In the College of Information Science's main campus Bachelor of Arts in Information Science and Arts (BA IS&A), you'll master interactive environments and tools to shape the digital landscapes of tomorrow.
120
Units to Complete Degree, Includes:
42 Upper-Division, 42 Major Coursework and 18 Minor or Dual Degree
Program Goals & Learning Outcomes
Program goals (or student competencies) and learning outcomes for the BA IS&A are based on a solid mathematical and technical foundation to emphasize computational arts, such as creative coding and digital storytelling, preparing students for an array of fascinating career possibilities.
- Students will be able to provide and develop information services and software that incorporates artistic, ergonomic and human-centered design decisions.
- Students will show proficient and diverse communication skills, using appropriate graphics, visualizations, media and artistry to show their results.
- 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 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, such as scientific and social uses of information and social, cultural and economic implications of digital life and culture.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in articulating varieties of evidence supporting a solution and communicating the results of their work, using appropriate graphics, visualizations, multimedia 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 demonstrate their ability to use basic research methods, such as research design; statistics and analysis; organization, identification and location of data and information including open- and closed-access sources; and presentation of findings in oral, written and multimedia 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 post-graduate education options and opportunities open to them relative to their plan of study and will set goals and make plans beyond their expected graduation.
Sample Four-Year Plan
120 units are required for graduation. A minor with a minimum of 18 units, or a double major, is required.
In addition to the required foundation, general education and minor or double major courses, BA IS&A students must also meet the following requirements to complete the degree: 15 units of Core Courses; 3 units of Research Methods; 12 units of Computational Arts and Medias; 3 units of Intensive Computing; 3 units of Society; 3 units of Engagement: either independent study, directed research, an internship or ESOC 480: Digital Engagement; and the 3-unit Senior Capstone (ISTA 498).
- View or download BA IS&A overview and sample four-year plan in PDF format.
- Transfer students, map your transfer coursework for the BA IS&A here.
Click to view sample courses by year:
Year 1 | Fall
| ENGL 101: First-Year Composition | 3 units |
| MATH (based on placement) | 3 units |
| UNIV 101: Introduction to the General Education Experience | 1 unit |
| General Education: Exploring Perspectives | 3 units |
| First-Semester Language | 4 units |
| TOTAL | 14 units |
Year 1 | Spring
| ENGL 102: First-Year Composition | 3 units |
| ISTA 100: Great Ideas of the Information Age | 3 units |
| General Education: Exploring Perspectives | 3 units |
| General Education: Building Connections | 3 units |
| Second-Semester Language | 4 units |
| TOTAL | 16 units |
Year 2 | Fall
| ISTA 116: Statistical Foundations of the Information Age | 3 units |
| ISTA 130: Computational Thinking and Doing | 4 units |
| ISTA 161: Ethics in a Digital World | 3 units |
| General Education: Exploring Perspectives | 3 units |
| Third-Semester Language | 4 units |
| TOTAL | 17 units |
Year 2 | Spring
| ISTA 131: Dealing with Data | 4 units |
| Computational Arts & Media Course | 3 units |
| General Education: Building Connections | 3 units |
| General Education: Exploring Perspectives | 3 units |
| Fourth-Semester Language | 3 units |
| TOTAL | 17 units |
Year 3 | Fall
| UNIV 301: General Education Portfolio | 1 unit |
| General Education: Building Connections | 3 units |
| Research Methods Course | 3 units |
| Computational Arts & Media Course | 3 units |
| Minor Course | 3 units |
| Minor Course | 3 units |
| TOTAL | 16 units |
Year 3 | Spring
| Computational Arts & Media Course | 3 units |
| Computational Arts & Media Course | 3 units |
| Intensive Computing Course | 3 units |
| Minor Course | 3 units |
| Minor Course | 3 units |
| TOTAL | 15 units |
Year 4 | Fall
| Major Engagement Course* | 3 units |
| Society Course | 3 units |
| MInor Course | 3 units |
| Upper-Division Elective | 3 units |
| Upper-Division Course | 3 units |
| TOTAL | 15 units |
Year 4 | Spring
| ISTA 498: Senior Capstone | 3 units |
| Minor Course | 3 units |
| Additional Elective Course | 3 units |
| Additional Elective Course | 3 units |
| TOTAL | 12 units |
| TOTAL DEGREE CREDITS | 120 units |
* Engagement course, such as an internship, may be completed over the summer.
This is a sample plan and is subject to change based on catalog year, placement tests, AP/CLEP credit, transfer work, minor requirements, summer school, etc. The official degree requirements may be found in the University General Catalog and all University of Arizona students should refer to the Academic Advising Report for specific graduation requirements.
Curriculum & Courses
Bachelor's in Information Science and Arts students take a mix of Foundations, General Education, Core Major, Research Methods, Computational Arts & Media, Intensive Computing, Society, Engagement, Minor and Electives courses, subject to change based on catalog year, placement tests, AP/CLEP credit, transfer work, minor requirements, summer school, etc.
Click a link below to learn more and view course information:
Foundations
Specific unit requirements may vary based on placement and/or prior college-level coursework:
- First-year English or equivalent
- MATH Foundation: MATH 107, 112 or higher
- Second language fourth-semester proficiency
General Education
- Introduction to General Education (1 unit)
- Exploring Perspectives Courses (12 units, including at least one course from each domain: Artist, Humanist, Natural Scientist, Social Scientist)
- Building Connections Courses (9 units)
- General Education Capstone (1 unit)
Learn More About U of A General Education Requirements
Students who started before Spring 2022 will follow the previous U of A GenEd requirements:
- Tier 1 Individuals & Societies (6 units)
- Tier 1 Traditions & Cultures (6 units)
- Tier 1 Natural Sciences (6 units)
- Tier 2 Humanities (3 units)
- Tier 2 Individuals & Society (3 units)
- Tier 2 Arts (3 units)
- Diversity (3 units)
CSC 110 may substitute for ISTA 130.
Choose one course from:
Choose four courses from:
Choose one course from:
Choose one course from:
Take both:
- Independent Study, Directed Research, Internship or ESOC 480: Digital Engagement (3 units)
- ISTA 498: Capstone Project (3 units)
BSIS students are required to take 18 units from a minor or dual major.
Elective courses may be needed to reach the 120-unit graduation requirement, of which 42 units must be upper-division (300-level or above) coursework.