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.

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. Two of these courses are project-based, in which small groups develop solutions to clients’ 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 social and global aspects of technology; technology and applications development; applications of technology to business; or user experience in design.

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

Content areas 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.

Digital Futures

The Digital Futures 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.

View a sample four year plan for the Information Systems degree.