Information Systems

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare students for the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of information technology. This program integrates principles from computer science, business, and management to equip students with the technical expertise and strategic understanding necessary to design, implement, and manage complex information systems that support organizational goals. Students in the program engage with core topics such as software development, database management, data analysis, cybersecurity, and systems architecture, while also gaining insights into business processes, information strategy, and enterprise systems.

Throughout their studies, students benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories, collaborative projects, and industry partnerships that provide real-world experience and foster innovation. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, all within a global context that prepares graduates to work effectively in diverse environments. The program also encourages interdisciplinary learning and offers electives to allow students to specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, user experience design, or data analytics.

Graduates of the program are highly sought after by technology firms, consulting companies, financial institutions, and government agencies, among others. They are well-equipped to pursue careers as systems analysts, database administrators, cybersecurity specialists, IT consultants, and management information systems professionals. With a strong foundation in both technical and managerial skills, alumni are prepared to lead digital transformation initiatives and contribute to innovations that drive organizational success in an increasingly digital world. The Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Science in Information Systems is dedicated to developing versatile, ethical, and forward-thinking professionals who can adapt to the rapid changes of the technology landscape and make meaningful contributions to society.

The Information Systems major is offered only as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. In addition to major requirements outlined below, all Information Systems students must fulfill the General Education requirements for the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. A total of 360 units is required for the degree.

Requirements are subject to revision.  Advisor approval is required for each student's major curriculum plan.  Any proposed course substitutions to courses required for the IS major must be approved in advance by the IS Academic Advisor. 

PREREQUISITES

Information Systems requires completion of prerequisite courses in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.  All prerequisites must be successfully completed prior to the start of Fall semester, junior year. 
 

Mathematics and Statistics

Complete one of the following calculus sequences:

OR

OR

AND also complete:

Computer Science

Three Computer Science courses are required. To maintain normal progress toward the Information Systems degree, students must complete 15-121 Introduction to Data Structures prior to the start of Spring Semester, sophomore year.

Students entering the program as freshmen will have the option to complete a Computer Science Placement Test. Depending on appropriate Advanced Placement credit and/or results of the Computer Science Placement Test, entering students may place directly into 15-112 or 15-121.   15-110 is taken as the first Computer Science prerequisite unless a student places directly into 15-112 or 15-121. Most students entering the program will begin the sequence with 15-110.

Note: Students cannot receive credit for both 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice and 15-110 Principles of Computing.

PROFESSIONAL CORE

The Professional Core consists of six courses (five core courses and one core elective).

Complete all five of these courses:

Core courses are only offered once per academic year.

Note: Students transferring into Information Systems may substitute 67-344 Organizational Intelligence in the Information Age for 67-250 The Information Systems Milieux.

Professional Core Elective

Plus, complete 6 to 12 units chosen from the following options:

OR Any Computer Science course above 15-121 with prerequisite of 15-112 or higher.

OR Any Human-Computer Interaction course (05-xxx).

OR other pre-approved 67-3xx or 67-4xx which may be offered from time to time. Students wishing to apply such courses to their Professional Core requirement must complete a course substitution application through the IS Academic Advisor. 

OR other pre-approved courses offered by the Engineering & Public Policy Department (19-xxx). 

NOTE: 67-1xx and 67-2xx courses may not be applied to this requirement.

DISCIPLINARY CORE

Complete one course (9 units) from each of the three Disciplinary Core categories.

Professional Communications

Information systems professionals communicate with a wide range of people in most organizations and often facilitate communications between diverse groups of stakeholders. Consequently, the most successful professionals typically are those with strong communication skills. These courses help students see that the structure and presentation of information affects how well (and how easily) it can be understood and used.

Complete one course (9 units).  It is recommended that this requirement be completed by the end of junior year: 

Quantitative Analysis and Research Methods

This area focuses on decision making and data analysis — essential to development of useful information systems. this area exposes students to analytic methods in the social sciences and quantitative methods for approaching complex methods.

Complete one course (9 units).  It is recommended that this requirement be completed in the sophomore year: 

Organizations, Policy, and Social Science

The focus of this area is on how organizations function in modern social and economic environments. Students will develop a greater understanding of how social policy and technology influence organizations and how they operate.

