education Department. The MSCHE is a voluntary, non-governmental membership association that has been dedicated to quality assurance and improvement through accreditation via peer evaluation since 1919.

Vision and Values

The School of Information Studies, established in 1896 and renamed from the Original Information School in 1974, has a long tradition of leading innovation and change. Our ideals and values are the foundation for our success.

Undergraduate Education

Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) students are innovative problem-solvers who are studying at the intersection of technology, business, and society. They explore topics like data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, machine learning and AI, social media and misinformation.

Our flexible curriculum allows students to pursue a broad array of intellectual areas while providing a core knowledge of the technical, organizational, and communication skills necessary to succeed in our digital economy.

We offer dual degree programs with Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Students from other schools and colleges at SU can enroll as a double major in the iSchool in one of the iSchool’s three minors.

Student Learning Outcomes

In the course of earning their degree, students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

Identify and analyze the use of information, technologies, and data to solve problems in various contexts in the age of digital transformation
Present ideas through oral and written communication using data and information technologies
Identify and propose solutions to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the ethical use of data and information technologies
Compare the use of information technologies and data in a global context in the age of digital transformation

iSchool Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

The B.S. degree in Applied Data Science, Information Management and Technology, or Innovation, Society, and Technology requires 120 credits, distributed as indicated below.

I. iSchool Major (30-31 credits)

Students are required to complete a primary core for each major as a requirement for graduation. See individual program pages for detailed core requirements.

II. iSchool Concentrations and Electives (15 credits)

Students must complete five additional courses to fulfill their elective requirement.

Students are required to complete one iSchool concentrations as a requirement with a minimum of three courses in that concentration for graduation in the B.S. degree in Applied Data Science, Information Management and Technology or Innovation, Society, and Technology.

Applications of AI Concentration

Required

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 320	AI & Humanity: Charting Possible Futures	3

Concentration Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 314	Exploring AI: Tools and Implications
IST 341	Human-Centered Design
IST 364	Introduction to Natural Language Processing
IST 375	Dynamics of Human AI Interaction
IST 388	Building Human Centered AI Applications
IST 438	Cultural History of AI

Cybersecurity Studies Concentration

Required

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 323	Introduction to Cybersecurity	3

Concentration Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 336	Leading Issues in Cybersecurity	3
IST 342	Cybersecurity Policy	3
IST 402	Digital Forensics	3
IST 425	Enterprise Risk Management	3
IST 431	Security in a Networked Environment	3
IST 476	Applied Information Security	3

Data Science Concentration

Required

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 359	Introduction to Database Management Systems	3
IST 387	Introduction to Applied Data Science	3

Concentration Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 364	Introduction to Natural Language Processing	3
IST 407	Machine Learning	3
IST 414	Data-Driven Inquiry	3
IST 418	Big Data Analytics	3
IST 421	Data Visualization	3
IST 469	Advanced Big Data Management	3

Innovation, Design & Startups Concentration

Required:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IDS 301	What's the Big Idea?: Technology Innovation	3
IDS 302	Idea2Startup	3
IDS 403	iLaunchPad	1-6

Network and Cloud Computing Concentration

Required

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 233	Introduction to Networks and Cloud Computing	3

Concentration Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 346	Information Technology Management and Administration	3
IST 408	Blockchain Management	3
IST 431	Security in a Networked Environment	3
IST 452	Advanced Computer Networking	3

Project Management Concentration

Required

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 345	Project Management for Information Systems	3

Concentration Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 352	Information Analysis of Organizational Systems	3
IST 425	Enterprise Risk Management	3
IST 442	Agile Project Management Methodologies	3
IST 456	Information Policies and Decision Making	3

Web Design & Management Concentration

Required

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 263	Introduction to Web Development	3

Concentration Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
IST 341	Human-Centered Design	3
IST 349	Human Computer Interaction	3
IST 353	Graphic Design for the Web	3
IST 363	Advanced Web Development	3
IST 486	Social Media in the Organization	3
IST 487	The Impact & Analytics of Social Media Network Influence	3

University-wide Requirements

The iSchool participates in students’ knowledge and skill development through the Shared Competencies, Syracuse University’s institutional learning goals that highlight the knowledge and skills students can expect to gain through their major courses, liberal arts requirements and co-curricular activities.

