Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be skilled in analyzing and interpreting large datasets and recognize data patterns effectively in cultural, historical, economic, political, social, and organizational contexts.
2. Students will learn to design and implement effective visualizations that communicate complex information using various visualization techniques, select appropriate tools and technologies, and critically evaluate visualizations to make data-driven decisions.
3. Students will critically analyze the valuable role of information and information technology in cultural, historical, economic, political, social, and organizational contexts as well as the diverse and collaborative nature of people’s information-related activities and skills.

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the School of Information Science.

A student who wishes to enter the School of Information Science from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the School of Information Science from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

1. Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
2. Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.

A student who wishes to enter the School of Information Science from another institution must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25. 

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Program of Study

Founding Documents Requirement

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers.  This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective.  Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.

Requirements (120 hours)

¹

Must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

²

Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.

³

ISCI 202 may not be used to fulfill the Carolina Core INF requirement.

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

Information Science, B.S.

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.  Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study. 

³

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁴

Supporting Courses (12 hours): Complete the required credit hours for each category below. 

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (3 hours): Select 3 hours of the Diversity and Social Advocacy track of GLD
• Business/Management (3 hours): ACCT 222, ACCT 225, ECON 224, MKTG 350, MGMT 371, ISCI 402
• Additional Professional Courses (6 hours): CSCE 101, CSCE102, MGSC 290, GEOG 263, ITEC 444, ACCT 222, ACCT 225, ECON 224, MKTG 350, MGMT 371, ISCI 402 

⁵

ISCI recommends one of the following: SAEL 200, SPCH 145, or SPCH 230.  SAEL 200 is approved to fulfill the CC-CMS and VSR requirements.  If SPCH 140, 230 or 260 is used to fulfill the CC-CMS requirement, then a separate CC-VSR course will be required.  

⁶

Students in the School of Information Science are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 121 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁷

ISCI Electives (12 hours): Select 12 credits from ISCI or JOUR.  No more than 6 credits may be from JOUR. 

Program Notes:

• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina.