Applied Information Science/Data Studies Undergraduate Certificate
Expand your information skills
You know the path to discovery is lined with data … lots and lots of data.
Understanding how to classify and access data is the first step to retrieving information and discovering knowledge.
Learn to take a humanistic approach to big data and small. You can enhance your employment options and data literacy by earning an Applied Information Science/Data Studies certificate through the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI.
Tools for knowledge
Are you concentrating your studies in liberal arts, humanities, and social science? This certificate provides a convenient way for you to develop digital competencies.
You’ll not only learn to manage data, curate it for specific needs, and build database infrastructures, but also explore the social, ethical, and technical challenges of data organization and access in the Information Age.
Data drives decision-making
In your classes you’ll learn to organize and document the data we’re creating every day. You’ll understand the potential of massive data sets—as well as the legal, privacy, and surveillance issues that the evolution of data collection presents.
The certificate introduces data analysis and manipulation, data organization and access, data policy development, and how these practices relate to the creation and dissemination of data sets and related information.
You’ll study database design and perform management tasks that are part of today’s data life cycle, including backup and security. Develop the skills to build database infrastructures and curate data for specific needs.
Where can a certificate in applied information science take you?
Your course work allows you to acquire information science skills in real-world situations. Graduates can qualify for positions such as:
Certificate requirements (15 cr.)
- LIS-S 201 Foundations of Data Studies (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 202 Data Organization and Representation (3 cr.)
- INFO-I 308 Information Representation (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 305 Data Curation and Management (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 301 Data Policy and Governance (3 cr.)
INFO I308 Information Representation may be replaced with a different course on relational databases, such as:
- CIT 21400 Introduction to Data Management
- CSCI-N 211 Introduction to Databases
- CSCI 44300 Database Systems
- HIM-M 200 Database Design for Health Information Management
Students must earn a C or higher in each course to graduate with the Data Studies certificate. All required courses are available online.
A Minor in Data Studies is also available. The minor has the same requirements as the certificate. Contact an undergraduate advisor if you have questions.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the value of data in society and articulate the roles of data creators and consumers.
- Apply principles of representation and organization to provide access to resources in various information environments.
- Interpret stakeholder needs for databases and information layers using iterative and reflexive design processes.
- Identify the stages of the data curation process and the issues associated with the storage, preservation, and security of data.
- Analyze the implications of data policy creation, the concerns involved, and its communication to information organizations.
Admissions
You can seek this certificate in addition to your major or as a stand-alone certificate.
Prospective students must first be admitted to IUPUI as an undergraduate student.
Current IUPUI students should email Jill Mathews at jilmathe@iupui.edu to declare the Applied Information Science certificate.
The undergraduate Applied Information Science certificate is eligible for financial aid as a stand-alone certificate.