Bachelor of Science in Information Science

Format: Online
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2025 Priority Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Regular Deadline: June 17, 2025

The BS in Information Science (formerly known as Information Systems) online degree program prepares students to navigate the evolving world of data, technology, and information management. This interdisciplinary program blends computer science, data analysis, and information systems, equipping graduates with the skills to solve real-world problems in various industries. Students gain expertise in database management, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and information architecture while developing critical thinking and technical proficiency.

The program offers foundational knowledge and hands-on programming competencies, resulting in project-based work samples similar to that of a programming boot camp.

Students in the program select to enroll in one of three tracks:

1. General Track: for students interested in learning about ERP software, Block Chain, E-commerce, IS Strategy, business process design and analysis – with courses in accounting, marketing, HR and supply chain management

2. Technical Track: for students pursing a more technical career, with courses in infrastructure, computer and network security, data communications, cloud computing, ERP software, DevOps, Python and SQL programming, resulting in a portfolio of sample work products using industry best-practice tools that are in high-demand from employers.

3. Data Science Track: for students interested in learning to program in R, Python and SQL to create statistical models and data visualizations. Students who complete this track with a 3.0 GPA will automatically qualify for admission to the MS in Data Science degree at CUNY SPS.

Additionally, the program’s faculty comprise committed and engaged technology practitioners who are experts in their fields.  They invest time in building courses on the use of open source best-practice tools that satisfy high employer demands for quality programming and use of advanced techniques.

BS IN INFORMATION SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Career Prospects

Information Science encompasses a broad range of career options: from the highly technical (software architecture) to the principally creative (data/digital storytelling). The degree prepares graduates for a variety of positions, such as a data analyst, information security analyst, IT project manager, database administrator, user experience designer, and systems analyst.

Associate's Degree Holders: 2+2 Program

The 2+2 program allows students who have an AA or AS degree from an accredited college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in information systems in two more years as long as they attend school full time (15 credits per term) and stay in sequence. Summer coursework may be necessary depending on the student’s career goals and choice of courses.

IT Pathways Partners

NPower, PerScholas, and Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow have partnered with the CUNY School of Professional Studies to provide innovative pathways to a bachelor’s degree in information systems for graduates and alumni of their rigorous, in demand IT training programs. To learn more about the partnerships, visit the IT Pathways Partners page.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must possess at least 24 transferrable credits from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants need to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2025 Priority Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Regular Deadline: June 17, 2025
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Recent news about Bachelor of Science in Information Science

DeepSeek’s R1: A Useful Reminder

February 20, 2025

Unite AI

In his latest piece published on Unite.AI, Dr. Arthur O'Connor, Department Head of Data and Information Science Degrees at CUNY SPS, reflects on the implications of China's DeepSeek R1 model. He emphasizes that the advancements in generative AI now encompass cognitive reasoning, urging a reevaluation of how these technologies are changing humanity.

Too Much Focus On AI Has Taken The ‘Social’ Out Of Social Media

February 17, 2025

Forbes Magazine

In a recent Forbes article, Dr. Arthur O'Connor, Academic Director of the MS in Data Science and BS in Information Science at CUNY SPS, examines how AI's dominance is eroding the 'social' essence of social media platforms. He highlights that AI-driven algorithms have contributed to increased isolation. Dr. O'Connor calls for a reevaluation of technology's role in our lives, emphasizing the need to preserve authentic connections in the digital age.
The image from Dr. O'Connor's article in Homeland Security Today

PERSPECTIVE: DeepSeek May Be the Least of Our Concerns

February 14, 2025

Homeland Security Today

Dr. Arthur O'Connor, academic director of the CUNY SPS MS in data science and BS in information systems degree programs, wrote an article for Homeland Security Today. His essay, "PERSPECTIVE: DeepSeek May Be the Least of Our Concerns," examines the tradeoffs that people make when cognitive and critical thinking tasks are outsourced to AI.
Image of robotic arm holding a car that was used to illustrate Dr. Arthur O'Connor's article

An AI Agent Could Help You Buy Your Next Car

February 14, 2025

Computer World

CUNY SPS Academic Director Dr. Arthur J. O'Connor, who oversees the School's MS in Data Science and BS in Information Systems programs, is quoted in the Computer World article "An AI Agent Could Help You Buy Your Next Car." Dr. O'Connor explains how the emerging technology called "emotion recognition" (ER) allows chatbots to recognize and respond to customer's emotions. He also points out that this advancement can facilitate improved customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering more empathetic responses from chatbots.