All incoming and transfer students are required to take a 1-credit FYS 101 First Year Seminar course, and a 3-credit IDEA course that can be selected from an approved list .

IST courses appearing on the approved IDEA course requirement list may be taken to fulfill both requirements.

III. Skills Electives (15-17 credits)

Communication Skills (9 credits)

Students are required to take one course from each of the three categories below:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
WRT 105	Studio 1: Practices of Academic Writing	3
or WRT 109	Studio 1: Practices of Academic Writing (Honors)
WRT 205	Studio 2: Critical Research and Writing	3
or WRT 209	Studio 2: Critical Research and Writing (Honors)
WRT 303	Advanced Writing Studio: Research and Writing	3
or WRT 307	Advanced Writing Studio: Professional Writing

C. Quantitative Skills (6-8 credits)

Students are required to attain minimum competence in mathematics by completing the quantitative skills requirement of the Liberal Art Core curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences.

All IMT and IST majors are required to attain minimum competence in mathematics. Students may satisfy this requirement by completing the quantitative skills requirement of the Liberal Arts Core curriculum
of the College of Arts and Sciences.

All ADA majors are required to attain minimum competence in mathematics. Students should take MAT 121 Probability and Statistics for the Liberal Arts I / MAT 122 Probability and Statistics for the Liberal Arts II or MAT 221 Elementary Probability and Statistics I / MAT 222 Elementary Probability and Statistics II

IV. Arts & Sciences Divisional Requirements (12 courses; minimum 36 credits)

Students are required to take three courses in each of the three divisions of the Arts and Sciences-Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Humanities. In addition, three courses in any of the divisions must be completed to fulfill this requirement.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits of liberal arts assigned coursework. Courses from Communication Skills, Quantitative Skills and A&S Divisional Requirements will all count towards the minimum credit requirement, one additional course will be required to reach the 60 credit minimum requirement.

V. General Electives (17-24 credits)

Students need 120 credits to graduate from Syracuse University. If after meeting all program and University requirements, a student is still lacking credits to meet the 120 credits needed for graduation, the student can take any undergraduate Syracuse University course to reach the graduation credits total. Students can concentrate on a minor, a dual degree, a combined degree, an internship experience, or study abroad to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.

Courses appearing on the approved IDEA course requirement list may be taken to fulfill both requirements: General elective and IDEA.

VI. International Experience

Students will be required to complete one international experience to graduate with their iSchool undergraduate degree. Students can fulfill their international requirement in one of the following ways:

Semester abroad
University exchange
Short term abroad program
International Internship
Coursework (6 credits from approved list)
Approved international component - by petition

Programs

Major

Minor

Combined

4+1 iSchool/Newhouse Combined Degrees

Faculty

Jaime Banks, Professor, Katchmar-Wilhelm Professor
Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2013
Human-Machine Communication, Videogames and Avatars, Technology and Interactivity

Carlos E. Caicedo Bastidas, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 2009
Security, wireless networks, software development, telecommunications management

Scott A. Bernard, Professor of Practice
Ph.D., Virginia Tech., 2001
Enterprise architecture and capital planning, public and private sector chief information officers, federal policy development on information resources management

Renate Chancellor, Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Access, Ethics, and Belonging
Ph.D., University of California Los Angeles, 2008
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in library and information services, Library, and Information Science Education, Social Justice in LIS, Human Information Behavior

EunJeong Cheon, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington, 2020
Human-computer interaction, computer-supported cooperative work, human-robot interaction, design

Alex Corsello, Assistant Teaching Professor
B.S., Columbia
Business, IT Management, project management, systems analysis

Kevin Crowston, Distinguished Professor of Information Science
Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1991
Organizational implications of information technologies, computer-supported cooperative work, open source software development, virtual organizations

