2023-2024 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Oct 04, 2025  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

School of Information Studies Courses


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School of Information Studies

Courses

Global Enterprise Technology

  • IDS 350 - Global Information Technology Abroad

    School of Information Studies
    3-6 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IDS 650
    Explore the roles that information and digital technologies play in different national and geographic contexts.  Learn how organizations in various countries use information technology for strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Additional work for graduates.
    Repeatable 2 time(s), 12 credits maximum

Information Technology, Design and Startup

  • IDS 301 - What’s the Big Idea?: Technology Innovation

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IDS 601
    Innovation in information and emerging technologies. Learn how to develop, grow and vet ideas and build teams ready to create a product, service or business. Additional work for graduate students.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking
  • IDS 302 - Idea2Startup

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IDS 602
    Students establish an actionable plan for the launch of their own business. Focus on establishing a well conceived, achievable and actionable path to market. Permission of instructor. Additional work for graduate students.
  • IDS 360 - Information Technology Experience

    School of Information Studies
    1-3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IDS 660
    Explore the roles that information and digital technologies play in different organizations.  Learn how organizations use information technology for strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Additional work for graduates.
    Repeatable 2 time(s), 6 credits maximum
  • IDS 403 - iLaunchPad

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Business incubation. Students work with mentors and coaches to develop and deploy a for-profit or nonprofit venture. Permission of instructor.
    Repeatable 12 time(s), 12 credits maximum
  • IDS 490 - Independent Study

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s)
    Repeatable

Information Studies

  • IST 101 - First-Year Forum

    School of Information Studies
    1 credit(s) Every semester
    Transition to life at the iSchool and Syracuse University, and become more familiar with the information field. Explore the range of possibilities that our undergraduate degree is designed to provide.
  • IST 180 - International Course

    School of Information Studies
    1-12 credit(s) Irregularly
    Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution’s practice. SUAbroad works with the SU academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student’s transcript.
    Repeatable 2 time(s), 12 credits maximum
  • IST 195 - Information Technologies

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    State-of-the-art technologies in the field. Computer architectures, telecommunication networks, software design and application. Issues in information management and technology use.
    Shared Competencies Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 200 - Selected Topics

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
    Repeatable
  • IST 233 - Introduction to Networks and Cloud Computing

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Overview of technology, standards, implementation and management of digital computer networks. Wired and wireless local and wide area networks, Internet protocols, telecommunications, and network security. Includes weekly labs.
  • IST 255 - The Power of Information

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Students will develop information literacy and technology skills that enable them to recognize the ways in which information artifacts, structures and technologies work to maintain or dismantle systems of power.
    Shared Competencies Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 256 - Application Programming for Information Systems

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Structured program design, development testing, implementation, and documentation of common information system applications using structured programming languages. Lectures and laboratory.
  • IST 263 - Introduction to Front-End Web Development

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Principles for construction and publication of multimedia documents for the Web. Incorporate a user-based approach to planning, design, implementation and management with an entrepreneurial perspective and with a focus on client/enterprise.
    Shared Competencies Communication Skills; Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 280 - International Course

    School of Information Studies
    1-12 credit(s) Irregularly
    Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution’s practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student’s transcript.
    Repeatable
  • IST 300 - Selected Topics

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
    Repeatable
  • IST 303 - Global Financial Systems Architecture

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 603
    Structures of real-world information systems in the money supply chain. Emphasis on large-scale banking organizations and their challenges in moving and processing millions of complex transactions worldwide for all types of customers.  Additional work for graduate students.
  • IST 305 - Globalization , Collaboration, Culture, Systems & Data

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Exploration of IT infrastructure and culture in global organizations including issues of globalization, distributed collaboration, virtual organizations, culture, global enterprise systems, data, business analytics and knowledge management.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility; Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 322 - Digital Strategy & Analytics for the Web

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Students will learn to drive business value through a deep understanding of web analytics.  Course includes examination of web analytics models, factors affecting search engine rankings, and inbound tactics including pay per click campaigns.
    Shared Competencies Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 323 - Introduction to Information Security

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Basic concepts and technologies of information security. Students who successfully complete this course will have a comprehensive overview of information security with some hands-on experience.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking
  • IST 325 - Information Management Consultation

