The BS in Information Science at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) prepares students to solve real-world problems using data, technology, and information. This interdisciplinary program combines concepts from computer science, data analysis, information systems, and business while giving students hands-on experience with the technologies used across today’s digital workplace.

Designed for transfer students and working adults, the program offers four tracks that allow students to align their studies with their professional interests: General, Technical, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. Students develop practical technical skills while building project-based work that can demonstrate their capabilities to employers.

About This Program

• Format: Online and Asynchronous
• Credits: 120 total
• # of Transferrable Credits: Up to 105
• Start Terms: Fall, Spring
• Tuition: Part-time students – NYS residents: $305 per credit
• Tracks: General, Technical, Data Science, Cybersecurity

Why This Program

• Choose from four tracks to tailor the degree to your professional interests
• Develop practical skills in programming, database management, cybersecurity, data analysis, information architecture, and information systems
• Gain hands-on experience with tools and programming languages used by technology professionals
• Build project-based work samples that demonstrate applied technical skills
• Learn from faculty who are practicing technology professionals and experts in their fields
• Explore both the technical and organizational sides of information and technology
• Transfer up to 105 credits toward your bachelor’s degree
• Complete your degree in a fully online environment designed for working adults and transfer students
• Data Science or Technical Track students who graduate with a 3.0 GPA may automatically qualify for admission to the CUNY SPS MS in Data Science

Choose Your Track

General Track
Develop a broad understanding of information systems and their role in organizations. Coursework may include enterprise resource planning (ERP), blockchain, e-commerce, information systems strategy, business process design and analysis, accounting, marketing, human resources, and supply chain management.

This track is well suited to students interested in the intersection of business, technology, and organizational operations.

Technical Track
Build deeper technical skills through coursework in areas such as IT infrastructure, computer and network security, data communications, cloud computing, DevOps, ERP systems, Python, and SQL.

Students develop a portfolio of project-based work using tools and technologies commonly used by employers.

Data Science Track
Develop skills in R, Python, and SQL while learning to create statistical models, work with data, and produce data visualizations.

Students who complete the Data Science Track with a 3.0 GPA automatically qualify for admission to the MS in Data Science at CUNY SPS, providing a direct pathway to graduate study.

Cybersecurity Track
Explore the theory and practice of protecting digital information and technology systems. Topics include computer and network security, data privacy and governance, IT risk management, firewalls, intrusion detection, penetration testing, social engineering, incident response, and disaster recovery.

Who Is This Program For?

The BS in Information Science is ideal for students who have already earned college credits and want a flexible path to completing a technology-focused bachelor’s degree.

The program is a strong fit for:

• Transfer students
• Working adults
• Career changers interested in technology
• IT professionals seeking a bachelor’s degree
• Students interested in data science or analytics
• Students pursuing cybersecurity careers
• Professionals interested in the intersection of technology and business

Because the program offers four distinct tracks, students can choose a course of study ranging from broader information systems and business applications to more technical areas such as programming, data science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Skills You’ll Gain

Depending on the track selected, students can develop skills to:

• Design and work with databases and information systems
• Use programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL
• Analyze and visualize data
• Apply information technology to organizational and business problems
• Understand network, cloud, and computing infrastructure
• Evaluate cybersecurity threats and risk
• Apply principles of data privacy and information governance
• Analyze business processes and information-system requirements
• Understand user experience and human-computer interaction
• Communicate technical information to different audiences
• Develop project-based work demonstrating practical technology skills

Sample Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Data Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• IT Project Manager
• Database Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• User Experience Designer
• Business Analyst
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Data or Business Intelligence Professional
• IT or Technology Specialist

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admission requirements for the BS in Information Science?

Applicants must have at least 24 transferable college credits from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants must also demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.

What are the BS in Information Science application deadlines and how do I apply?

Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: November 3, 2026
Spring 2027 Regular Deadline: December 1, 2026

Apply Now

How many credits can I transfer into the BS in Information Science?