Complete one course (9 units): 

CONTENT AREA

Complete a minimum of 27 units from one of the Content Areas below. No Content Area course may also be used to fulfill a Disciplinary Core or Professional Core requirement.
 

Business/Enterprise Systems

This content area broadens a student's knowledge in the business, economics and policy aspects of large scale information systems. 

Computing and Information Systems & Technology

This content area allows students to focus on current and emerging technologies. 

Social and Global Systems

This content area exposes students to key themes in globalization and global systems . management, policy, international business, and technology.

 Additionally, other pre-approved courses offered by the Engineering & Public Policy Department (19-xxx) may be used to fulfill the Social and Global Systems Content Area. 
 

Quantitative Analysis

Students will learn to apply analytic and quantitative methods for approaching complex, ambiguous problems. 

INTEGRATIVE DESIGN, ARTS, AND TECHNOLOGY (IDEATE) CONTENT AREAS:

An IDeATe content area consists of a minimum of 27 units which may include one Portal Course (other than 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice) plus 2 courses from one of the areas below.

Game Design (IDeATe)

In this content area, students will learn both theory and skill in the key areas of games: dramatic narrative and character development, visual and sound synthesis, special effects and performance capture, programming and engine development, interface and interaction architecture development, game assessment and redesign. Please visit the Game Design websitefor information about available courses.

Animation and Special Effects (IDeATe)

The interconnected components of performance capture, rendering, 3D and 2D animation, and special effects will be covered in this content area.  Course information can be found at the Animation and Special Effects website. 

Media Design (IDeATe)

The digital mediation of experiences content area explores the interconnected development of technology and content in new media systems and the meaning that arises from the resulting forms. Students learn to design mediated experiences across different platforms, from mobile to large-scale installations. Course information can be found on the Media Design website.

Learning Media (IDeATe)

Students in this content area will combine their diverse skills for the design of effective new media systems for learning; from games for learning to tangible learning tool kits and remote learning systems. They will leverage new technologies, media arts knowledge, and learning science principles to create engaging experiences with measurable real world impact. For course information, please visit the Learning Media website.

Sound Design (IDeATe)

This content area will explore the processes and products of digital sound and music. Students will receive basic training in key areas: principles of computer music, hybrid instrument building, concepts in sound design.  62-150 Intro to Signal Processing for Creative Practice (10 units) is the required portal course for this content area and will serve as one of the courses for this content area. Course information can be found at the Sound Design website. 

Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries (IDeATe)

Students in this content area will develop the knowledge and skills to lead and innovate in creative industries. Their interdisciplinary, hands-on coursework will emphasize the conceptualization of innovative products and the structuring of innovation processes. Courses and additional information can be found at the Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries website.

Intelligent Environments  (IDeATe)

The focus of this content area is on spaces that support efficiency and high quality of experience, addressing both the integrated development of such environments and the resulting experience.
The required portal course for this content area is 62-150 Intro to Signal Processing for Creative Practice (10 units) or 16-223/60-223 IDeATE: Introduction to Physical Computing (10 units) and will serve as one of the courses for this content area. Course information can be found at the Intelligent Environments website.

Physical Computing (IDeATe)

The barriers between computing devices and their users have slowly dissolved. The physical world is becoming a key interface for computing and the internet of things is becoming the next generation of connectivity. Students in this content area will explore the technical, experiential, and semantic issues of this evolution. Course information can be found on the Physical Computing website.
 

DOUBLE COUNTING OF COURSES

"Double Counting" refers to instances when a course taken to fulfill one requirement counts simultaneously toward a requirement in another major or minor program.  Double Counting is permitted in the Dietrich College on a very limited basis.  Information Systems students may double count no more than two courses used to fulfill any Information Systems major requirement (beyond the Dietrich College General Education requirements and Prerequisite courses) with any combination of dual degrees, additional majors, minors or graduate degree programs.  Only one course may double count with any minor.  No course can count for more than one requirement within the major. Students must also adhere to any policy restrictions on double counting enforced by the academic department of the student's additional major or minor.

