Information Systems

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 69.8 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 1, 2025
28 place StudyQA ranking:2332 Duration:4 years

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Information Systems (IS), found within the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, is an internationally recognized undergraduate major for students who want to design and implement effective solutions to meet organizational, societal and management needs for information and decision support.

In today's complex, interconnected world, the effective creation, distribution, and use of information via technology is central to daily life. Computer based information systems facilitate, enable and often define the relationships between corporations and consumers, buyers and suppliers, businesses of all sizes, social networks, and citizens and their governments. Understanding these relationships and effectively addressing the collection, flow, and distribution of information is vital to running a modern organization, enterprise or government agency.

Information Systems involves the effective design, delivery, use and impact of information and communications technologies in organizations and society. The importance of information technology and information systems to organizations and the need for well-educated professionals in the field is the basis for the Information Systems curriculum at Carnegie Mellon. Whether implementing applications, providing management or decision support, managing complex systems projects, or helping organizations design business processes or cope with rapid change, IS professionals fill an essential need across all sectors of society.

Information systems students at Carnegie Mellon learn to use, manage and deploy information technologies to address real problems or opportunities. They develop a solid foundation in computing, communications, as well as software development principles, languages, and methods. Since Information Systems generally operate within organizations, IS students study social sciences and organizational theory. IS students learn how to right-size information technology solutions to meet real-world economic and organizational constraints. Information Systems students also learn, through hands-on experience, the importance of professional communications, problem analysis, critical thinking and teamwork.Building on the multi-disciplinary strengths of the university and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, graduates in Information Systems are ideally suited to take a leading role in shaping our information-based future.

The flexible nature of the program encourages students to explore their own interests through program electives, study in a contemporary content area or through optional second majors and minors. 

IS students are well prepared to pursue graduate work in a wide range of fields. For students interested in master's degree-level graduate work at Carnegie Mellon, there are many possibilities, including accelerated Masters degree programs in Information Systems Management, Human Computer Interaction, Information Security Policy and Management, Engineering Technology and Innovation Management, and Business Administration.

IS graduates continue to be in high demand in the information-age workplace. There has been a strong job market for IS students in recent years, and national trends indicate that this is likely to continue. IS majors often take jobs in consulting companies, major software firms, large corporations, and start-up companies. Internship opportunities closely parallel the job market.

In addition to the Dietrich College General Education Requirements and basic prerequisites in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, IS students must complete the Professional Core, the Disciplinary Core and a focused Content Area. In the Professional Core (consisting of six courses), students learn the basic skills necessary to analyze, design, implement and test high-quality, cost effective information systems. Two of the Professional Core courses are project-based experiences in which small teams of students develop and deliver solutions to real information problems.

In the Disciplinary Core (consisting of three courses), students study key areas fundamental to understanding and solving problems in information systems: professional communications; quantitative analysis and research methods; and organizations, policy, and social science.

IS students also complete three courses within one Content Area. The content areas are designed to provide students an opportunity to gain additional depth in a focused area. Currently, twelve content areas are available: (1) Business / Enterprise Systems, (2) Computing and Information Systems & Technology, (3) Social and Global Systems, (4) Quantitative Analysis, (5) Game Design, (6) Animation and Special Effects, (7) Media Design, (8) Learning Media, (9) Sound Design, (10) Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries, (11) Intelligent Environments, (12) Physical Computing. Content areas (5) through (12) are offered through CMU's Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) initiative combining arts and technology.

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:

  Units
21-111 Calculus I 10
21-112 Calculus II 10

OR

  Units
21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus 10
21-256 Multivariate Analysis
(Required for advanced business courses)
9

OR

  Units
21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus 10
21-122 Integration and Approximation
(Required for advanced computer science courses)
10

AND also complete:

  Units
36-201 Statistical Reasoning and Practice 9

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.

