Resources for Current Students
IS Courses For Spring 2025
See a list of IS requirements and elective courses offered in the 2025 Spring Semester (subject to change).
Scholarships & Awards
Check out the for the most up-to-date scholarship & award opportunities.
Academic Advising
Advising is integral to the educational mission of Carnegie Mellon and to the Information Systems Program. All students are encouraged, and expected, to meet with their advisor on a regular basis. Make appointments with Mr. DiLisio, Mrs. Dandoy, Mrs. Lutz, or Ms. Avery, and learn more about pre-requisites as well as graduation requirements.
Additional Majors/Minors
An additional major or a minor may be taken to complement the Information Systems major. An additional major refers to the completion of the requirements for a major program in addition to those required for the primary major. Due to the flexible nature of the Information Systems program, IS students graduate with additional majors and minors each year. Note: Information Systems is not available as an additional major or minor.
Course Overloading
Overloading is defined as taking more than the equivalent of 5 full-semester courses in Fall or Spring semester. Generally, it means registering for more than 52 units in a semester. Student College (StuCo) courses and Physical Education courses are not counted toward this limit. Students who wish to carry a course overload (more than 52 units) must discuss their plan with their IS Advisor. See to review the policy and complete the form. Then, schedule an appointment to meet and review with the IS Academic Advisor.
Eligibility does not automatically allow the student to register for an overload. In general, students will be limited to an overload of no more than one additional full-semester course, or its equivalent. In circumstances in which a normal 5-unit course load requires more than 52 units, overloads to accommodate the additional units will usually be allowed.
Double Counting 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. There is no restriction on double counting for courses satisfying the Dietrich College General Education requirements and IS Prerequisite courses. 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 Substitutions
Students may fulfill certain requirements with courses outside the curriculum listings. This provides limited flexibility when required courses are unavailable, or when new "special topics" courses are created by other departments and are relevant to the intentions of the requirement. In all cases, proposed substitutions beyond the stated requirements must be approved by the IS Academic Advisor. The Course Substitution Form must be submitted to the Advisor, and a description of the proposed course must be attached.
Students may make one course substitution within the Information Systems Core. One course substitution is also permitted within one's Concentration. All requests for Dietrich College requirement substitutions must be made through the Dietrich College Academic Advisory Center, located in A57 Baker Hall. Complete and return the form to the Academic Advisory Center.
Adding / Dropping Courses
See for regulations on Adding, Late Adding or Dropping courses. Please see for forms and procedures.
Pass / Fail Grades
See for regulations on pass/fail grading options. Undergraduate students may elect to take a free-elective course pass/fail unless precluded by the course, the course's department, or the student's home department/college. A student must meet with the IS Academic Advisor and submit a Pass/Fail Form indicating the course they are electing as pass/fail before the end of the university's drop period. Please see for forms and procedures.
Transfer Credit
IS students may receive transfer credit for coursework taken outside of Carnegie Mellon for elective and General Education courses which are approved by the Dietrich College Academic Advisory Center. For complete details on the transfer credit policy and procedures, see the form, or visit the Academic Advisory Center in A57 Baker Hall.
Internship Credit
Information Systems students may apply academic credit from internship work toward their undergraduate degree. IS students arrange their own internship by obtaining an IS faculty sponsor who defines the academic component of work, monitors progress, and assigns a final grade. Students also need to have a worksite supervisor willing to communicate with the faculty sponsor and provide an evaluation of work before a final grade is assigned. Students may apply for 1 unit, 2 units or 3 units of credit for an IS internship. Information Systems internships will be graded on a pass/fail basis only. Applications for internship credit must be submitted before the first day of classes of the semester in which the student will have the internship. See Application for Internship Credit to view complete details.
Independent Study in IS
Independent studies are opportunities to engage in research with an Information Systems (IS) faculty member to advance learning in certain areas of interest. As an IS major, students may enroll in an independent study course for 3, 6, 9, or 12 units of academic credit by obtaining an IS faculty sponsor who will direct and help define the academic component of work, monitor progress, and assign a final grade. Applications for Independent Study must be submitted by the end of the first week of classes of the semester of the Independent Study. See Application for Independent Study to view details on arranging an Independent Study in Information Systems.
Study Abroad
Carnegie Mellon affords a number of ways for students to study abroad and we strongly encourage students majoring in Information Systems (IS) to consider the opportunity. Given the global nature of software systems and services delivery, a semester abroad can give IS students new insights into the world marketplace of ideas, cultures and languages. In the past, IS students have studied in Australia, France, Israel, Qatar, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and many other locations. Learn more about study abroad options for IS majors, or visit the Office of International Education.
Technology Consulting in the Global Community (TCinGC)
TCinGC is a 10-week summer internship offered through Information Systems and Heinz College. Students serve as consultants in developing and/or under resourced communities working with nonprofit organizations, government ministries, businesses, or NGOs. The goal is to improve or implement sustainable technological solutions to help these organizations function more efficiently.
In TCinGC, you get to work on projects that make a difference; develop your professional leadership and communication skills; travel for free to an interesting part of the world; add international work experience to your résumé; and expand your cross-cultural skills. The application process is simple, and more information can be found on the .
Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe)
Carnegie Mellon's IDeATe network offers eight areas of study that students can pursue to enhance their primary majors. Information Systems students are able to select one of the IDeATe content areas as their required concentration, or may complete a full IDeATe minor (all subject to IS double counting policies).
Visit the to learn more about coursework.
Program Awards & Honors
The Information Systems Program has many talented and high-achieving individuals who have been recognized over the years for their quality work and commitment. Click here to see a list of some of the program’s award winners since IS was established as a separate academic program in the 1999-2000 academic year.
Women in IS
The Women in IS Program is designed to provide mentorship and foster connections for first-year and transfer students in the Undergraduate Information Systems Program to provide support and resources that will increase their success and engagement as they transition to the university community and as they develop personally, academically, and professionally. Click here to learn more.
IS Ambassadors
The IS Ambassadors Program aims to achieve two main goals: fostering a sense of community within the IS program and providing IS students with essential professional, academic, and social guidance. Through various initiatives, the program creates a supportive environment where students can connect with each other, while also offering mentorship and resources to help them navigate their educational and professional journeys successfully. Click here to learn more!
If you would like more information on becoming an ambassador or have questions, email Correy Dandoy.