Program Overview

Information Science and Arts

Overview

Technology and creativity come together in fascinating ways. Be on the cutting edge of this rapidly growing field with a degree in computational arts. The study of information science and arts uses a solid mathematical and technical foundation to emphasize computational arts, such as creative coding and digital storytelling. The Bachelor of Arts in Information Science and Arts consists of coursework organized into three tiers: core classes (computer programming, digital ethics, statistics, fundamentals of information science); research methods, data analysis and intensive computing; and advanced techniques customized to each student's interest. Students enjoy access to laser cutters, 3D printers and other technologies in the new rapid prototyping lab, and they can harness their creativity into a highly specific technical expertise.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate principles such as human-centered design, ergonomics, and artistic design considerations in the development and provision of information services, technological innovations, games, or human-computer interactions.
• Students will apply appropriate evaluation and testing methods to validate design decisions.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in articulating varieties of evidence supporting a solution and communicating the results of their work, using appropriate graphics, visualizations, multi-media vehicles, or artistic performance.
• Students will demonstrate the importance of work in multidisciplinary teams and will be able to communicate research based in one discipline or field of study to different disciplinary audiences and to general and non-academic members and audiences.
• Students will be able to recognize and analyze ethical and policy concerns raised by new technologies and will be able to apply ethical thinking to real world cases and craft effective solutions.
• Students will demonstrate understanding of the use of information and communication technologies and the implications of such use, for example: scientific and social uses of information, and social, cultural, and economic implications of digital life and culture.
• Students will demonstrate facility using basic research methods, for example: research design; statistics and analysis; organization, identification, and location of data and information including open- and closed-access sources; and/or presentation of findings in oral, written and multi-media form, including proper use of and citation of sources.
• Students will acquire the skills, knowledge and self-understanding to communicate with and effectively work and interact across cultures and with diverse people and groups.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of career and further education options and opportunities open to them relative to their plan of study and will set goals and make plans beyond their expected graduation.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• ISTA 100: Great Ideas of the Information Age
• ISTA 301: Computing and the Arts
• ESOC 400: Information, Multimedia Design, and the Moving Image

Career Fields

• Digital marketing
• Information systems
• Web designer
• Sound technology
• Video game development

Level of Math

Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

4th Semester Proficiency

Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction. 3. Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level. 4. Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department. 5. An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments 6. A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Information Science

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

4-Year Sample Plan

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
  • GE Foundation Second Language (First Semester)
  • GE Foundation Mathematics
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102: First-Year Composition
  • ISTA 100
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Second Semester)
• 3rd Semester
  • ISTA 130
  • ISTA 116
  • ISTA 161
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Third Semester)
• 4th Semester
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Fourth Semester)
  • ISTA 131
  • Computational Arts & Media Course
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 5th Semester
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
  • Research Methods and Data Analysis
  • Computantial Arts and Media
  • Minor Course
  • Minor Course
• 6th Semester
  • Intensive Computing
  • Computantial Arts and Media
  • Computantial Arts and Media
  • Minor Course
  • Minor Course
• 7th Semester
  • Society Course
  • Major Engagement Courses
  • Minor Course
  • Upper Division Elective
  • Upper Division Elective
• 8th Semester
  • ISTA 498 Senior Capstone
  • Minor Course
  • General Elective
  • General Elective