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Information technology trends and proven applications in information processing, telecommunications, office systems, and information processing industry products and services. Consultation skills; strategies for introducing technology transfer strategies and management of innovation and change.
  • IST 335 - Introduction to Information-Based Organizations

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Organizational behavior; groups and teams; leadership and management; human resources; organizational development; change management. Interactions between people and technology in work organizations; impacts of information technology on organizational effectiveness.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 336 - Leading Issues in Information Security

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Leading Issues and challenges in Information security, and consideration of global perspectives related to current technology trends.
  • IST 337 - IM&T Support Practicum

    School of Information Studies
    1-3 credit(s) Every semester
    This experiential learning course is designed to provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge of various content areas by working with a professor, assisting with course assignments, labs, and other student support elements.
    Repeatable 1 time(s), 6 credits maximum
  • IST 341 - Human-Centered Design

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Students will learn concepts, methods and tools for designing ethical and equitable human-center Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for individuals, groups, organizations, and society more broadly.
  • IST 342 - Information Security Policy

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Students are introduced to the necessary skills for developing, reviewing and implementing information security policies.  Learn the fundamentals of effective policy writing, awareness and training, as well as information security frameworks important to building a successful information security policy.
    PREREQ IST323
  • IST 343 - Data in Society

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Students will critically examine how individuals, groups, and society create and are created by digital data and algorithms.  Students will explore social, political, legal, and professional issues across varying contexts including social media and the Internet of Things.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
  • IST 344 - Information Reporting and Presentation

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Information synthesis and the presentation of information. Organizing information for presentation, text, and graphics. Presentation skills, training and teaching methods.
    Shared Competencies Communication Skills
  • IST 345 - Managing Information Systems Projects

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Double Numbered with IST 645
    Project management as a professional discipline in information and communication technology. Introduction to roles, activities, methods, and tools. Critical review and application of principles. Additional work required of graduate students.
    Shared Competencies Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 346 - Information Technology Management and Administration

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Information technology management principles and practices. Administration of computers, operating systems, and applications. Tools and techniques for managing information technology operations. Includes hand-on labs.
    PREREQ IST 233 
  • IST 349 - Human Computer Interaction

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Students will learn to critically evaluate existing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and how to design ethical and equitable ICTs utilizing user-centered design perspectives and methods.
  • IST 352 - Information Analysis of Organizational Systems

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Introduces information flow as basis of organizational work and role of information systems in managing work. Concept of systems decomposition to facilitate analysis. Skills required to decompose, model, and analyze information systems.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills
  • IST 359 - Introduction to Database Management Systems

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Data structure, file organization, and principles and concepts of data bases for information retrieval systems. Data analysis, design, models, management, evaluation, and implementation.
    Shared Competencies Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 363 - Advanced Front End Web Design

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Students are introduced to emerging web technologies to create robust, high quality frontend web interfaces. Students learn advanced page layout/styling techniques as well as responsive design.
    PREREQ IST263
  • IST 371 - Career Development Skills for Information Professions

    School of Information Studies
    1 credit(s) Irregularly
    Self assessment, resume writing, cover letter writing, professionalism in the workplace, job searching techniques, developing an internship or cooperative learning agreement.
  • IST 382 - Cultural Competencies for Information Professionals

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 682
    This course prepares information professionals to develop cultural competencies and provide inclusive design and services to underrepresented populations by focusing on knowledge and skill development in cultural competence, cultural humility, and cultural responsiveness within different information contexts. Additional work for graduate students. 
    Shared Competencies Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
  • IST 387 - Introduction to Applied Data Science

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Introduces students to fundamentals about data and the standards, technologies, and methods for organizing, managing, curating, preserving, and using data. Discusses broader issues relating to data management, quality control and publication of data.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy and Technological Agility; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 400 - Selected Topics

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) Irregularly
    Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
    Repeatable
  • IST 402 - Digital Forensics

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    The fundamentals of the forensic process, evidence handling, and quality assurance as they apply to digital forensics. Emphasis on evidence handling and quality assurance as they apply to digital forensics.
    PREREQ IST 323 
  • IST 407 - Data Mining

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Introduction to data mining techniques, familiarity with particular real-world applications, challenges involved in these applications, and future directions of the field. Optional hands-on experience with commercially available software packages.
    PREREQ IST 387
  • IST 408 - Blockchain Management