Chris Dunham, Assistant Teaching Professor
M.S., SUNY Buffalo, 2012
Data Science, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics

Sevgi Erdogan, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2011
Data-driven policy and decision-making, data science applications in built environment, human infrastructure, and environment interrelations, smart, sustainable, and resilient communities

Ingrid Erickson, Associate Professor
Program Director, PhD Information Science and Technology
Ph.D., Stanford University, 2009
Work and technology, organizational studies, human-centered computing

Laurie Ferger, Assistant Teaching Professor
Program Director, B.S. Applied Data Science, B.S. Information Management and Technology, B.S. Innovation, Society, and Technology
M.S., Johns Hopkins
Web design, development and programming, database management systems

Michael Fudge, Professor of Practice
M.S., Syracuse University, 2006
Database management systems, data warehousing, programming

Paul B. Gandel, Professor
Ph.D., Syracuse University, 1986
Management of information systems, library administration and services, software engineering, information policy, and visualization of information

Jeff Hemsley, Professor
Ph.D., University of Washington, 2014
Social media, viral events, data visualization

Josh Introne, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Brandeis University, 2008
Collective intelligence in new media, misinformation, data visualization

Preeti Jagadev, Assistant Teaching Professor
Ph.D., National Institute of Technology Goa
Artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, computer engineering

Kelvin King, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
Social media analytics, data science, misinformation, machine learning

Bruce R. Kingma, Professor
Ph.D., University of Rochester, 1989
Economics of information, digital library economics, cost-benefit analysis

Yiqi Li, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. University of Southern California, 2021
Computational social science, network science, online communities, risk communication

Lee W. McKnight, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989
Wireless grids, Internet economics and policy, national and international technology policy

Sebastian Modrow, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Rostock, 2014
Cultural heritage preservation, archives and special collections, history of the book

Megan Oakleaf, Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 2006
Evolution and assessment of information services; theories, methods, and assessment of user education; information services in academic libraries

Carsten S. Oesterlund, Professor, Associate Dean for Research
Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002
Distributed and virtual work, organizational learning and knowledge, IT use and organizational boundaries, document and genre analysis, computer-supported collaborative work

Joon S. Park, Professor, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor
Ph.D., George Mason University, 1999
Information and systems security; security policies, models, mechanisms, evaluation, survivability, and applications

Beth Patin, Associate Professor
Program Director, M.S. Library and Information Science, M.S. Library and Information Science: School Media, and CAS in School Library Media
Ph.D., University of Washington, 2018
Crisis informatics, cultural competence, information equity and justice

Christopher Perrello, Assistant Teaching Professor
M.S., Syracuse University, 2013
Interviewing, Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Information Reporting and Presentation, Career Development, Professional Communication, Research Methods, Instructional Teaching Methods

Jeffrey H. Rubin, Interim Dean, Professor of Practice
Senior Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Digital Officer
M.S., Syracuse University, 1997
Content/knowledge management systems, web-based management tools (including log analysis), user behavior on the Internet

Jeffrey Saltz, Associate Professor
Program Director M.S. Applied Data Science, M.S. Applied Human-Centered AI, M.S. Information Systems, and M.S. Information Systems for Executives
Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of Technology
Data science, startup ecosystems, experiential learning

Steven B. Sawyer, Professor
D.B.A., Boston University, 1995
Social informatics, design and development of information systems, information and communication technologies in organizational and social change

Carl Schramm, University Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1973
Economics, entrepreneurship

Jennifer Stromer-Galley, Professor
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 2002
Strategic communication on social media, online political participation, human-computer interaction

Zhasmina Tacheva, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Management, SUNY Buffalo 2020
Artificial Intelligence, data science, critical data studies

Bei Yu, Professor, Program Director B.S. Integrative Artificial Intelligence
Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Natural language processing, machine learning, opinion mining

Courses

Information Technology, Design and Startup

IDS 301 What's the Big Idea?: Technology Innovation (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Transform innovative ideas into market-ready ventures in this hands-on course. Students emerge equipped with practical tools to navigate the journey from concept to launch for commercial and social ventures.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking

IDS 302 Idea2Startup (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Students establish an actionable plan for the launch of their own business or social venture. Focus on establishing a well-conceived, achievable, and actionable path to market.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking

IDS 360 Information Technology Experience (1-3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IDS 660

Explore the roles that information and digital technologies play in different organizations. Learn how organizations use information technology for strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Additional work for graduates.