  Units
15-110 Principles of Computing 10
15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science 12
15-121 Introduction to Data Structures 10

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:

  Units
67-250 The Information Systems Milieux
(Spring Semester Only)
9
67-262 Database Design and Development
(Fall Semester Only)
9
67-272 Application Design and Development
(Spring Semester Only)
9
67-373 Software Development Project
(Spring Semester Only)
12
67-475 Innovation in Information Systems
(Fall Semester Only)
12

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:

  Units
19-402 Telecommunications Technology, Policy & Management 12
67-306 Special Topics: Management of Computer and Information Systems 6
67-308 Innovation Studio: Health Care Information Systems 9
67-309 Special Topics 6
67-311 Database Design and Implementation 9
67-319-67-331 Global Technology Consulting Groundwork - Technology Consulting in the Global Community
(these two courses are taken sequentially)
6
67-327 Web Application Security 6
67-328 Mobile to Cloud: Building Distributed Applications 9
67-329 Contemporary Themes in Global Systems 9
67-330 Technology Consulting in the Community 9
67-344 Organizational Intelligence in the Information Age 9
67-353 IT & Environmental Sustainability 6
67-362 Big Data and Analytics 9
67-364 Practical Data Science 9
67-370 Intelligent Decision Support Systems 9
67-442 Mobile Application Development in iOS 9
88-223 Decision Analysis 9

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: 

  Units
05-341 Organizational Communication 9
15-221 Technical Communication for Computer Scientists 9
36-315 Statistical Graphics and Visualization 9
51-261 Communication Design Fundamentals: Design for Interactions for Communications 9
or 51-262 Communication Design Fundamentals: Design for Interactions for Communications
70-321 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 9
70-340 Business Communications 9
70-341 Organizational Communication 9
70-342 Managing Across Cultures 9
76-270 Writing for the Professions 9
76-272 Language in Design 9
88/70/85-341 Organizational Communication 9

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: 

  Units
21-257 Models and Methods for Optimization 9
21-325 Probability 9
36-202 Statistical Methods 9
36/70-208 Regression Analysis 9
36-217 Probability Theory and Random Processes 9
36-225 Introduction to Probability Theory 9
36-303 Sampling, Survey and Society 9
36-309 Experimental Design for Behavioral and Social Sciences 9
67-362 Big Data and Analytics 9
67-364 Practical Data Science 9
67-370 Intelligent Decision Support Systems 9
80-305 Rational Choice 9
80-405 Game Theory 9
88-223 Decision Analysis 9
88-251 Empirical Research Methods 9

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): 

  Units
08-200/19-211 Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing 9
15-390/70-421 Entrepreneurship for Computer Science 9
19-402 Telecommunications Technology, Policy & Management 12
19-411 Global Competitiveness: Firms, Nations and Technological Change 9
67-308 Innovation Studio: Health Care Information Systems 9
67-321 Social Informatics 6
67-344 Organizational Intelligence in the Information Age 9
67-353 IT & Environmental Sustainability 6
70-311 Organizational Behavior 9
70-332 Business, Society and Ethics 9
70/85/88-341 Organizational Communication 9
70-342 Managing Across Cultures 9
70-414 Entrepreneurship for Engineers 9
70-415 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 9
70-416 New Venture Creation 9
70-420 Entrepreneurship for Scientists 9
70-437 Organizational Learning and Strategic Management 9
80-341 Computers, Society and Ethics 9
88-220 Policy Analysis I 9
88-223 Decision Analysis 9
88-260 Organizations 9

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. 

  Units
19-402 Telecommunications Technology, Policy & Management 12
19-411 Global Competitiveness: Firms, Nations and Technological Change 9
67-301 Networks and Telecommunications 9
67-306 Special Topics: Management of Computer and Information Systems 6
67-308 Innovation Studio: Health Care Information Systems 9
67-309 Special Topics 6
67-311 Database Design and Implementation 9
67-317 Mobile Web Development and Usability Testing 9
67-319-67-331 Global Technology Consulting Groundwork - Technology Consulting in the Global Community
(these two courses are taken sequentially)
6
67-328 Mobile to Cloud: Building Distributed Applications 9
67-330 Technology Consulting in the Community 9
67-344 Organizational Intelligence in the Information Age 9
67-353 IT & Environmental Sustainability 6
67-370 Intelligent Decision Support Systems 9
67-442 Mobile Application Development in iOS 9
70-332 Business, Society and Ethics 9
70-366 Intellectual Property and E-Commerce 6
70-371 Operations Management 9
70-414 Entrepreneurship for Engineers 9
or 70-415 Introduction to Entrepreneurship
or 70-420 Entrepreneurship for Scientists
or 70-421 Entrepreneurship for Computer Scientists
70-437 Organizational Learning and Strategic Management 9
70-438 Commercialization and Innovation 9
70-443 Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy 9
70-449 Social, Economic and Information Networks 9
70-455 Modern Data Management 9
70-460 Mathematical Models for Consulting 9
70/73-465 Technology Strategy 9
70-471 Supply Chain Management 9
70-476 Service Operations Management 9
73-359 Benefit-Cost Analysis 9
73-469 Global Electronic Markets: Economics and the Internet 9
76-391 Document & Information Design 12
76-487 Web Design 12


