CMU Information Systems Program Curriculum: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you drawn to the technical aspects of computer science but equally fascinated by the ways technology impacts society and business? Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) Information Systems (IS) program might be the perfect fit. This interdisciplinary program, a collaboration between the Heinz College and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, provides a robust technical foundation while exploring the human and organizational dimensions of technology.

What is Information Systems?

The field of Information Systems centers on the effective design, delivery, and application of information and communications technologies to address challenges in various sectors, including companies, governments, and society. As an IS student at CMU, you'll develop a strong base in computing, communications, and software development. This technical knowledge is then complemented by studies in social sciences and organizational theory, enabling you to think critically about the broader implications of technological change.

Why Choose Information Systems at CMU?

CMU's IS program distinguishes itself through several key features:

Interdisciplinary Approach: The program seamlessly blends technical expertise with insights from the humanities and social sciences, providing a well-rounded education.
Strong Technical Foundation: Drawing upon CMU's renowned strengths in computer science, software engineering, and human-computer interaction, the curriculum equips students with essential technical skills.
Focus on Practical Application: The program emphasizes the practical application of technology to solve real-world problems in business, government, and society.
Flexibility and Customization: The IS curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals through concentrations and minors.
Career Opportunities: IS graduates are highly sought after in today's job market, with opportunities in consulting, software development, large corporations, and startups.

Curriculum Overview

The Information Systems major is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. All IS students must fulfill the General Education requirements for the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, in addition to the major requirements outlined below. Note that requirements are subject to revision and advisor approval is required for each student's major curriculum plan.

Core Components

The IS curriculum is structured around several core components:

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Computer Science Fundamentals: Students are required to take three Computer Science courses to build a solid foundation in computing principles. Students entering the program as freshmen will have the option to complete a Computer Science Placement Test. Students cannot receive credit for both 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice and 15-110 Principles of Computing.
Information Systems Core: This component focuses on developing the fundamental skills needed to analyze, design, implement, and test high-quality, cost-effective information systems.
Information Systems Breadth: Students explore key areas that are essential for understanding and solving problems in information systems.

Essential Skills

Beyond specific courses, the IS program emphasizes the development of several essential skills:

Communication Skills: Information systems professionals interact with diverse stakeholders, making strong communication skills crucial for success.
Decision Making and Data Analysis: This area focuses on the principles of database management systems, their design, and development. Data-driven decision making is a core process of organizations. In this class students will study the principles of database management systems, their design, and development.
Innovation and Design: The program encourages students to apply disciplined techniques to generate innovative ideas and bring them to fruition through design, testing, and iteration.

Concentrations

To allow for specialization, the IS program offers various concentrations that enable students to focus on specific areas of interest. The study of Information Systems can take many paths; Concentrations allow students to find the path that best suits their plans and aspirations.

Minor in Information Systems

The Information Systems minor provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in any major at Carnegie Mellon to develop a unique set of skills to enhance their education. Students will learn the role of IS in the enterprise and the means by which information systems are created, utilized, and maintained. They will learn to manage, analyze and draw insights from data, work effectively in teams, and practice human-centered design and team management. The minor is ideal for students interested in exploring how technology intersects with organizations and society. The Information Systems Minor is open to undergraduate students in any major at the university.

Course Examples

The IS curriculum includes a diverse range of courses, including:

88-231 Thinking in Person vs.
67-200: IS Research Colloquium: This colloquium provides an introduction to the IS program, the field of IS, the program curriculum, and career paths. It is open only to first-year IS students.
Information Systems Research Colloquium: This colloquium educates students on research opportunities in IS and beyond.
Blockchains and Cryptocurrency: This course explores the potential of blockchains to solve problems using a decentralized model of trust.
K-12 Outreach: Teaching Digital Technologies: Students develop material to conduct outreach with children in grades K-12, engaging with the community and promoting civic engagement, cultural identity, and diversity/inclusion.
Digital Accessibility and Inclusive Design: This course explores the diverse problems faced by people with disabilities in digital spaces and how assistive technologies can help.
Puzzle-Based Learning: This micro-course examines a range of puzzles and games to distill domain-independent transferable heuristics for tackling problems.
Mobile Web Design and Development: Students learn responsive, user-centered design and client-side components for web development.
Information Systems in the Enterprise: This course explores the role of IS in organizations and the means by which these systems are created, utilized, and maintained.
Database Management Systems: Students study the principles of database management systems, their design, and development.
Designing the Task Experience: This course offers hands-on experience based on theoretical grounding linked to fundamental design practices.
Web Application Design and Development: Students learn the concepts and techniques to design and develop software applications, with a focus on user-centered design.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): This course introduces students to the basics of GIS through hands-on experience with popular mapping tools.
Intelligent Agents: Design and Usability: This course explores the design, usability, and user perceptions of intelligent agents.
Managing Information Technology: The course provides the overall knowledge of how Information Technology departments are managed in organizations of all sizes.
Special Topics: Information Assurance: An introduction to Information Assurance.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Given the importance of globalization, the IS program encourages students to expand their international experience by studying abroad. The program is flexible, allowing students to study abroad during most semesters with careful planning. Students interested in study abroad should consult with the IS Academic Advisor to plan an appropriate course of study.

Application Process

Students applying to the IS program may be asked to submit:

Personal statement (1-2 pages single spaced): The personal statement should describe how your academic and career goals relate to the Information Systems Program. Discuss your previous experiences that have led you to pursue the IS major, and how IS aligns with your future goals and aspirations. You may also discuss any other IS related experiences (e.g.
Sample course plan through graduation (4th semester applicants only): When making your plan, we strongly recommend utilizing Stellic.

Application materials must be submitted no later than the last day of classes of the fall or spring semester. Students admitted into the IS Program will be officially declared in the semester following their application to the IS Program. If admitted, students will be declared as an IS major prior to the start of the following semester. All internal transfer students will be required to take 67-200: IS Research Colloquium during the first fall semester of their IS enrollment.

Double Counting Policy

"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 towards an additional major/minor. There is no restriction on double counting for courses satisfying the Dietrich College General Education requirements and IS Prerequisite courses.

Repeating Courses

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. Undergraduate students who wish to repeat a course already passed must obtain approval from the student's Dean or Department Head.

About Course Numbers

Each Carnegie Mellon course number begins with a two-digit prefix that designates the department offering the course (i.e., 76-xxx courses are offered by the Department of English). Although each department maintains its own course numbering practices, typically, the first digit after the prefix indicates the class level: xx-1xx courses are freshmen-level, xx-2xx courses are sophomore level, etc. Depending on the department, xx-6xx courses may be either undergraduate senior-level or graduate-level, and xx-7xx courses and higher are graduate-level. Consult the Schedule of Classes each semester for course offerings and for any necessary pre-requisites or co-requisites.

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Career Paths for IS Graduates

IS graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the information technology and business sectors. Some common career paths include:

Consulting: IS graduates often work as consultants, helping organizations leverage technology to improve their operations and achieve their goals.
Systems Analysis: They analyze business processes and determine how information systems can best be applied to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Software Development: IS graduates may work as software developers, designing and building applications that meet the needs of businesses and users.
Data Analysis: With their skills in data management and analysis, IS graduates can pursue careers in data science and business intelligence.
IT Management: Some IS graduates move into IT management roles, overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of information systems within organizations.

Distinguishing IS from Computer Science

It's important to understand the distinction between Information Systems and Computer Science. While both fields involve technology, they approach it from different perspectives. Computer Science focuses on the theoretical foundations of computing, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. Information Systems, on the other hand, focuses on the application of technology to solve real-world problems in business and society.

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