Repeatable 2 times for 6 credits maximum

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IDS 380 International Course (1-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.

Repeatable

IDS 400 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Repeatable 6 times for 6 credits maximum

IDS 403 iLaunchPad (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Venture incubation. Students work with mentors and coaches to develop and deploy a commercial or social venture.

Repeatable 12 times for 12 credits maximum

Prereq: IDS 302

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills

IDS 490 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Repeatable

Information Studies

IST 100 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Repeatable

IST 101 First-Year Forum (1 Credit)

Information Studies

Transition to life at the iSchool and Syracuse University, and become more familiar with the information field. Explore the range of possibilities that our undergraduate degree is designed to provide.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 180 International Course (1-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the SU academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.

Repeatable 3 times for 12 credits maximum

IST 195 Information Technologies (3 Credits)

Information Studies

State-of-the-art technologies in the field. Computer architectures, telecommunication networks, software design and application. Issues in information management and technology use.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 200 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Repeatable

IST 214 Calling Bullshit: Skepticism in a Data-Driven World (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Problematic information (i.e. bullshit (B.S.)) is everywhere: lying with data, fibbing with AI, and flat-out misinformation. Learn to detect, counter, and resist it

IST 233 Introduction to Networks and Cloud Computing (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Overview of technology, standards, implementation and management of digital computer networks. Wired and wireless local and wide area networks, Internet protocols, telecommunications, and network security. Includes weekly labs.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 256 Introduction to Python for the Information Profession (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Computational literacy and learning to code are critical skills of the 21st century. Students are introduced to Python programming language with emphasis on practical applications relevant to everyday lives and common within the information field.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 263 Introduction to Web Development (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Learn to create a website from scratch with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Topics like responding to different screen sizes, accessibility and layout will be covered. We also examine the project management side of the web with wireframes, site maps, copy documents, and more.

Shared Competencies: Communication Skills; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 280 International Course (1-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Repeatable

IST 290 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.

Repeatable

IST 300 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Repeatable

IST 305 Globalization, Information Technology, and Culture (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Explore the intersection of IT infrastructures and culture in global organizations including issues of globalization, distributed collaboration, global enterprise systems, data, business analytics and knowledge management.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 314 Exploring AI: Tools and Implications (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This course helps students gain AI literacy. This course interweaves experiences working with a variety of AI tools, from text to art and voice to video, with critical interrogation of these AI tools, inviting students to consider the implications of AI use in a variety of contexts.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 320 AI & Humanity: Charting Possible Futures (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with MAX 320, IAI 320

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Artificial Intelligence to students from different backgrounds and disciplines, including key concepts, techniques, and technical infrastructure, along with their social, environmental, economic, legal, and cultural context of emergence.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 323 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 623

Basic concepts and technologies of information security, including security properties, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security policies, access control, authentication, firewalls, wireless security, internet security protocols, real life cases, hands on labs, and other related topics. Additional work required of graduate students.

Advisory recommendation Prereq: IST 323

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking

IST 335 Introduction to Information Organizations (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Explore how teams and individuals create and utilize technology and data within modern organizations. Examine how organizational leaders navigate challenges and enact strategic change. Learn how managers design work environments to ensure worker effectiveness and well-being.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 336 Leading Issues in Cybersecurity (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 636

Today's leading issues and challenges in cybersecurity, considering global perspectives that are related to current technology trends. Students will also have research opportunities in the topic area and hands on experiences in information security. Additional work required of graduate students.

