Program Overview

Information Systems Program

The Information Systems (IS) program at Carnegie Mellon University is a joint degree program between the Heinz College and Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is strongly technical, drawing from Carnegie Mellon’s leadership in computer science, human-centered design, business management, and software engineering. The program is deeply rooted in the humanities and social sciences, allowing students to benefit from a rich liberal arts education.

Overview

The IS program is designed for students who are interested in the practical and social applications of technology. It is ideal for those who have a passion for business and want to use advanced technology to drive positive organizational change. The program provides pathways for students to find their own Information Systems niche through advanced study and research with leading researchers.

Major Curriculum

The Information Systems major is offered only as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. In addition to major requirements, 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.

Technical Core (Prerequisites)

• Mathematics: Complete one of the following math courses:
  • 21-112: Integral Calculus (pre-requisite of 21-111)
  • 21-120: Differential and Integral Calculus (Pre-requisite of 21-090)
  • 21-127: Concepts of Mathematics
  • 21-240: Matrix Algebra with Applications
  • 80-210: Logic and Proofs
• 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.
  • 15-110: Principles of Computing
  • 15-112: Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
  • 15-121: Introduction to Data Structures

Information Systems Core

In the Information Systems Core, students will learn the basic skills necessary to analyze, design, implement, and test high-quality, cost-effective information systems. The Information Systems Core consists of seven courses (not including 67-100 and 67-200).

• Complete all of these courses:
  • 67-100: Information Systems First Year Colloquium
  • 67-200: Information Systems Research Colloquium
  • 67-250: The Information Systems Milieux
  • 67-262: Database Design and Development
  • 67-272: Application Design and Development
  • 67-373: Information Systems Consulting Project
  • 17-313: Foundations of Software Engineering
  • 95-422: Managing Digital Transformation
• Complete one of these three courses:
  • 05-391: Designing Human Centered Software
  • 05-410: User-Centered Research and Evaluation
  • 05-452: Service Design

Information Systems Breadth

In the Information Systems Breadth, students will study key areas fundamental to understanding and solving problems in information systems. At least one course is required from each of the following categories:

Professional Communications

• Complete one of the following courses:
  • 05-317: Design of Artificial Intelligence Products
  • 05-360: Interaction Design Fundamentals
  • 36-315: Statistical Graphics and Visualization
  • 51-261: Communication & Digital Design Fundamentals
  • 67-265: Design Fundamentals: Shaping Interactions and Experiences
  • 67-336: Building Data Visualizations in to Information Systems
  • 67-338: Information & Grid Design
  • 70-321: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • 70-340: Business Communications
  • 70-342: Managing Across Cultures
  • 70-350: Acting for Business
  • 76-270: Writing for the Professions
  • 84-250: Writing for Political Science and Policy
  • 88-230: Human Intelligence and Human Stupidity
  • 88-231: Thinking in Person vs. Thinking Online
  • 88-341: Team Dynamics and Leadership
  • 70-341: Team Dynamics and Leadership

Quantitative Analysis and Research Methods

• Complete one of the following courses:
  • 21-325: Probability
  • 36-202: Methods for Statistics & Data Science
  • 36-219: Probability Theory and Random Processes
  • 36-225: Introduction to Probability Theory
  • 36-235: Probability and Statistical Inference I
  • 36-303: Sampling, Survey and Society
  • 36-309: Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences
  • 36-315: Statistical Graphics and Visualization
  • 36-350: Statistical Computing
  • 36-401: Modern Regression
  • 36-402: Advanced Methods for Data Analysis
  • 67-285: Across the Universe from Intelligent Agents to Users
  • 67-364: Practical Data Science
  • 73-265: Economics and Data Science
  • 80-305: Game Theory
  • 80-306: Decision Theory
  • 88-223: Decision Analysis
  • 88-251: Empirical Research Methods
  • 88-252: Causal Inference: from Data to Decisions
  • 88-275: Bubbles: Data Science for Human Minds
  • 88-300: Programming and Data Analysis for Social Scientists
  • 94-216: Introduction to Decision Analytics and Systems

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Complete one of the following courses:
  • 05-470: Digital Service Innovation
  • 17-356: Software Engineering for Startups
  • 67-443: Mobile Application Design and Development
  • 94-491: Lean Innovation Lab

Information Systems Concentration

The study of Information Systems can take many paths; Concentrations allow students to find the path that best suits their plans and aspirations. They also allow students to establish relationships with leading researchers in their area of interest. It is strongly recommended to determine your concentration requirement by the end of the sophomore year to ensure timely completion by the conclusion of the fourth year.

