• Information Systems

Information systems students learn to design, deliver, and use information and communication technologies to solve problems for companies, governments, and society.

As an information systems student, you will build a solid foundation in computing, communications, and software development. You will also study social sciences and organizational theory to develop critical thinking and understand the human impacts of technological change.

The curriculum includes:

  • Information systems core
  • Technical core
  • Information systems breadth
  • Information systems concentrations
  • General education

The flexible nature of the program encourages students to explore their interests. Students may specialize in information security and privacy, data science, or digitalization.

Through several semester-long, team-based projects, students gain the experience of working with a real-word client and developing a mobile app, technology solution or systems idea.

The Carnegie Mellon Approach

Information systems at CMU combines aspects of computer science, information technology, and business management with a humanities and social sciences based education to provide you with an uncommonly well-rounded portfolio.

You will be uniquely positioned for an impactful career in an increasingly digitized and connected world, able to adapt to rapid evolution across industries.

Information systems at Carnegie Mellon:

  • Strongly technical, drawing from CMU’s leadership in computer science, human-centered design, and software engineering
  • Rooted in a rich tradition of the humanities and social sciences
  • Built on a foundation of data analytics and experiential learning
  • Flexible and adaptable, encouraging students to forge their own path in the field

The mission of the Carnegie Mellon Information Systems Program is to educate men and women to lead change at the interfaces of technological, organizational, and societal systems.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems

The Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems is based on professional core courses that teach students to analyze, design, implement and test information systems using current and emerging organizational and technological practices. Several of these courses are project-based, in which small groups develop solutions to real information problems.

The program exposes students to the areas fundamental to understanding problems in information systems: organizations, decision making, research methods and professional communications. Courses in mathematics, statistics and computer programming provide students with strong quantitative skills to meet the technical demands of the discipline.

The flexible nature of the program encourages students to explore their interests. Students may specialize in information security and privacy, data science, or digitalization.

  • Information systems students have identical graduation requirements as students on the main campus
  • CMU-Q graduates have CMU degrees, conferred from the main campus

Concentration Areas or Approved Minors

Concentrations or approved minors provide students with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding in an IS field of their interest.

Information Security and Privacy

The Information Security and Privacy concentration exposes students to the key technical, process, and policy aspects related to information security and associated privacy concerns. The student who completes this concentration will have a solid foundation in the area and will be prepared to continue developing expertise through graduate school or their professional career.

Data Science

The Data Science concentration prepares students to capitalize on the continuously expanding quantity of data generated through our interconnected information systems. Students develop an understanding of how to store, process, retrieve, and analyze data so they can derive insights and improve decision making for individuals, organizations, and society. The foundation developed in this concentration prepares graduates to assist organizations to harness the data they generate, as well as to support research projects either as a graduate student or within a chosen profession.

Digitalization

The digitalization concentration prepares the student to understand and effectively innovate with information systems to support entrepreneurship, organizations, or society. Graduates with this concentration often work in a larger organization or they create new organizations that capitalize on the benefits of information and information systems.

 

Sample plan

What will I do with my degree?

Typical career fields for new information systems graduates include project managers, IT and risk management consultants, entrepreneurial ventures, business analysts, web and mobile application developers, application designers and user experience testing.

Information systems grads are across Qatar and around the world
What are our Information Systems Grads doing info graphic

Maryam Al-Naemi

“Being part of CMU-Q was a defining moment in my life. As a student, I was constantly encouraged to seek knowledge from various disciplines beyond my own. The skills I gained at university helped me become more innovative and technology-focused.”

Maryam Al-Naemi, Class of 2018, Senior Systems Engineer, Qatar Petroleum, Founder of Kaffeinated Festival

Program at a Glance

Top ranked

#1 Management Information Systems

U.S. News and World Report, 2019


Standard completion time

4 Years


Minimum units required for degree:

360 units

Information Systems core: 73
Technical core: 42
Information Systems breadth: 36
Concentration area or approved minor, and electives: 209


Admission requirements
All applicants are required to meet the following academic and subject prerequisites.


Application deadline
Fall Semester: January 15


Competitions and hackathons

Competitions and hackathons

Information systems (IS) students practice interdisciplinary methods from day one, making CMU-Q IS students very competitive at hackathons and innovation competitions.

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Academic Enrichment

Academic Enrichment

Information Systems students at CMU-Q can choose from an extensive slate of academic enrichment opportunities that enhance their work in the classroom.

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Arts and Sciences

Arts and Sciences

Arts and Sciences courses include mandatory and elective classes in a wide range of academic areas, including Arabic studies, chemistry, English, history, math, psychology and physics.

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What will your day look like?

What will your day look like?

Take a look at a day in the life of a student at Carnegie Mellon Qatar.

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Upcoming Events

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Meet the Faculty

Mohammad Aazam

Mohammad Aazam

Assistant Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Chadi Aoun

Chadi Aoun

Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Houda Bouamor

Houda Bouamor

Associate Area Head, Information Systems
Associate Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Anis Charfi

Anis Charfi

Associate Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Susan M. Hagan

Susan M. Hagan

Associate Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Selma Limam Mansar

Selma Limam Mansar

Teaching Professor of Information Systems Emeritus
Daniel C. Phelps

Daniel C. Phelps

Area Head, Information Systems
Associate Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Nui Vatanasakdakul

Nui Vatanasakdakul

Associate Teaching Professor in Information Systems