Prereq: IST 323

Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 337 iSchool Support Practicum (1-3 Credits)

Information Studies

This experiential learning course is designed to provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge of various content areas by working with a professor, assisting with course assignments, labs, and other student support elements.

Repeatable 2 times for 6 credits maximum

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 341 Human-Centered Design (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Learn core principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) design, focusing on design methods to create technology that meets real-world user needs and values. Through a hands-on team project, they gain practical experience in applying HCI design to create meaningful technology solutions.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 342 Cybersecurity Policy (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Students develop the skills necessary for understanding, improving and implementing cybersecurity policies. Learn the fundamentals of information security frameworks, awareness and training, and effective policy writing, to create successful information security policies.

Prereq: IST 323

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 343 Data in Society (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Critically examine how individuals, groups, and societies create and are created by digital data and algorithms. You will analyze the social, political, legal, and environmental impacts of data and data-driven technologies across varying contexts including social media and (generative) AI.

University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics and Integrity

IST 344 Professional Communication and Presentation (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This course teaches students to synthesize and present organized information for various audiences using text, graphics and multimedia. It emphasizes presentation skills, impactful visuals, communication strategies, and foundational training for professional delivery.

Shared Competencies: Communication Skills

IST 345 Project Management for Information Systems (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 645

Project management as a professional discipline in information and communication technology. Introduction to roles, activities, methods, and tools. Critical review and application of principles. Microsoft Project (Industry standard) will be the tool used in class. Additional work required of graduate students

Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 346 Information Technology Management and Administration (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Information technology management principles and practices. Administration of computers, operating systems, and applications. Tools and techniques for managing information technology operations. Includes hand-on labs.

Prereq: IST 233

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 349 Human Computer Interaction (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Students will learn to critically evaluate existing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and how to design ethical and equitable ICTs utilizing user-centered design perspectives and methods.

IST 350 Information Technology Management Abroad (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 650

Travel abroad as part of a guided cohort. Course explores how the use of information and digital technologies differ across various cultural, historical, and national contexts. Learn how organizations abroad create and use technology to gain strategic advantage within the competitive global marketplace. Additional work for graduates.

Repeatable 2 times for 12 credits maximum

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 352 Information Analysis of Organizational Systems (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Introduces information flow as basis of organizational work and role of information systems in managing work. Concept of systems decomposition to facilitate analysis. Skills required to decompose, model, and analyze information systems.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills

IST 353 Graphic Design for the Web (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This course introduces students to design principles and tools, covering topics such as design theory, color theory, grid systems, user experience (UX), and accessibility. Students will learn project management methods for designers, use Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and build a personal website through hands-on labs and project-based learning.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 355 Information Technology Management Abroad (0 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 655

This course is the travel portion of Global Information Technology Abroad. Students enrolled in IDS 350/IDS 650 will register for this course as a requirement to travel when the trip is scheduled.

Repeatable 2 times for 0 credits maximum

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 356 Programming Techniques for Data Analytics (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Approaches for building pipelines in data analytics using the Python programming language; data cleaning, extraction, wrangling, API¿s, web scraping. Building data products. Programming experience required.

Repeatable 2 times for 6 credits maximum

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 359 Introduction to Database Management Systems (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Learn relational database basics, including design and development. This course covers SQL for creating tables, querying data, managing metadata, and touches on advanced SQL. It also focuses on database design using ER diagrams and data normalization to optimize relational databases.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 363 Advanced Web Development (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Further your knowledge of web development with advanced JavaScript, the latest JavaScript frameworks, CSS libraries and more. Topics will include faster styling and layout techniques and projects that help you learn the tools professional web developers use

Prereq: IST263

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 364 Introduction to Natural Language Processing (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This course explores how computers understand and generate human language, tracing NLP's evolution from rule-based systems to modern large language models. Students learn key concepts including Transformers, embeddings, and model training, while examining real-world applications like chatbots and AI search, plus responsible AI practices.