• IS Concentrations include:
  • AI Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Health Information Systems
  • Information Security
  • Product Management
  • Technology & Arts Enterprises
  • Technology & International Development
  • User Experience (UX) Design
• Alternatively, students may choose from an approved list of minors or additional majors, including those offered through the Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) initiative that blend information systems and the arts as only Carnegie Mellon University can.
• Additional Majors:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Business Administration
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computational Biology
  • Computational Finance
  • Computer Science
  • Decision Science
  • Economics
  • Economics & Statistics
  • Engineering & Public Policy
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Linguistics
  • Policy & Management
  • Robotics
  • Statistics
  • Statistics and Machine Learning
• Approved minors:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Business Analytics & Optimization
  • Computational Biology
  • Computational Finance
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity & International Conflict
  • Decision Analytics & Systems
  • Decision Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering Studies
  • Financial Management
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Humanities Analytics
  • IDeATe: Animation & Special Effects
  • IDeATe: Design for Learning
  • IDeATe: Game Design
  • IDeATe: Immersive Technologies in Arts & Culture
  • IDeATe: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • IDeATe: Intelligent Environments
  • IDeATe: Physical Computing
  • IDeATe: Media Design
  • IDeATe: Sonic Arts
  • IDeATe: Soft Technologies
  • Information Security, Privacy, and Policy
  • Language Technologies
  • Linguistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Neural Computation
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Political Science, Security, and Technology
  • Product Management
  • Science, Technology & Society
  • Software Engineering
  • Statistics
  • Tech Entrepreneurship (requires semester abroad at CMU Qatar, minor only)
  • Technology & Policy

Sample Curriculum

The sample curriculum for the Information Systems major is provided below:

• First-Year:
  • Fall: 67-100 Information Systems First Year Colloquium, 15-110 Principles of Computing, 36-200 Reasoning with Data, 76-101 Interpretation and Argument or other approved first-year writing options, Math Requirement, Elective Course
  • Spring: 67-250 The Information Systems Milieux, 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science, Grand Challenge Seminar, General Education Course, Professional Communications Requirement, Elective Course
• Second-Year:
  • Fall: 67-200 Information Systems Research Colloquium, 67-262 Database Design and Development, 15-121 Introduction to Data Structures, General Education Course, Quantitative Analysis Requirement, Elective Course
  • Spring: 67-272 Application Design and Development, Concentration Course, General Education Course, Elective Course
• Third-Year:
  • Fall: 17-313 Foundations of Software Engineering, Concentration Course, Concentration Course, General Education Course, Elective Course
  • Spring: 67-373 Information Systems Consulting Project, Concentration Course, General Education Course, Elective Course
• Fourth-Year:
  • Fall: 95-422 Managing Digital Transformation, Concentration Course, General Education Course, Elective Course
  • Spring: Concentration Course, General Education Course, Elective Course

Minor Curriculum

The Information Systems minor will provide 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.

• Prerequisite (12 Units):
  • 15-112: Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
  • or 02-120: Undergraduate Programming for Scientists
• Information Systems Core (27 Units):
  • Complete all of the following courses:
    • 67-240: Mobile Web Design & Development
    • 67-250: The Information Systems Milieux
    • 67-262: Database Design and Development
• Additional Information Systems Electives (27 Units):
  • Complete at least 27 units from the following courses:
    • 67-220: Digital Accessibility - Ensuring Universal Access to the Information Society
    • 67-265: Design Fundamentals: Shaping Interactions and Experiences
    • 67-279: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
    • 67-306: Management of Computer and Information Systems
    • 67-336: Building Data Visualizations in to Information Systems
    • 67-348: Black Mirror - Cultural Representations of Technology
    • 67-364: Practical Data Science
    • 67-368: User Experience (UX) Research for Product Managers
    • 67-206: Technology Outreach and Engagement in the Pittsburgh Community

Academic Policies

Transfer into Information Systems

Applications will be considered based on the following criteria:

• Completion of 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science or 02-120 Programming for Scientists with final grade of 'B' is required; a final grade of 'A' is preferred
• Completion of 15-121 or 15-122 is preferred, with a grade of 'B' or higher
• Strong record of academic performance at Carnegie Mellon (minimum QPA of 3.5 required)
• Personal statement (1-2 pages single spaced) on the following topic: In your personal statement, please describe how your academic and career goals relate to the Information Systems Program. Please 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. internships, course projects, research, co-curricular experiences, etc.) or relevant coursework.
• Interview with an IS Academic Advisor: IS advisor appointments should be made with the appropriate advisor (based on student last name) via the links on the advising page and should be completed by the deadline set forth for the current semester.
• Sample course plan through graduation (4th semester applicants only) When making your plan, we strongly recommend utilizing Stellic. The only Dietrich General Education course that will be waived is the Grand Challenge Seminar.

