Frequently asked questions: Bachelor of Science in Information program

The Bachelor of Science in Information program may be a good fit for you if:

• You want to use design and data to build better solutions.
• You're interested in careers that combine technical skills with an understanding of people, such as data analysis, consulting, product management, UX design and emerging AI roles.
• You want to learn through projects and collaboration.
• You want to develop a skill set that will be relevant across industries. 

You don’t need a technical background, skills or experience to apply to the Bachelor of Science in Information program. Before enrolling, you will take an introductory programming course as a prerequisite. You don't need additional experience beyond that course; the program is designed to help you build your programming skills as you progress through your courses. 

Information science is an interdisciplinary field that combines technology and data with an understanding of human behavior. While computer science mainly focuses on how software and systems work, information science also focuses on how people interact with technology. Information experts create solutions that make it easier for people to access information — whether that’s an iPhone app, a data visualization for business insights or the latest car infotainment system.

Information science and data science overlap, but they have different areas of focus. Data science uses statistical methods, computing and other techniques to extract insights from data. Information science takes a broader view of how people interact with information and technology. Both fields can involve analyzing data and building technical systems, but information science places particular emphasis on the people, organizations and social contexts surrounding these systems.

You'll choose one of two pathways to shape your studies:

• User Experience Design
• Information Analysis

Explore the BSI program and pathways.

As part of the BSI application, you will indicate which pathway you’re interested in. If you’re unsure, consider meeting with a BSI student ambassador to learn more about each pathway before you apply. 

Pathway courses typically don’t start until your second semester in the program, giving you time to switch pathways if you change your mind after enrolling. You are encouraged to make that decision within your first semester to ensure you can fulfill your degree requirements. 

BSI graduates go on to pursue careers as data analysts, product managers, UX designers and researchers, business consultants and more. Their skills are in demand across industries — from top tech, finance and gaming companies to health care organizations, startups and government agencies. View BSI career outcomes. 

Yes! The BSI program is a strong fit for students interested in business. You’ll learn how to use data to drive decisions, how to communicate with technical and non-technical teams, how to leverage technology to solve business problems and how to navigate ambiguity. All of these skills are valuable in business careers and can allow you to stand out in competitive applicant pools. Some students also choose to pursue a dual degree between the Ross School of Business and the School of Information.

BSI courses are interactive, with hands-on projects, group work and discussions. Your courses will be taught by UMSI faculty alongside graduate student instructors. The program follows a cohort model, meaning you will move through the program with the same group of students, allowing you to form bonds and contribute to each other’s learning. 

Yes! 100% of BSI students work on projects with real clients as part of their capstone course. You can also partner with clients and communities to solve their challenges by participating in engaged learning programs outside the classroom. 

As a BSI student, almost all of your classes will be held on Central Campus, giving you easy access to downtown Ann Arbor. UMSI Central, located on University Avenue above Panera, is our home base for BSI students, where you can attend events, book study rooms and access resources. 

If you opt to take an elective course like SI 364/564, which is also open to graduate students, your course may be held on North Campus in the Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building. BSI students are also welcome to attend events and use facilities in the Leinweber Building.

The BSI program follows a defined sequence of required courses, with some flexibility to explore your interests through the electives and advanced selectives you choose. While the BSI curriculum is structured, the program’s outcomes are quite flexible. Graduates are prepared to pursue many future paths. 

The School of Information recognizes most minors offered by the University of Michigan. While enrolled in the BSI program, if you discover you’d like to pursue a minor, please work with your academic advisor to include the minor courses in your larger course plan. When it comes to UMSI's own minors, BSI students are only eligible to declare the minor in human-centered artificial intelligence. 

UMSI doesn’t have liberal arts distribution requirements. Altogether, the BSI degree includes 120 U-M credits (60 of which are upper-level credits), and 54 of those come directly from courses in the School of Information. View the BSI curriculum.

If you are a high-performing undergraduate at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, you have the option to earn a master’s degree from the School of Information on an accelerated timeline.

There are two ways to enter the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program:

• As a BSI student: You can earn a Master of Science in Information degree by adding one academic year to your studies. 
• As a U-M undergraduate in another school or college: You can earn a Master of Science in Information degree in as few as three academic terms.

While this accelerated format offers significant cost savings, you will still gain the valuable skills and hands-on experience that equip MSI graduates to become leaders in the field. You will need to formally apply to the AMDP in your senior year. 

Yes! As a BSI student, you have the opportunity to build experience, a portfolio and a professional network by completing internships for academic credit. All BSI juniors take SI 300: Career and Internship Design Studio, taught by career development experts. This course supports you in your internship search. To see examples of BSI internships, explore internship outcomes. 