Prereq: IST 256 or IST 356

IST 375 Dynamics of Human AI Interaction (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with IAI 375

Double-numbered with IST 675

Understand, analyze, and critique scientific and practical perspectives on what counts as interactivity and intelligence when AI-driven agents interact with humans

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 380 International Course (1-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Repeatable 3 times for 12 credits maximum

IST 382 Cultural Competence for Information Professionals (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This course prepares information professionals to develop cultural competencies and provide inclusive services to underrepresented populations. It relates cultural competence to meeting information needs of communities through library and information collection development, outreach, and services.

Shared Competencies: Ethics and Integrity

IST 387 Introduction to Applied Data Science (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 687

Covers concepts such as data management, transformation, analysis, and machine learning, using R. Hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving help identify when data science is useful, with emphasis on ethical applications. No programming experience required. Additional work for graduate students.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 388 Building Human Centered AI Applications (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 688

Learn to build Generative AI applications leveraging large language models. Through hands-on projects, students will use libraries and APIs to create conversational agents, Q&A bots, and goal-oriented assistants. Topics covered include prompt engineering, AI conversational memory, output evaluation, and responsible AI practices. Additional work required for graduate students.

Shared Competencies: Communication Skills; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 400 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Repeatable

IST 402 Digital Forensics (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 602

Topics include the basic concepts, ethics/codes, procedures, forensic techniques, analysis, example cases, hands-on labs, and applications to existing environments such as e-mail, social media, mobile devices, IoT, and others. Additional work required of graduate students.

Prereq: IST 195

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 407 Machine Learning (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Introduction to machine-learning techniques and their underlying algorithms. Students learn to build machine learning pipelines that transform raw data into machine learning models that yield actionable insights using real-world data. Hands on programming experience in the Python language with industry standard technologies.

Prereq: IST 356 and IST 387

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills

IST 408 Blockchain Management (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 608

Students complete distributed ledger labs before developing, implementing, and 'demo or die' sharktanking their own new blockchain project. Blockchain concepts such as decentralization, smart contracts, trust and consensus governance are discussed. Additional work for graduate students.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 414 Data-Driven Inquiry (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Theories and techniques for real-world research into human phenomena across various contexts (business, society, friendships, politics). Learn about asking good questions, matching methods with questions, designing ethical studies, and gathering and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.

Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 418 Big Data Analytics (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Learn to develop actionable insights from big data using open-source tools (Python and Spark). This course prepares students to build scalable data analytics pipelines and apply advanced machine learning techniques, culminating in a hands-on project tackling real-world challenges.

Prereq: IST 356 and IST 387

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking

IST 419 Economics of Digital Transformation (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Navigate the economics of our digital world, from network effects to platform dynamics. Explore how technology reshapes markets, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior while analyzing real-world cases from today's leading digital businesses.

Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 421 Data Visualization (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Introduction to skills and techniques related to information visualization, through various programming and illustration tools, data cleaning techniques, design concepts and ethics. Develop static data visualizations to explore and communicate findings from a variety of data sources.

Prereq: IST 256 or IST 356 or IST 359 or IST 387 or SAL 413

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 422 Acquiring, Procuring, and Financing Information Technology (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Preparing and negotiating information technology requests, cost-benefit analysis, and budget alternatives. Financing options for information processing and telecommunications projects, preparing requests for proposals or other procurement alternatives, negotiating with vendors, acquisition strategies.

IST 425 Enterprise Risk Management (3 Credits)

Information Studies

A multidisciplinary perspective of risk assessment, modeling, and management. Topics include: concepts of personal accountability versus governance and policy; how organizations define and measure risk and loss; and plan for contingencies.

Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 426 Information Justice & Community Engagement (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 626

This course will examine the interrelation of social justice and community engagement in online and naturalistic communities. Areas of emphasis will explore how gender, race, class and community location (on and off-line) affect and are affected by information. Additional work for graduate students.

