BSISDA Freshmen Catalog

BS in Information Science and Data Analytics

The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics program prepares students to work with data, technology and people.

Students majoring in Information Science and Data Analytics attain skills that are applicable to a variety of careers involving analytics, visualization, big data, digital curation, digital assets management, knowledge management, information architecture, documents and records management, health care, education, and emerging technologies—all geared toward the information needs of users. For example, they learn how to organize data and interpret the significance of data with a focus on what a person can do with an app rather than what an app does.  

Working with data, technology and people, graduates with a BS in Information Science and Data Analytics will perform the following job duties and responsibilities:

Data 

• Handle structured data (data that is clearly defined and easily searchable) and unstructured data (data that is not easily searchable such as email, audio, video, and social media postings);
• Analyze and visualize data;
• Work with software tools used in a real-world setting;
• Understand the general concepts behind how networks and computers process, store, and secure information.

Technology

• Understand distributed computing and the data pipeline ecosystem;
• Track emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, AR/VR, voice-based assistants) and the ethics of their use and development.

People

• Understand how people from diverse audiences interact with, use, and relate to information and data to make data-driven decisions and solve problems;
• Present information and data in an engaging and useful way to help users from diverse backgrounds and cultures tell stories and solve problems;
• Ensure that the system holding the data complies with policies and ethical and legal considerations of society and the user.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the BS in Information Science and Data Analytics program, students will be able to:

A. Apply information and data science concepts and methods by thinking critically and creatively to conceptualize and solve real world problems;

B. Demonstrate an understanding of the data lifecycle, including data curation and stewardship. distributed computing, and the data pipeline ecosystem;

C. Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility in data ownership, security, sensitivity of data, and consequences and privacy concerns of data analysis;

D. Demonstrate an ability to identify user-centric information and data needs of diverse populations and to interpret data findings effectively to diverse audiences, orally, visually, and in written formats;

E. Demonstrate an understanding of how people from diverse backgrounds and cultures interact with technology and with each other in technological contexts; and how to plan strategically for emerging technologies and the changing technological landscape.

Admissions Requirements

Freshmen who meet the CSU eligibility requirements may apply to the BS ISDA program.

How to Apply

Freshmen who meet the requirements may apply through Cal State Apply.

Program Delivery

Students may complete their lower division general education (core GE) requirements in person or online at SJSU or at a community college.

The major classes are delivered exclusively online via the Canvas learning management system in an asynchronous format. Virtual labs may also be used in some courses. 

Summary of Degree Units

Summary of Degree Units
Core GE	39
Minor or University Electives	33
SJSU Studies	12
Major Requirements	36
Total	120

A minor is strongly recommended and may be decided on by taking into consideration the career path and a consultation with the advisor.

University Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements section of the Policies and Procedures.

Program Road Map

The 4-year road map is available online. The road map should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). 

Major Requirements (36 units)

• ISDA101 Online Learning: Tools and Strategies for Success (1 unit)
• ISDA 100 Technical Writing for Information Professionals (3 units)
• ISDA 110 Technology, Culture, and Society (3 units)
• ISDA 111 Information and Data Science (3 units)
• ISDA 140 Big Data Analytics and Management (3 units)
• ISDA 141 Information Visualization (3 units)
• ISDA 130 User Centered Interface Architecture and Prototyping (3 units)
• ISDA 131 Information Architecture (3 units)
• ISDA 120 Information Security (3 units)
• ISDA 121 Human Centered Cybersecurity (3 units)
• ISDA 122 Privacy, Security, Ethics (2 units)
• ISDA 123 Information Assurance (2 units)
• ISDA 170 The Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends (4 units)

All courses are infused with hands-on, real-world, collaborative projects to support students developing portfolios that demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Where necessary, students will have access to virtual labs such as INFOSEC, Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Computing.