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 608
    Student complete distributed ledger labs before developing, implementing, and ‘demo or die’ sharktanking their own new blockchain project.  Blockchain concepts such as decentralization, smart contracts, trust, and consensus governance are discussed. Additional work for graduate students. 
  • IST 414 - Data Driven Inquiry

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    This course introduces students to a variety of approaches to answer questions in a variety of contexts (e.g. business, society, friendships, politics).  Students will learn how to ask good questions and answer those questions ethically using a variety of data-driven approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and computational.
    Shared Competencies Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 418 - Big Data Analytics

    Big Data Analytics
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    A broad introduction to analytical processing tools and techniques for information professionals.  Students will develop a portfolio of resources, demonstrations, recipes, and examples of various analytical techniques.
    PREREQ IST387 with minimum grade of B
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking
  • IST 419 - Economics of Digital Transformation

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 619
    Application of economic principles to information industries, online marketplaces, and information management. Discussion of how advances in digital technology transform society. Topics include revenue, cost, industrial organization, market power, public goods, and optimal decision-making.  Additional work for graduate students.
    Shared Competencies Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 421 - Information Visualization

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Introduction to skills and techniques related to information visualization, through various programming and illustration tools, data cleaning techniques, design concepts and ethics.  Develop static data visualizations to explore and communicate findings from a variety of data sources. 
    PREREQ IST256 or IST359 or IST387 or SAL413
  • IST 425 - Enterprise Risk Management

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    A multidisciplinary perspective of risk assessment, modeling, and management. Topics include: concepts of personal accountability versus governance and policy; how organizations define and measure risk and loss; and plan for contingencies.
  • IST 426 - Information Justice & Community Engagement

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 626
    This course will examine the interrelation of social justice and community engagement in online and naturalistic communities.  Areas of emphasis will explore how gender, race, class and community location (on and off-line) affect and are affected by information. Additional work for graduate students. 
    Shared Competencies Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 429 - Technology and the Future of Work

    Technology and the Future of Work
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Understand contemporary changes to work and working.  Examine concepts such as work, labor, markets, organizations and institutions, technologies, policies, labor histories, families and communities, geographies and other topics (e.g. work/life balance).  This is a survey course designed to provide you with a way of understanding and analyzing what it means to work and to be a worker.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking
  • IST 431 - Security in a Networked Environment

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Irregularly
    This course addresses key concepts, technologies, and management strategies associated with securing enterprise digital computer networks and related devices and applications.  Students will gain an understanding of the major threats and vulnerabilities as well as technologies and strategies for protection.
    PREREQ IST233 and IST323
  • IST 432 - Enterprise Systems

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Technical overview of Enterprise Systems and their impact on organizations. The concepts, fundamentals, issues and technologies in planning, implementing and operating an Enterprise System. Current trends, issues, technologies and extensions. Laboratory exercises.
  • IST 442 - Agile Project Management Methodologies

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Practical approach to the Agile framework for the Software Development Life-Cycle. Unique learning approaches to foster the skills and cultural mindset necessary for success in Agile Project Management.
    PREREQ IST 345 
  • IST 443 - Critique of the Information Age

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Effects of information technologies on society: social, cultural, and ethical implications. Multidisciplinary critique of changes in society.
  • IST 447 - Complex issues in IT Project Management

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 747
    Complex issues that confront IT project managers. Case studies to explore problems, solutions and best practices. Application of key concepts to diverse industry settings. Additional work required of graduate students.
    PREREQ IST 445 
  • IST 448 - Enterprise Wireless Network Technologies

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 648
    Technologies, standards, implementation, and management of advanced broadband wireless data systems. Includes examination of analog and digital wireless subsystems, antennas, access devices, and enterprise infrastructure components. Technical presentations, discussion of industry activities, and labs. Additional work required of graduate students.
    PREREQ IST 233 
  • IST 452 - Advanced Computer Networking

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Technical, design, and management issues related to enterprise computer networking. In-depth investigations of TCP/IP Internet work protocols and popular network technologies including Ethernet and Wireless. Hands-on experience with protocol analysis, network management, and security.
    PREREQ IST 233 
  • IST 455 - Enterprise IT Consultation

