Bachelor of Science in Information Science

Format: Online
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2025 Priority Extended Deadline: April 15, 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 Extended Deadline: April 15, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Regular Deadline: June 17, 2025
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

Tresanne Bonnick

BS in Information Systems

"This degree directly relates to the career I want. I want to be a Business Analyst and the degree exposes me to both the technical and business sides of an organization."

Neal Rogers

BS in Information Systems

"...as I come closer to graduation, I’ve discovered it’s more about realizing my potential than anything else."

Kenneth Bentley

BS in Information System

"The primary impact I feel this degree will have on my life is increased stability. I look forward to entering the job market with the skills necessary to succeed."

Eugen Morarescu

BS in Information Systems

"I will also be one of the first people in my family to earn a college degree; I want to make my parents proud, and prove to myself and them that their struggle was worth it."

Recent news about Bachelor of Science in Information Science

Two-Thirds of Jobs Will Be Impacted by AI

May 02, 2025

Computerworld

CUNY SPS Academic Director Dr. Arthur O'Connor shares his insight in a recent Computerworld article, examining how nearly two-thirds of U.S. jobs are expected to be impacted by artificial intelligence. The piece explores how AI will shift—not eliminate—roles across industries, emphasizing the growing need for workforce adaptability and digital upskilling to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving labor market.

Gen Z, millennials: A college degree is a waste of money and time

April 23, 2025

Computer World

Dr. Arthur J. O’Connor, academic director of the CUNY SPS MS in Data Science and BS in Information Systems degree programs, was featured in a Computerworld article exploring how younger generations are rethinking the value of a college degree. While Dr. O’Connor acknowledged the shift toward skills-based hiring, he spoke of how higher education is changing rapidly. His remarks underscore the increasing importance of aligning academic programs with the demands of the real-world workforce.

How LLMs Are Transforming Business Processes with Arthur O’Connor

March 07, 2025

Techstrong.TV

In a recent Techstrong.ai interview, Dr. Arthur O'Connor, Academic Director of the MS in Data Science and BS in Information Science at CUNY SPS and author of “Organizing for Generative AI and the Productivity Revolution," delves into how advanced reasoning capabilities being added to large language models (LLMs) will profoundly alter business processes as costs continue to rapidly decline.

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.