All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Total credits: 19.
Minor Requirements
| Component | Credits | Courses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations | 4 | Choose one: IS 110: Spreadsheet Skills & Business Analysis (1 cr.) or IS 111: Introduction to AI in Business (1 cr.).* IS 201: Introduction to Information Systems (3 cr.) | IS 110 or IS 111 plus IS 201 required for all students. *IS 111 is new—check with BYU Marriott Undergraduate Advisement. |
| Technical Core | 6 | IS 302: Introduction to Database Design & SQL (3 cr.) IS 303: Introduction to Computer Programming (3 cr.) | Both are required. Prerequisite for IS 302 is IS 201 or IS 303. |
| IS Electives | 6 | Choose two: IS 315: Python Data Analytics (3 cr.) IS 355: Machine Learning in Python (3 cr.) IS 515: Advanced Spreadsheets (3 cr.) IS 520: Spreadsheet Automation (3 cr.) | Select based on your path and interests. Some electives have prerequisites. |
| Business Electives | 3 | Choose one: ACC 200: Principles of Accounting (3 cr.) ENT 101: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 cr.) EXDM 300: Creating a Good Life through Experience Design (3 cr.) FIN 201: Principles of Finance (3 cr.) GSCM 201: Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management (1.5 cr.) GSCM 211: Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management in International Business (1.5 cr.) HRM 300: Organizational Behavior (3 cr.) MKTG 201: Marketing Management (3 cr.) MSB 201: Applying Business Foundations (3 cr.) MSB 490R: Topics in Business Management (0.5–3 cr.) MSB 494R: On-Campus Experiential Projects (3 cr.) | Two 1.5 credit hour courses can be combined to reach the 3 credit hour requirement. |
| Total | 19 | All courses must be taken at BYU. A grade of C or better is required. | |
Courses & Sample Projects
Here’s an overview of key courses in the minor and what you’ll learn:
IS 110
Spreadsheet Skills & Business Analysis
Build foundational spreadsheet skills in Microsoft Excel. No technical background necessary.
IS 111
Introduction to AI in Business
Use AI concepts and tools in a business context. *Alternative to IS 110. This is a new course—please check availability.
IS 201
Introduction to Information Systems
Create technology solutions to solve business problems. Covers databases, analytics, automation, and programming.
IS 302
Introduction to Database Design & SQL
Use relational databases, data modeling, and SQL querying to solve data problems.
IS 303
Introduction to Computer Programming
Learn object-oriented programming, algorithm design, version control, and AI-assisted coding tools.
IS 315
Introduction to Python Data Analytics
Learn Python in Jupyter Notebook. Includes topics in statistics, visualizations, data cleaning, and AI/ML methods.
IS 355
Machine Learning Algorithms in Python
Build ML models: regression, classification, clustering, forecasting, and text analysis.
IS 515
Advanced Spreadsheets for Business Analysis
Learn named ranges, arrays, pivot tables, data importing, and advanced decision-making models.
IS 520
Business Programming and Spreadsheet Automation
Use Excel VBA programming to automate business tasks, retrieve data, and build user forms.
Eligibility & Policy Notes
- Non-business majors only: The IS minor is designed specifically for students with majors outside the BYU Marriott School of Business.
- Prerequisites: Some courses may have prerequisites outside of the minor. Always check the course catalog before registering for classes.
- Grade requirements: All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- Transfer credits: Courses taken at other institutions must be evaluated by BYU Transfer Evaluation and approved by the IS department.
- Double counting: Policies vary by major. Consult with both your major advisor and IS advisor.
- Declaration: Declare through your college advisement center. It’s recommended to declare early.
- Course substitutions: Computer science or statistics students may qualify for up to two approved substitutions. See below.
Course Substitutions for Technical Majors
Students from technical majors—particularly computer science and statistics—often complete coursework that overlaps with portions of the IS minor.
General Guidelines
- Students may apply for up to two approved substitutions.
- Must still complete at least 13 credits of IS coursework or business coursework within BYU Marriott.
- IS 201 is not eligible for substitution—this course is required for all minor students.
- Substitutions listed below may be automatically approved. Others require departmental review.
Approved Substitutions
| Student’s Major | Approved Substitutions | Recommended Complementary IS Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (CS) | CS 111 → IS 303 CS 142 → IS 303 CS 180 → IS 315 CS 270 → IS 355 | IS 551: User Experience Design |
| Statistics (STAT) | STAT 348 → IS 355 STAT 486 → IS 355 | IS 302: Introduction to Database Design and SQL IS 566: Advanced Database Management |
Note: IS 551: User Experience Design is a graduate-level course requiring special approval for undergraduates. Even with substitutions, the goal is to ensure students complete a substantial portion of the minor within BYU Marriott. Talk with an advisor to plan your personalized path.