Computing and Information Systems & Technology

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

  Units
05-391 Designing Human Centered Software 12
05-410 User-Centered Research and Evaluation 12
05-430 Programming Usable Interfaces 15
05-431 Software Structures for User Interfaces 15
05-432 Personalized Online Learning 12
05-433 Programming Usable Interfaces OR Software Structures for Usable Interfaces 6
05-499 Special Topics in HCI Var.
16-311 Introduction to Robotics 12
16-362 Mobile Robot Programming Laboratory 12
19-411 Global Competitiveness: Firms, Nations and Technological Change 9
60-415 Advanced ETB: 3D Animation 10
67-311 Database Design and Implementation 9
67-317 Mobile Web Development and Usability Testing 9
67-327 Web Application Security 6
67-328 Mobile to Cloud: Building Distributed Applications 9
67-362 Big Data and Analytics 9
67-364 Practical Data Science 9
67-442 Mobile Application Development in iOS 9
Any 15-xxx course above 15-121 with prerequisite of 15-112 or higher  


Social and Global Systems

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

  Units
19-402 Telecommunications Technology, Policy & Management 12
19-411 Global Competitiveness: Firms, Nations and Technological Change 9
67-319-67-331 Global Technology Consulting Groundwork - Technology Consulting in the Global Community
(these two courses are taken sequentially)
6
67-321 Social Informatics 6
67-329 Contemporary Themes in Global Systems 9
67-330 Technology Consulting in the Community 9
67-353 IT & Environmental Sustainability 6
70-342 Managing Across Cultures 9
70-365 International Trade and International Law 9
70-430 International Management 9
70-480 International Marketing 9
73-372 International Money and Finance 9
76-318 Communicating in the Global Marketplace 9
76-386 Language & Culture 9
79-318 Sustainable Social Change: History and Practice 9
79-381 Energy and Empire: How Fossil Fuels Changed the World 9
88-371 Entrepreneurship, Regulation and Technological Change 9
88-384 Conflict and Conflict Resolution in International Relations 9
88-411 Rise of the Asian Economies 9

 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. 

  Units
21-257 Models and Methods for Optimization 9
21-292 Operations Research I 9
36/70-208 Regression Analysis 9
36-217 Probability Theory and Random Processes 9
or 36-225 Introduction to Probability Theory
36-303 Sampling, Survey and Society 9
36-309 Experimental Design for Behavioral and Social Sciences 9
36-350 Statistical Computing 9
36-401 Modern Regression 9
36-410 Introduction to Probability Modeling 9

or 36-46x Topics in Statistics

 
67-362 Big Data and Analytics 9
67-364 Practical Data Science 9
67-370 Intelligent Decision Support Systems 9
70-460 Mathematical Models for Consulting 9
70-462 Stochastic Modeling and Simulations 9
73-274 Econometrics I 9
73-374 Econometrics II 9
88-223 Decision Analysis 9
88-251 Empirical Research Methods 9

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 

Freshman Sophomore
Fall Spring Fall Spring
67-100 Information Systems Freshman Workshop 67-250 The Information Systems Milieux 67-262 Database Design and Development 67-272 Application Design and Development
15-110 Principles of Computing 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science 15-121 Introduction to Data Structures Disciplinary Core Course
21-111 Calculus I 21-112 Calculus II Disciplinary Core Course Elective Course
36-201 Statistical Reasoning and Practice 76-101 Interpretation and Argument Elective Course Elective Course
Freshman Seminar 79-104 Global Histories Elective Course Elective Course
99-101 Computing @ Carnegie Mellon      
Elective Course      
Junior Senior
Fall Spring Fall Spring
Professional Core Elective Course 67-373 Software Development Project 67-475 Innovation in Information Systems Content Area Course
Disciplinary Core Course Content Area Course Content Area Course Elective Course
Elective Course Elective Course Elective Course Elective Course
Elective Course Elective Course Elective Course Elective Course
Elective Course Elective Course Elective Course Elective Course
  • Common Application
  • $75 application fee*
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  • Teacher Recommendation
  • Common Application essay and personal statement
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  • 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.
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