University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible

Shared Competencies: Ethics and Integrity; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 429 Technology and the Future of Work (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 629

Explore the rapidly evolving landscape of work. Examine how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and extended reality are impacting industries, jobs, and the very nature of work itself. Topics include a history of work, labor organizing, work augmentation, work-life balance, and future worker skills and capabilities. Additional work required for graduate students.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking

IST 431 Security in a Networked Environment (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This course addresses key concepts, technologies, and management strategies associated with securing enterprise digital computer networks and related devices and applications. Students will gain an understanding of the major threats and vulnerabilities as well as technologies and strategies for protection.

Prereq: IST 233 and IST 323

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 438 Cultural History of AI (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with HST 438

This class will introduce students to the topic of artificial intelligence and the self through the perspective of cultural history and deepen students' understanding of technology's impact on humans and beyond.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 442 Agile Project Management Methodologies (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Practical approach to the Agile framework for the Software Development Life-Cycle. Unique learning approaches to foster the skills and cultural mindset necessary for success in Agile Project Management.

Prereq: IST 345

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking

IST 452 Advanced Computer Networking (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Technical, design, and management issues related to enterprise computer networking. In-depth investigations of TCP/IP Internet work protocols and popular network technologies including Ethernet and Wireless. Hands-on experience with protocol analysis, network management, and security.

Prereq: IST 233

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 456 Information Policies and Decision Making (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Current and emerging information policy issues, policy formulation and conflict, roles and perspectives of actors in policy-making processes. Decision making on freedom of information, privacy, access, intellectual property rights, information security classification and restriction, cybercrime

Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility

IST 466 Capstone in Information Management and Technology (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Integration of management strategies, information uses, and information technologies with an emphasis on professional conduct, ethics, and career strategies. In-depth review and use of case studies. Outside organizations such as EY, Synchrony and Adobe work with the class to have students analyze and resolve real ethical cases they¿ve encountered. Seniors only. iSchool majors and minors.

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics and Integrity; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 469 Advanced Big Data Management (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 769

Analyze relational and non-relational databases and corresponding database management system architectures. Learn to build complex database objects to support a variety of needs from big data and traditional perspectives. Data systems performance, scalability, security. Additional work required for graduate students.

Prereq: IST 359

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 470 Experience Credit (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.

Repeatable

IST 471 Internship in Information Management and Technology (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Fully supervised internship available to IST majors and minors.

Repeatable 6 times for 12 credits maximum

IST 472 Cooperative Education in Information Management and Technology (1-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Fully supervised, paid, cooperative education experience extending over two separate time periods. Students must complete a contract with site supervisor.

Repeatable 6 times for 12 credits maximum

IST 476 Applied Information Security (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Double-numbered with IST 704

Applications of information security including hands-on experience. Students who successfully complete this course will understand how information security technology is applied to real systems. Additional work required of graduate students.

Prereq: IST 323

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 477 Capstone in Innovation, Society & Technology (IST) (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Required capstone for BS in Innovation, Society & Technology (IST). Students research a technology, innovation and society topic. This capstone course may build on prior coursework, or demonstrate student capacity for innovating in new directions

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IST 480 International Course (3-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Repeatable 2 times for 12 credits maximum

IST 486 Social Media in the Organization (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Introduction to the use and management of social media technologies, including strategies for communication, awareness of challenges, and tools and techniques for analysis of social media in contemporary organizations.

Shared Competencies: Communication Skills

IST 487 The Impact & Analytics of Social Media Network Influence (3 Credits)

Information Studies

We live in a digital era of unprecedented interconnectedness and viral information spread. This class explores the intersection of social media communication, influencer marketing, and social networks, covering key concepts, strategies, and analytic techniques to understand influencers, trends, and societal changes in a networked world

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills

IST 490 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

In-depth exploration of a problem or problems. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor or instructors and the department.

Repeatable

IST 499 Honors Capstone Project (1-3 Credits)

Information Studies

Completion of an Honors Capstone Project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Repeatable 3 times for 3 credits maximum

IST 500 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)

Information Studies

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Repeatable

IST 511 Cultural Foundations of Information Studies (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Survey of the professional, social, ethical, and legal issues affecting information service professionals and organizations and prepares students to deal with these issues and work with a diverse community.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 564 Accessible Library & Information Services (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Provides students on K-12, public, and academic library paths with context, awareness, and strategies to develop programs, services and facilities, and to select resources and technologies that ensure patrons and staff with disabilities have inclusive library experiences.