CUNY SPS bachelor’s degree students may transfer up to 105 academic credits from accredited institutions, approved credit-for-prior-learning exams, credentials, portfolio assessment, and/or ACE-evaluated military training.

Students must complete at least 15 academic credits at CUNY SPS while matriculated to earn their bachelor’s degree. This follows the current undergraduate transfer policy presented on the BS in Business page.

What tracks are available?

Students choose from four tracks:

• General
• Technical
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity

Each allows students to focus their studies around different professional interests, from business-facing information systems to programming, analytics, infrastructure, and digital security.

What programming languages will I learn?

Programming experience varies by track. Students in the Technical and Data Science tracks may work with languages including Python, SQL, and R, while developing practical projects and technical skills.

Do I need a technology or programming background to apply?

The current program admissions criteria do not identify prior programming or professional IT experience as an admissions requirement. Applicants should, however, be prepared to develop technical and quantitative skills as they progress through the curriculum.

Can the Data Science Track lead directly to the MS in Data Science?

Yes. Students who complete the Data Science Track with a 3.0 GPA automatically qualify for admission to the MS in Data Science at CUNY SPS.

What is the Cybersecurity Track?

The Cybersecurity Track provides focused study in areas such as computer and network security, privacy, data governance, IT risk management, penetration testing, intrusion detection, incident response, and disaster recovery. The track prepares students for careers in digital security.

Is there a 2+2 option for students with an associate degree?

Yes. Students who have earned an AA or AS degree from an accredited college or university may be able to complete the BS in Information Science in two additional years if they attend full time at 15 credits per term and remain in sequence.

Summer coursework may be necessary depending on the student’s previous coursework, track, and academic plan.

Does CUNY SPS partner with technology-training organizations?

Yes. CUNY SPS has partnered with NPower, Per Scholas, and Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow to create pathways to the bachelor’s degree for graduates and alumni of their IT training programs.

What makes this program different from a traditional computer science degree?

The BS in Information Science takes an interdisciplinary approach to technology. Rather than focusing exclusively on computer science theory or software development, students explore how technology, data, people, and organizations interact.

Depending on their selected track, students can focus on areas such as information systems, business technology, programming, cloud computing, data science, or cybersecurity while developing practical project-based skills.

What is the difference between Information Science and Information Systems?

The program was formerly known as the BS in Information Systems and is now the BS in Information Science. The updated name reflects the program’s broader interdisciplinary focus on information, data, technology, and their application across organizations and industries.

Can I continue into graduate study after completing the degree?

Yes. Graduates may pursue graduate study in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, business analytics, artificial intelligence, or related fields.

Students completing the CUNY SPS Data Science Track with a 3.0 GPA have a direct pathway to the MS in Data Science at CUNY SPS.

General FAQ

Is the BS in Information Science fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online.

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean?

Yes. Students complete coursework online on an established schedule without required live class meetings, providing flexibility around when they complete their work. This is the same language and structure used for the updated BS in Business page.

Is this program designed for working adults?

Yes. The fully online format and transfer-friendly structure make the program particularly well suited to adults balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities.

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions?

You can request information through the Request Info form or contact CUNY SPS Admissions:

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start?

Students can begin during the Fall or Spring term.

How long does it take to earn my online degree?

Time to completion depends on the number of credits a student transfers into the program, the selected track, and the number of courses taken each term.

Students entering through the 2+2 pathway with an AA or AS degree may be able to complete the program in two additional years when attending full time and remaining in sequence.

Is financial aid available?

Undergraduate financial aid options may be available to eligible students. Learn more about financial aid.

Are there scholarships that I can apply for?

CUNY SPS students may be eligible for School-based, CUNY-wide, external, and veteran scholarship opportunities. Learn more about scholarships.

What support services are available for students?

Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and other CUNY SPS student services.

How do I learn more about student life?

Students can explore CUNY SPS student life, clubs and organizations, events, and opportunities to connect with the School community.

Is CUNY SPS accredited?

Yes. CUNY SPS is part of the accredited City University of New York system.