Information and Decision Sciences (IDS) programs and research emphasize the critical role of information systems, operations management, and data analytics in businesses and organizations.
With a faculty comprised of world-class researchers and experienced industry professionals, we are committed to educating the next generation of leaders in the cutting-edge technologies and solutions that increasingly define success in the global market.
Programs and Research
Programs
Our program curriculum evolves to encompass ongoing technological change and its effects on business. It emphasizes experiential learning and includes real world projects that integrate foundational knowledge at the business-technology interface. Projects with industry partners are a required component for both our undergraduate and graduate programs. These projects are supported by industry sponsors and faculty who are actively engaged with the Chicago-area business community. Our programs produce well-rounded analysts, consultants, and managers who are ready to meet the growing demand for these skills in the marketplace.
Research
Research is an integral part of what we do. Our faculty is engaged in fundamental research at the forefront of some of the most important questions faced by modern businesses and socio-economic systems. IDS faculty are active in research in three main areas: 1. Information Management and Systems, 2. Business Analytics – Machine Learning, Statistics and Optimization, and 3. Supply Chain and Operations Management.
pride points
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Top 50 Information Systems Program -UT Dallas Top Business School Research Rankings
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4 STEM Designated Master’s Degrees in Business
Degree Programs
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Undergraduate Degree
Concentrations/Minors:
- Management Information Systems
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Business Analytics
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Graduate Degree Programs
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PhD Degree Programs
BS in IDS Degree Requirements
Apply Here Graduate and Doctoral Admissions
Student Capstone in Action
Two groups of MSBA students, advised by Fatemeh Sarayloo, Clinical Assistant Professor of IDS and director of the MSBA program, collaborated on two applied Generative AI projects as part of their Spring 2025 graduate capstone course. The midterm demonstration presentations were held at the headquarters of CCC Intelligent Solutions in Chicago, showcasing their work to the sponsor company.
The projects received support from three Lead Data Scientists at CCC Intelligent Solutions Husam Sweidan, Maryam Moghim, Prateek Burman , and assisted by project manager, Gelareh Kalantrai.
Each project involved cutting-edge technologies:
Project 1: AI Driven Synthetic Image Generation for Vehicle Damage by Students: Akhilesh Joshi, Dhruv Jaiswal, Khushi Saraswat Vikash, Sai Deepak Poondla, Hua Jiang
Project 2: Multi-Agent-Based Data Retrieval and Analysis Workflow Engine by Students: Abilash Sivakumar, Yu-Chen Chen, Yu-Hsuan (Emma) Chang, Sejal Tripathi, Shriniwas S., Surya Kandala
Special thanks to Dr. Reza Rooholamini (Vice President for Innovation and AI and Chief Scientific Officer), along with their amazing teams at CCC for hosting!
Related Groups & Centers
Student Organizations
Student Organization Spotlight: INFORMS
Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), the largest professional association in data and decision sciences, honored INFORMS at UIC as a Magna Cum Laude winner of the 2024 Student Chapter Annual Awards at their annual meeting in Seattle, WA on October 20-24. The award is based on evaluating the Student Chapter Activity Report in the following areas: Communications, Special Events & Initiatives, Community Service, and Chapter Operations. Congratulations to Michael Choi, faculty advisor, and Akshata Kumar, UIC INFORMS president!
Research In Action
Selva Nadarajah
Selva Nadarajah is an associate professor of Information and Decision Sciences. His research focuses on dynamic valuation and decision-making in investment and operations, helping organizations navigate disruption and advance sustainability. His team studies energy transition through risk and reinforcement learning, collaborating with international organizations and national laboratories like Argonne. Recognized as a UIC Global Scholar, Dr. Nadarajah develops decision models and algorithms for managing risk in large-scale operations. As the Decision Intelligence R&D lead at the Discovery Partner’s Institute (DPI) in Chicago, he helps municipalities and businesses align financial and sustainability goals.
Brad Sturt
Brad Sturt is an assistant professor of Information and Decision Sciences. His research leverages optimization and analytics to address complex societal issues. Recently, he has focused on enhancing the security and administration of U.S. elections. Collaborating with agencies like the Michigan Bureau of Elections, he has developed innovative methods for optimal ballot inventory management and rigorous testing of voting machines. These advancements have been implemented in elections through the country and inspired the creation of a startup dedicated to improving election processes. Dr. Sturt’s research also spans revenue management, refugee resettlement, and financial engineering.
UIC MS-SCOM Students Attend ProMat 2025
Matt Liotine, Clinical Professor and Director of the MS in Supply Chain and Operations Management (MS-SCOM) program, led a group of 30 UIC students to attend Student Day at the ProMat 2025 global trade show in Chicago. The event attracted over 50,000 manufacturing and supply chain buyers eager to connect with 1,200 leading manufacturing and supply chain solution providers. CBA students pursuing their MS-SCOM degree engaged with industry professionals to learn about job opportunities and emerging trends in supply chain systems and technologies such as sustainability, IoT, AI, robotics, and automation.
Computational Research Symposium
Students from Professor Fatemeh Sarayloo’s IDS 560 class, won 2nd place at the 2024 UIC Computational Research Symposium for their capstone MS in Business Analytics project, “Predictive Purchasing and Savings for Scientific Lab Supplies.” The symposium is a forum showcasing how high-performance computing, AI, and data analytics drive research and discovery across UIC. Congratulations to Professor Sarayloo and students Mithilesh Bhutada, Vaibhav Khurana, Guido Prado, and Anjali Jayakumar!
Student Experience
“This summer I will intern at JP Morgan Chase as a Corporate Analyst in Tampa, Florida. I am excited to gain hands-on experience in an analysts role in banking. Ask me about pairing technology with business!”
| IDS Major ('23)