Shared Competencies: Ethics and Integrity; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IST 580 International Course (1-12 Credits)

Information Studies

Repeatable 1 times for 12 credits maximum

Integrative Artificial Intelligence

IAI 105 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This introductory course explores the interdisciplinary field of artificial intelligence. Students develop AI literacy, examine technical and social dimensions, and analyze societal impacts. Through activities, case studies, and projects, they learn how AI functions, its limitations, and its influence across industries.

IAI 110 Introduction to Programming for Artificial Intelligence (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with ASE 110

Introduction of Python programming for management of textual, tabular, and image data, used in conjunction with JSON, NumPy, Pandas, and LangChain for data management, cleaning, wrangling, aggregation, and interfacing. Credit cannot be given for both IAI 110/ASE110 and CIS 151.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IAI 302 Core Mathematics for AI (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with ASE 302

Introductory concepts in set theory, probability theory, linear algebra, and the fundamentals of how they are applied to artificial intelligence. IAI302/ASE302 cannot be taken for credit after receiving a grade of C or higher in MAT331, MAT485, or CIS375.

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IAI 309 Technical Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with ASE 309

Foundational concepts in artificial intelligence, including agents, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, neural networks, reinforcement learning, and large language models, accompanied by programming projects and exercises.

Prereq: IAI 110 or ASE 110 or CIS 151 or SAL 284 Coreq: IAI 302 or ASE 302 or MAT 331 or MAT 485 or CIS 375

Shared Competencies: Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IAI 320 AI & Humanity: Charting Possible Futures (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with IST 320, MAX 320

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IAI 332 AI Ethics and Governance (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with PSC 332

This class uses a cross-disciplinary approach to study how ethical principles, public policy, and private governance could guide the development and deployment of artificial intelligence in the public interest.

Shared Competencies: Ethics and Integrity; Information Literacy and Technological Agility; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

IAI 375 Dynamics of Human AI Interaction (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Cross-listed with IST 375

Double-numbered with IST 675

Understand, analyze, and critique scientific and practical perspectives on what counts as interactivity and intelligence when AI-driven agents interact with humans

Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility

IAI 391 Analysis of Human-AI Systems (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Examines human-AI systems through individual behavior theories (rational choice, game theory, social choice) and dynamic system modeling approaches (agent-based models, complex systems, adaptive landscapes).

IAI 392 Design and Evaluation of AI Interventions (3 Credits)

Information Studies

Designing AI interventions in sociotechnical systems and evaluating their effectiveness using experimental and quasi-experimental methods, from stakeholder analysis to impact measurement and recommendation formulation.

IAI 492 Senior Capstone Seminar (3 Credits)

Information Studies

This one-semester capstone is the culminating experience for the Integrative AI major, where students synthesize technical and societal knowledge through a self-directed project research paper, functional prototype, or portfolio guided by faculty and presented to diverse audiences.

Course Catalogs

School of Information Studies

About the School

Accreditation

Vision and Values

Undergraduate Education

Student Learning Outcomes

iSchool Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

I. iSchool Major (30-31 credits)

II. iSchool Concentrations and Electives (15 credits)

Applications of AI Concentration

Cybersecurity Studies Concentration

Data Science Concentration

Innovation, Design & Startups Concentration

Network and Cloud Computing Concentration

Project Management Concentration

Web Design & Management Concentration

University-wide Requirements

III. Skills Electives (15-17 credits)

Communication Skills (9 credits)

C. Quantitative Skills (6-8 credits)

IV. Arts & Sciences Divisional Requirements (12 courses; minimum 36 credits)

V. General Electives (17-24 credits)

VI. International Experience

Programs

Major

Minor

Combined

Faculty

Courses

Information Technology, Design and Startup

Information Studies

Integrative Artificial Intelligence

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