Yes, as a BSI student with F-1 immigration status, you can participate in internships in the following ways:

• On-campus internships: The University of Michigan offers many valuable internship opportunities for BSI students with on-campus organizations including Michigan Medicine, U-M Libraries, U-M Information and Technology Services, U-M Marketing and Communications, U-M Research, U-M Athletics and more. 
• Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training: UMSI offers STEM degrees that are eligible for OPT extension, which can be applied to an internship experience if approved.
• Home country internships: You may leave the U.S. to complete an internship in your home country over the summer (outside of your residential academic terms). 

Yes! UMSI hosts 10 study abroad programs in partnership with universities around the world. Each partner university offers information courses taught in English that are directly applicable to the BSI degree. You can also study abroad through programs sponsored by other U-M units, including the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; the Ross School of Business; and the College of Engineering (found in M-Compass) or through non-UM programs.

Yes, BSI students can engage in research through our Research Experience Development Program (REDP), an independent study with a faculty member or a U-M undergraduate research program. Explore student research opportunities.

Collaborative. In fact, many students use this exact word when asked why they chose the BSI program, or why they would recommend it to a friend. Through group projects — especially the yearlong capstone — you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with classmates, exchanging ideas and overcoming challenges together. The goal of a UMSI education is to prepare students to succeed professionally, in contexts where collaboration is essential. 

The size of the BSI cohort varies year to year, ranging from 200-300 students, because we strive to admit as many qualified students as we can. As a member of the BSI cohort, you’ll have the feeling of being part of a close-knit community within the larger university. 

Yes. BSI students can pursue a dual degree with several U-M schools and colleges, including the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the School of Kinesiology and the Stamps School of Art & Design.

You must be admitted to each program separately. Once admitted, work with academic advisors from both schools to develop a plan for completing your degrees. Some credits may count toward both programs, which can reduce the time it takes to graduate.

It is possible to complete a dual degree in four to five years, but your timeline will depend on your individual course plan and additional commitments, including:

• Whether you plan to study abroad
• Whether you want to complete a minor
• How many credits you have when you begin the BSI
• How many of your completed credits are upper-level courses
• Whether you have completed SI 110 or other UMSI courses before you enroll
• The course load you can manage each semester

The admissions team is happy to suggest courses to take before you begin the BSI to help give you a headstart.

We review applications holistically, looking at each applicant as a student and as a person. 

Current U-M students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are guaranteed admission, contingent on completing your prerequisites before you enroll. To apply, you’ll submit the BSI application form, which takes about five minutes to complete and is similar to declaring a major. 

For students transferring to U-M from another institution, we will review your academic records, experiences, interests and reasons for wanting to study information.

There is no application fee for the BSI program!

The curriculum is the same regardless of whether you complete the program in a two- or three-year format. Students who enter as sophomores have more time to explore UMSI courses, electives and cocurricular opportunities. Starting as a sophomore also provides additional flexibility to pursue study abroad, internships, minors or a dual degree.

If you apply as a cross-campus transfer and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are guaranteed admission and will receive confirmation shortly after submitting your application form. Your admission is contingent on completing your prerequisites before you begin the program. 

As a new transfer student, if you submit your application by the January 15 priority deadline, you will receive a decision no later than February 15. If you apply after the February 15 final deadline, you will receive a decision by March 1.

Yes. You can apply while taking one or both prerequisites, but you must complete them before you begin the BSI program. The prerequisites are an introductory programming course and a first-year writing course.

We recommend completing both as early as possible, ideally in the winter term before you start the program. You can still take one or both courses during the summer before you begin, as long as you finish them before the fall semester starts.

No. The BSI program admits students for the fall semester only.

There is no GPA requirement for applying to the BSI program.

As a cross-campus transfer applicant, you are guaranteed admission if you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If your GPA doesn’t meet this threshold, your application will receive an additional review.  

As a new transfer applicant, you are encouraged to apply with a GPA of 3.0 or above, but we review applications holistically. Students are admitted and denied with GPAs below and above this threshold, based on the strength of other application materials.  

BSI admission is nonbinding. If you accept your offer and later decide not to join the program, you must submit a withdrawal form to be removed from the program.

High school students should apply directly to the University of Michigan, selecting a first-year-admitting school or college. The School of Information only admits students as sophomores and above. 

On the Common App, you can indicate your interest in joining the BSI program as a sophomore by selecting preferred admission. Some students choose to apply “undecided” to LSA as their first-year college, which will give you more flexibility to complete your prerequisites. Other students choose a first-year school or college with a degree that interests them and then pursue the BSI as a dual degree.

Preferred admission is designed for high school students applying to the University of Michigan who want to indicate their interest in joining the School of Information as sophomores. It is an option for students applying Early Action or Regular Decision and is nonbinding. 

If you select preferred admission on the Common App, you’ll have a spot waiting for you in the BSI program. Then, in your first year at U-M, you’ll just need to take your prerequisites and submit the application form (similar to declaring a major).  

As a preferred admit, you'll also receive invitations to special events and updates from a UMSI admissions coordinator. 

When applying to U-M, select “preferred admission” to the School of Information on your Common Application. That’s it! 