COURSE REPEATS

Per university policy, when a course is repeated, all grades will be recorded on the official academic transcript and will be calculated in the student's QPA. This is the case regardless if the first grade for the course is a passing or failing grade.

Undergraduate students who wish to repeat a course already passed must obtain approval from the student's Dean or Department Head. When a student takes a course s/he has already passed, only one set of units will count towards graduation requirements.

Information Systems Sample Curriculum 

• Common Application
• $75 application fee*
• Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**
• Secondary School Counselor Evaluation
• Teacher Recommendation
• Common Application essay and personal statement
• All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design, Drama and Music are required to arrange an audition or portfolio review.
• Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.
• Applicants must provide proof of meeting all requirements for an official high school diploma, by the end of May of the year of graduation, and submit an official final transcript, GED or certificate of completion from your local school district or state board of education by the end of July of the year of matriculation.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required if your native language is not English. Carnegie Mellon requires TOEFL scores of 102 or better on the internet-based TOEFL (as of Fall 2010) or an IELTS score of 7.5 and above. Carnegie Mellon carefully reviews the sub-scores of each of these exams and considers those candidates with reading, listening, speaking and writing sub-scores of 25 or more on TOEFL and 7.5 or more on IELTS to be candidates with high levels of English proficiency. Please arrange to have these scores sent no later than January 1st. Carnegie Mellon's TOEFL code is 2074.
• InitialView interviews are recommended for non-native English speakers but are not required. Often these interviews can measure readiness for engagement in the classroom and also showcase a student’s personality, likes and dislikes as well as the area of intended major. InitialView interviews can show English language proficiency while also corroborating the application with more details about the student.
• If your secondary school transcript or any other admission document is written in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by an official translation and verified by a counselor or school official to be true copies of the original.
• If you are preparing for the International Baccalaureate or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level examinations, please send your expected exam results.

The Master of Science in Information Systems program at Carnegie Mellon University offers a range of financing options to support admitted students throughout their graduate studies. Funding opportunities include scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and external awards, designed to reduce financial burdens and enable students to focus on their academic and professional development. Scholarships and merit-based fellowships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and professional achievements. These awards do not require repayment and are highly competitive, often covering partial or full tuition fees. Teaching and research assistantships are also available, providing students with employment opportunities within university departments, which include stipends and tuition remission. These positions not only offer financial support but also valuable work experience in teaching, research, or administrative roles related to information systems. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources such as grants, fellowships, and sponsorships from government agencies, industry partners, and private foundations. The university maintains a dedicated Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships that offers personalized guidance, application assistance, and up-to-date information on available funding options. Payments for tuition and fees can often be structured through payment plans, and students may also consider external educational loans if necessary. International students are advised to explore scholarship opportunities designated specifically for international applicants and to consult with the university’s financial aid office for specific guidance. The university also hosts various networking events, employer recruiting sessions, and career fairs that can facilitate connections with potential employers willing to sponsor tuition or provide stipends for internships. Overall, Carnegie Mellon University’s robust financial support structure aims to make the master’s program accessible, enabling talented students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their educational goals in information systems without undue financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary field that combines computer science, management, and social sciences. This program aims to equip students with the technical skills necessary to develop and manage information technology systems, along with a strong foundation in the principles of designing, implementing, and evaluating information systems within organizational contexts. The curriculum covers core areas such as programming, data management, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, and software engineering, alongside courses in business processes, organizational behavior, and decision-making.

Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and research collaborations with industry partners, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The program emphasizes a balance between technical expertise and understanding of business strategies, preparing graduates for roles such as systems analysts, IT consultants, project managers, and technology entrepreneurs. Carnegie Mellon’s close ties to the tech industry, innovative interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to research excellence make this program highly regarded in the field of information systems education. The department also offers opportunities for specialization in areas like data analytics, user experience, and cybersecurity, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career interests.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of information technology in a global context, and many go on to pursue further studies or leading roles within technology companies, consulting firms, financial institutions, and government agencies. The program's strong emphasis on both technical skills and managerial insights ensures that students are equipped to lead digital transformation initiatives and innovate within complex organizational environments.