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Double Numbered with IST 655
    Course for information professionals considering challenging career of modern IT consultant. Main focus on consultation process, research and logical thinking, communications with client, and presenting to broad audiences. Additional work for graduate students.
  • IST 456 - Information Policies and Decision Making

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Current and emerging policy issues, policy formulation and conflict, roles and perspectives of major actors in the policy-making process. Privacy, freedom of information, intellectual property rights, information dissemination and access, security classification and restriction, computer crime.
    Shared Competencies Civic and Global Responsibility
  • IST 462 - Scripting for Data Analysis

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 652
    Scripting for the data analysis pipeline. Acquiring, accessing and transforming data In the forms of structured, semi- structured and unstructured data. Additional work for graduate students.
    PREREQ IST 256
    Shared Competencies Information Literacy and Technological Agility
  • IST 466 - Prof Issues/Info Mgmt & Tech

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Every semester
    Integration of management strategies, information uses, and information technologies as related to professional conduct, ethics, and career strategies. In-depth review and use of case studies. IST majors only.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 469 - Advanced Big Data Management

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Double Numbered with IST 769
    Analyze relational and non-relational databases and corresponding database management system architectures. Learn to build complex database objects to support a variety of needs from big data and traditional perspectives. Data systems performance, scalability, security. Additional work required for graduate students.
    PREREQ IST 359
  • IST 471 - Internship in Information Management and Technology

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) Every semester
    Fully supervised internship available to IST majors and minors.
    Repeatable 5 time(s), 12 credits maximum
  • IST 472 - Cooperative Education in Information Management and Technology

    School of Information Studies
    1-12 credit(s) Every semester
    Fully supervised, paid, cooperative education experience extending over two separate time periods. Students must complete a contract with site supervisor.
    Repeatable 5 time(s), 12 credits maximum
  • IST 475 - Full Stack Web Development

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Students will build a full-fledged web application using modem open-source technologies and host It In the cloud, working on frameworks for both server-side and client-side layers of the application.
    PREREQ IST 256 AND IST 363
  • IST 476 - Applied Information Security

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    This course is intended to explore how to apply information security technologies and approaches to real-life systems and services.
    PREREQ IST 323
  • IST 477 - Capstone in Innovation, Society & Technology (IST)

    Capstone in Innovation, Society & Technology (IST)
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Required capstone for BSc in Innovation, Society & Technology (IST).  Students investigate a topic of interest to them related to technological innovation and society.  This research focused capstone course builds on prior coursework.
    Shared Competencies Critical and Creative Thinking; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  • IST 486 - Social Media in the Organization

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Introduction to the use and management of social media technologies, including strategies for communication, awareness of challenges, and tools and techniques for analysis of social media in contemporary organizations.
    Shared Competencies Communication Skills
  • IST 487 - Modern Web Infrastructure

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Setup/manage top 3 web servers used in infrastructures today (NGINX, Apache and MS HS). Learn about DNS and reverse proxying. Utilize them at popular cloud providers to set up scalable web infrastructures for different use cases.
    PREREQ IST 263 AND IST 346
  • IST 490 - Independent Study

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    In-depth exploration of a problem or problems. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor or instructors and the department.
    Repeatable
  • IST 499 - Honors Capstone Project

    School of Information Studies
    1-3 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Completion of an Honors Capstone Project under the supervision of a faculty member.
    Repeatable 2 time(s), 3 credits maximum
  • IST 500 - Selected Topics

    School of Information Studies
    1-6 credit(s) Upon sufficient interest
    Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
    Repeatable
  • IST 511 - Cultural Foundations of Information Studies

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Survey of the professional, social, ethical, and legal issues affecting information service professionals and organizations and prepares students to deal with these issues and work with a diverse community.
  • IST 523 - Graphic Design for the Web

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Learn basic and advanced website design principles utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Flash, with emphasis on typography, color theory and layout. Understand and practice Flash Actionscript basics to create animation and dynamic web applications.
  • IST 564 - Accessible Library & Information Services

    School of Information Studies
    3 credit(s) At least 1x fall or spring
    Includes strategies for planning library programs and services that are inclusive of the information needs of PK-12th grade students with disabilities.