Most questions come down to “Can I do this?” and “How does it fit with my major?” Whether you’re just exploring or ready to declare, there are answers.
Getting Started
1
Confirm Eligibility
Make sure that you’re a non-business major and take any prerequisites for the courses you’re interested in.
2
Talk with an Advisor
Schedule a meeting with an IS advisor to discuss how the minor fits with your major and career goals.
3
Declare the Minor
Complete the declaration process through your college advisement center.
4
Plan Your Path
Work with your advisor to create a course plan that fits your schedule and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IS minor is open to all non-business majors at BYU. If you’re a business major, you should consider the IS major or other minors instead.
The IS minor requires 19 credits total: 4 credits of foundations (IS 110 and IS 201), 6 credits of technical core (IS 302 and IS 303), 6 credits of IS electives (choose 2 courses), and 3 credits of business electives. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Most students complete the minor in two to three semesters, depending on their course load and when they declare. Since some courses have prerequisites, plan for at least two semesters.
No prior coding experience is required. IS 110 starts with spreadsheets, and IS 201 introduces foundational technology skills. If you’re interested in data programming, IS 315 is designed for beginners.
Policies vary by major and college. Some majors allow courses to count toward both, while others don’t. Meet with both your major advisor and IS advisor about your specific situation.
Yes. Students in computer science or statistics may qualify for up to two approved course substitutions. See the full substitution policy on the Requirements page.
Yes. Data analysis and technology skills are increasingly valued across graduate and professional programs. The minor demonstrates analytical thinking and practical problem-solving skills.
No. IS 110 (or IS 111) should be taken first, as it is the foundational course. IS 201 builds on IS 110. IS 302 requires either IS 201 or IS 303 as a prerequisite. Beyond that, you have flexibility in choosing electives.
AI is woven throughout the IS minor curriculum, not confined to a single course. IS 111 offers a dedicated introduction, and you’ll also use AI-assisted coding tools in IS 303, apply AI and ML techniques in IS 315 and IS 355, and use AI across other courses. Learn more about AI in the IS minor.
IS 111 is a new one-credit course that introduces artificial intelligence concepts and tools in a business context. It can be taken as an alternative to IS 110 to satisfy the foundations requirement. Check with the Undergraduate Advisement Center for current availability.
The IS minor helps you become the “tech-savvy person” in your field. You might work with data in research labs, build tools for healthcare organizations, analyze information in public policy roles, manage digital systems in media companies, or bridge technical and non-technical teams in any industry.