Bachelor of Science in Information and Decision Sciences

Our Bachelor of Science in IDS prepares students for leadership in the information age.

The Information and Decision Sciences program at UIC Business is grounded in a research-based curriculum and corporate-sponsored project courses that give students the proven experience firms are looking for. IDS majors explore the potential of new technology to alter business operations, analysis and strategy. Students leave our program ready to meet the growing demand for business technologists. This IDS program is STEM designated (CIP Code 11.0401).

Curriculum

IDS students are in top demand because of the skills they learn here at UIC Business. Bridging the gap between technology and business, IDS prepares students to analyze, design and implement information technology systems.

Students gain conceptual knowledge in how information is used effectively throughout all areas in the business cycle. They also gain practical experience in more technological based courses such as Business Database Technology, Advanced Spreadsheet Analysis, Business Data Mining and Business Systems Analysis and Design. IDS students are given the tools to become proficient professionals, capable of putting their technical, analytic and critical thinking skills to use in a real-world setting.

At UIC Business, we help students find their dream careers. Some students may choose a “specialization” for their studies that lead to certain career paths in IDS. These include Management Information Systems; Business Analytics; and Operations and Supply Chain Management.

For a full list of course requirements, please visit the UIC catalog.

For a full list of courses offered, visit the Course Catalog.

Program Outcomes

With an IDS degree, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to:

  • Design, implement, analyze, and manage information technology systems
  • Research emerging technologies
  • Design and update system’s software and create applications tailored to an organization’s needs
  • Plan and analyze surveys
  • Utilize computer systems and programs for decision aiding
  • Use Java, SAS, SPSS
  • Undertake forecasting using time series methods

Job Titles for IDS Grads

  • Business Analyst
  • Forecasting Specialist
  • Operations Analyst/Manager
  • Data Quality Specialist
  • Support Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Associate Support Analyst

Explore Degree Requirements

Featured Courses Heading link

IDS 413 Internet Technology and Management

Dig into the technologies of World Wide Web development including HTTP, HTML authoring, XML, ASP programming, client-side programming and Web 2.0.

IDS 313 Internet Applications in Business

Learn about Internet business applications in entrepreneurship, finance, accounting and marketing. Assess business problems, plan Internet-based solutions and understand web tools.

IDS 312 Business Project Management

An integrative approach to learning how projects contribute to the strategic goals of the organization. You’ll learn about selecting projects, project management techniques and tools, budgeting, monitoring, risk mitigation and interpersonal skills.

Minors Heading link

Add an edge to your degree with a minor in finance. Finance introduces the student to the principles of finance and teaches quantitative skills that are widely used in business.

Program Faculty Heading link

CRIM Student Expo

The CRIM Student Expo brings together student teams and local companies to solve business and technology problems. Projects have included an application to track sales for a restaurant, data analysis for a nonprofit and business intelligence for a government organization.

IDSO

The Information and Decision Sciences student organization brings students together to discuss courses, internships, and career paths, leverage alumni knowledge, and establish business contacts. IDSO holds events each semester and provides helpful resources throughout each academic year.

Job Placement

UIC Business post-graduate outcomes including job functions and starting salaries can be viewed here.

Top Employers Heading link

The following firms are top employers of UIC Business students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Information & Decision Sciences. For more career resources, visit the UIC Business Career Center site.

  • Allstate
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • CNA Financial
  • Deloitte
  • Discover Financial Services
  • Enova International
  • Epic Systems
  • Exelon Corporation
  • Grainger Industrial Supply
  • Morningstar
  • Multiplan
  • TTX

Frequently Asked Questions Heading link

Our IDS curriculum is a mixture of computer science and business. Students learn computer systems and procedures for the purpose of  helping an organization to operate more efficiently and to make more effective business decisions. The IDS program brings together business and information technology to help students understand the needs and limitations of both.