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 towards an additional major/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.

Course Descriptions

The course descriptions for the Information Systems program are provided below:

• 67-100: Information Systems First Year Colloquium
• 67-135: Discover, organize, and synthesize: Building your research toolkit beyond Google
• 67-200: Information Systems Research Colloquium
• 67-204: Blockchains in Industry
• 67-206: Technology Outreach and Engagement in the Pittsburgh Community
• 67-220: Digital Accessibility - Ensuring Universal Access to the Information Society
• 67-223: Digital Trace and Identity
• 67-235: Puzzles, Games, and Problem Solving
• 67-240: Mobile Web Design & Development
• 67-250: The Information Systems Milieux
• 67-262: Database Design and Development
• 67-265: Design Fundamentals: Shaping Interactions and Experiences
• 67-272: Application Design and Development
• 67-279: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
• 67-285: Across the Universe from Intelligent Agents to Users
• 67-306: Management of Computer and Information Systems
• 67-309: Special Topics: Information Assurance and Security
• 67-313: Digital Risk Management and Auditing
• 67-315: A Web For Everyone
• 67-316: Human Computer Interface Design and Testing
• 67-318: Business Process Modeling and Implementation
• 67-319: Global Technology Consulting Groundwork
• 67-331: Technology Consulting in the Global Community
• 67-336: Building Data Visualizations in to Information Systems
• 67-338: Information & Grid Design
• 67-341: Generative AI & Governance: Building Responsible Systems
• 67-346: Blockchain Fundamentals
• 67-348: Black Mirror - Cultural Representations of Technology
• 67-352: Electronic Business and Design Thinking
• 67-354: Sustainability in the Digital Age
• 67-357: Healthcare Analytics and Big Data
• 67-364: Practical Data Science
• 67-365: Human-Centered Security and Privacy: A Psychological and Usable Approach
• 67-367: Information Warfare
• 67-368: User Experience (UX) Research for Product Managers
• 67-373: Information Systems Consulting Project
• 67-379: Principles of Geographic Information Systems
• 67-380: Information Systems Security
• 67-382: Digital Transformation, Strategy and Management
• 67-384: Digital and Cybercrime
• 67-390: Independent Study in Information Systems
• 67-391: Independent Study in Information Systems
• 67-393: Guided Research in Information Systems
• 67-404: Blockchain Applications
• 67-410: Clinical Data Science
• 67-415: Cyber Ethics and Regulation
• 67-417: Web Investigation and Surveillance
• 67-421: Advanced Topics in Information Systems: Visualizations
• 67-425: Special Topics - Capstone course in Digitalization
• 67-426: Special Topics - Capstone course in Data Science
• 67-427: Privacy and Security Capstone
• 67-428: Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Focus on Startups and Emerging Technologies
• 67-430: AI and Emerging Economies
• 67-435: Advanced Topic in Information Systems
• 67-443: Mobile Application Design and Development
• 67-474: Tech Startup Launchpad
• 67-490: Practicum in Information Systems
• 67-505: Information Systems Internship
• 67-706: Technology Outreach and Engagement in the Pittsburgh Community
• 67-738: Information & Grid Design

Faculty

The faculty members of the Information Systems program are:

• Mohammad Aazam, Assistant Teaching Professor
• Rachit Agrawal, Assistant Teaching Professor
• Chadi Aoun, CMU-Qatar Information Systems Area Head & Teaching Professor
• Houda Bouamor, Associate Teaching Professor
• Susan Hagan, Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus
• C.F. Larry Heimann, Teaching Professor
• Shihong Huang, Teaching Professor
• Naama Ilany-Tzur, Assistant Teaching Professor
• Divakaran Liginlal, Teaching Professor
• Selma Limam Mansar, Teaching Professor Emeritus
• Joseph S. Mertz, Program Director & Teaching Professor
• Manoranjan Mohanty, Assistant Teaching Professor
• Sara Moussawi, Associate Teaching Professor
• Daniel Phelps, Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus
• Julia Popping, Director of Partnership Development
• Jeria Quesenberry, Teaching Professor & Dietrich College Associate Dean of Faculty
• Raja Sooriamurthi, Teaching Professor
• Xiaoying Tu, Assistant Teaching Professor
• Savanid (Nui) Vatanasakdakul, Teaching Professor
• Randy S. Weinberg, Teaching Professor Emeritus