Don’t stress! All current U-M students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher are guaranteed admission to the BSI program, contingent on completing your prerequisites. The application form and review are the same for all cross-campus transfer applicants, whether you marked preferred admission on the Common Application or not. 

Yes, you are guaranteed a spot in the BSI program. In your first year at U-M, you will just need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, submit the brief application form (similar to declaring a major) and complete your prerequisites. 

Yes. You must maintain satisfactory academic performance and conduct from the time you apply through the start of the program. A significant drop in grades or major changes to your coursework could affect your admission.

Students who receive three C grades, or any D, E or F grades, between applying and the start of the program may be removed from the program. Please communicate proactively with [email protected] if there are major changes to your academic record or curriculum.

If you are a current U-M student and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are guaranteed admission to the BSI program. Your admission is contingent on:

• Completing both prerequisite courses with a C or higher
• Completing at least 24 transferable credits before you start the program
• Remaining in good academic standing through enrollment, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Before beginning the BSI program, you must complete two prerequisites (a first-year writing course and SI 101 or an equivalent programming course). If you want to take additional UMSI courses, consider:

• SI 110, a BSI requirement you can complete before starting the program (strongly encouraged)
• SI 261 or an equivalent course, such as STATS 250
• SI 201, if you’ve completed SI 101 or an equivalent course
• Any UMSI elective courses

For help choosing courses, you can email [email protected].

You can email [email protected]. The admissions team can help you plan your courses and identify classes you can take before beginning the BSI program.

Letters of recommendation aren’t required or reviewed for cross-campus transfer applicants.

If you’re a current U-M student who doesn’t meet the requirements for guaranteed admission, you may submit an optional letter providing additional context. Ask your recommender to email it to [email protected] with the subject line “BSI Recommendation Letter: Student Name.”

Portfolios are not required or reviewed for cross-campus transfer applicants who meet the requirements for guaranteed admission.

For cross-campus transfer applicants who don’t meet the requirements for guaranteed admission, you have the option to submit a portfolio showcasing your design work, technical projects, research, data projects, websites or other relevant work that demonstrates your interests and abilities. You can send this as a link to [email protected]. Please don’t feel the need to create a portfolio specifically for the application if you don’t already have one prepared. 

The short answer: Not harder at all. 

All students transferring from within the University of Michigan are guaranteed admission if you meet the eligibility requirements. Preferred admission just provides a way for high school applicants to indicate their intention to join the School of Information. 

Our favorite question! View the new transfer application requirements and deadlines. 

New transfer students have access to robust resources through the Career Development Office, Engaged Learning Office, academic advising and academic success teams, including:

• Career, internship and entrepreneurship coaching
• Study abroad resources and preparation
• Mental health and well-being resources, including an embedded psychologist
• Emergency funding for one-time, unforeseen expenses
• Academic resources, including tutoring and skill-building workshops
• Campus and community resources

As a prospective new transfer student, you will receive an iTransfer newsletter providing resources and support for the transfer process.

If you are transferring from a community college, you can also participate in UMSI’s Community College Summer Institute to get ready for the transfer process.

Before starting the BSI, you must complete two prerequisite courses:

• A first-year writing course equivalent to U-M’s English 125
• An approved programming course equivalent to SI 101, EECS 183 or ENG 101

To check whether a course meets this requirement, you can search the U-M Transfer Equivalency Database. If the course you’re interested in is not listed, or isn’t exactly equivalent, you can contact the admissions team at [email protected].

UMSI accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities, up to 60 credits or 62 credits for students with an associate’s degree. Courses must be college-level and have a final grade equivalent to a C- or higher. You must have at least 24 transferable credits completed by the time you enroll in the BSI.

Some courses may transfer as direct equivalents to required UMSI courses, but this is uncommon outside of programming, first-year writing and, in some cases, statistics.

To check whether a course will transfer, you can search the Transfer Equivalency Database to see what transfer credit U-M awards.

If you’d like UMSI to review a course for equivalency, email an unofficial transcript and the following information to the admissions team:

• The course you took (for example, CPS 141)
• The UMSI course you think it may be equivalent to (for example, SI 110 or SI 325)
• The course description
• The course syllabus

If you’re transferring directly from another college or university, you don’t need to submit the Common App. Apply through ApplyWeb using the BSI new transfer application. 

Use your essays to explain your goals and why you’re interested in studying information science. If you use sources, make sure you cite them. You can use any citation style, including MLA, Chicago or APA style. 

We review essays for:

• Your story and motivations for transferring
• Your alignment with the BSI program
• Your writing style and clarity
• How fully you answer the prompts
• The depth and relevance of your ideas

Yes, if they’re still relevant or help show your interests and experience. You might include significant activities, leadership roles, awards or work experience from high school, especially if you’re early in your college journey.

Supplemental materials are truly optional. They’re not required or expected, so include them only if they add information that isn’t already covered elsewhere in your application. You don’t need to create a portfolio or project just to submit supplemental material.