Temple University
Information Science & Technology Major
Program Overview
The BA and BS programs in Information Sciences and Technology (IS&T) are intended to provide students with both a detailed knowledge and a broad background in the technology of information systems. Fundamental concepts in mathematics, programming, object-oriented modeling, databases, software systems analysis and design, computer operating systems and architectures, and networks and communications are stressed in the first two years. Special topics, including component-based software development and net-centric and client-server computing are offered as part of the last two years of the program. A two-semester capstone project course is required. This course is designed to help students integrate what they have learned in other courses and apply this knowledge in the design and implementation of a software application.
Students develop the skills and the knowledge necessary to analyze information problems and to apply current technology to their solution. The emphasis is to develop problem solving and communication skills. Substantial laboratory work is required. Students participate individually and in groups in the design, development, testing and documentation of information systems for a University or an external client.
Programs of Study
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Information Science & Technology BA: Program Goals, Advising Sheets & Flowcharts
Information Science & Technology BS: Program Goals, Advising Sheets & Flowcharts
Information Science & Technology minor: Program Goals, Advising Sheet
Undergraduate Bulletin
CST Course Descriptions
CIS Course Descriptions
Careers
Students are well prepared for professional careers and further studies and research in information technology. Our graduates understand how to collect, validate, model, filter, and organize information, appreciate the importance of sharing information with others, and determine how to utilize information and information processing tools in problem solving and decision making. They are expected to be able to successfully link technology and science to specific disciplines and domains to which they are applied. Our students enter private industry, work for government agencies, join computer services organizations or consulting firms, or pursue advanced academic degrees. Careers are ready and waiting in database administration, network design and control operations, software systems development, computer security, software quality control and client-server computing (to name a few). A full range of business enterprises, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and educational institutions also hire IS&T graduates as designers and implementers of information systems, coordinators for information systems users, and liaisons between management personal and computer systems staff. The spectrum of applications areas grows daily, offering every IS&T major exciting interdisciplinary challenges.
Curriculum
The IS&T curriculum provides students with a solid foundation and broad-based knowledge of information systems technologies. Fundamental concepts in mathematics, programming, databases, networks and operating systems are the focus of the first two years. Advanced courses cover such topics as complex problem analysis, system design and implementation, software engineering, networking, security and databases. There is a wide variety of elective courses, many of them listed on the right. The two-semester capstone project enables students to meet the challenge of solving practical problems for real clients. Students work in teams to integrate what they have learned in the classroom by designing and implementing a system to solve a technological problem for their client. Opportunities also exist for students to work with faculty in research areas such as Human Computer Interaction, Computer Ethics and Collaboration Technologies. The IS&T program offers either a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) or a Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) which includes additional elective courses. In addition, there is a popular IS&T Minor Option, in which students from other majors can acquire additional courses in technology to enhance their main area of study.
Further Information
Department of Computer & Information Sciences
Faculty Advisor
Prof. Wendy Urban
3rd floor, Wachman Hall
215-204-5236
wurban@temple.edu