| ARM: Archives & Records Management | C&T: Culture & Technology | CIPS: Critical Information Policy Studies | HCDS: Human Centered Data Science | ISD: Information Systems & Design | KMIM: Knowledge Management & Information Management | LIS: Library & Information Science | UXD: User Experience Design |
HCDS Concentration liaison: Prof. Shion Guha
HCDS drop-in sessions with Prof. Shion Guha, HCDS concentration liaison: Thursdays, from 11am-12pm in BL514
Requirements | Suggested electives | Careers |
The Human Centered Data Science (HCDS) concentration in the MI will provide students not only with the skills and knowledge to deal with complex, large-scale data sets and information systems but they will also gain expertise in user-centred visualization, ethics and policy. Students in this concentration will be able to differentiate themselves from others in comparative programs since in all contents of the new concentration, from the design to the implementation of their solutions, they will be able to assess the social implications of any solution.
While most data science programs that are being developed focus more on providing computational and statistical education, this concentration will integrate a human centered and societal focus throughout. Students will understand the fundamental concepts, theories, practices and different horizons in which data is retrieved and manipulated while they will apply new technological developments and realize the impact such developments may have on society.
Graduates of the program will develop knowledge of software principles and practices, programming concepts and techniques, data structures, and system development methods and practices.
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Concentration requirements (2024 and later)
Below you will find the specific requirements for each of the program pathways (Coursework, Thesis, Co-op).
Click HERE to find the suggested first and second year courses for your specific concentration.
Concentration Only Option
- Students must successfully complete a total of 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- Note: of the total 8.0 FCEs for this option, 0.5 FCE must come from each of the following four Professional Requirements areas: Technical, Managerial, Professional Values, and Critical Perspectives. This requirement can be fulfilled by required and elective courses for each concentration.
Concentration Plus Thesis Option
- Students must successfully complete a total of 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- Thesis (2.0 FCEs)
- 2.5 required FCEs:
- Research methods course (0.5 FCE)
- Reading course (0.5 FCE)
- 2.5 elective FCEs.
- Note: of the total 8.0 FCEs for this option, 0.5 FCE must come from each of the following four Professional Requirements areas: Technical, Managerial, Professional Values, and Critical Perspectives. This requirement can be fulfilled by required and elective courses for each concentration.
Concentration Plus Co-op Option
- Students must successfully complete a total of 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- Co-op (1.0 FCE) plus the Co-op Independent Modules (0.0 FCE)
- 2.5 required FCEs:
- 4.5 elective FCEs.
- Note: of the total 8.0 FCEs for this option, 0.5 FCE must come from each of the following four Professional Requirements areas: Technical, Managerial, Professional Values, and Critical Perspectives. This requirement can be fulfilled by required and elective courses for each concentration.
Electives:
- Complete remaining credit requirements by taking a combination of the following:
- Elective courses, Co-op option, thesis option, or collaborative specialization (5.0 credit)
- Take a look at our suggested electives
Students are required to complete a total of 8.0 credits for their MI degree.
Students are able to take their Year 1 required courses in Year 2 as long as it is not a pre-requisite to a Year 2 required course. It is, however, recommended that you complete your Year 1 required courses in Year 1 as they provide foundational knowledge. For students thinking about Co-op, you should complete all Year 1 required courses in Year 1.
Students interested in the cross section of information and museum studies may wish to apply for the Combined Degree Program (CDP) to explore areas such as museum informatics, among other interests. The CDP allows students to complete both an MI and MMSt degrees in three years.
Concentration requirements (2023 or earlier)
Year 1 required courses
- INF1005H — Information Workshop I (0.25 CR)
- INF1006H — Information Workshops II (0.25 CR)
- INF1340H — Programming for Data Science (0.5 CR)
- INF1344H — Introduction to Statistics for Data Science (0.5 CR)
- INF2178H — Experimental Design for Data Science (0.5 CR)
- INF2190H — Data Analytics: Introduction, Methods and Practical Approaches (0.5 CR)
Year 2 required courses
Electives
- Complete remaining credit requirements by taking a combination of the following:
- Elective courses, Co-op option, thesis option, or collaborative specialization (5.0 credit)
- Take a look at our suggested electives
Students are required to complete a total of 8.0 credits for their MI degree.
Students are able to take their Year 1 required courses in Year 2 as long as it is not a pre-requisite to a Year 2 required course. It is, however, recommended that you complete your Year 1 required courses in Year 1 as they provide foundational knowledge. For students thinking about Co-op, you should complete all Year 1 required courses in Year 1.
Students interested in the cross section of information and museum studies may wish to apply for the Combined Degree Program (CDP) to explore areas such as museum informatics, among other interests. The CDP allows students to complete both an MI and MMSt degrees in three years.
Quick links to resources:
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Students looking to engage in hands-on experience, widen their professional network and engage in professional development should connect with our Careers Services. The Faculty of Information offers a variety of work-integrated learning opportunities such as: MI Co-op option, practicum, job shadowing, and ask-an-alum.
We encourage our students to engage widely in various professional circles and broaden your horizons beyond disciplinary boundaries. Our students, alumni and faculty are members of many professional associations. Our strong ties, built over many years, with these institutions keep us all abreast of the latest trends in the industries. Throughout the year, students may find representatives and members of these associations taking active roles in assisting our students by providing relevant industry insights and networking opportunities. One such group is the UofT iSchool ACM Student Chapter (formerly part of AIS). Please visit our Student Experience & Life page on student councils, clubs and associations that our students engage and participate actively in.
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Suggested Electives
