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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Cornell UniversityCornell’s Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems and Technology (ISST)—offered through the College of Engineering—combines rigorous technical training with an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how people, organizations, and technologies interact within complex systems.
The ISST major focuses on system design, information flow, network behavior, and human-technology interaction, preparing students to engineer information systems that are secure, ethical, efficient, and scalable.
Core Curriculum Components
Mathematics, Logic & Modeling
MATH 1910–1920: Calculus I & II
CS 2800: Discrete Structures
ENGRD 2700: Basic Engineering Probability and Statistics
ORIE 3120: Practical Optimization
Computational Foundations
CS 1110: Introduction to Computing Using Python
CS 2110: Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
CS 3410: Computer System Organization and Programming
INFO 3300: Data-Driven Web Applications
Core ISST Modules
INFO 2040: Networks
INFO 2450: Communication and Technology
INFO 2750: Ethical Issues in Intelligent Autonomous Systems
INFO 3152: Intro to Game Design
Systems and Applications
Students choose from system-level courses in:
Distributed Systems
Database Systems
Human-Computer Interaction
Cyber-Physical Systems
Information Networks and Security
Focus Areas (Students select one)
Information Systems
Emphasis on architecture, infrastructure, and design of scalable systems.
Human-Centered Systems
Focus on user interaction, cognitive design, and behavioral tech.
Social Systems
Exploring the influence of technology on human behavior, organizations, and society.
Network Systems
Understanding large-scale interconnectivity, protocols, and resilience.
Capstone Requirement
INFO 4900: Capstone in Information Science
Students complete a substantial team project solving a real-world challenge in information systems, often for a community or corporate partner.
Cornell’s ISST program emphasizes real-world experience, systems thinking, and multidisciplinary learning through labs, research, internships, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Undergraduate Research
Students engage with faculty in research on:
Network science
Distributed computing
Internet of Things (IoT)
AI and policy
Human-AI collaboration
Participation is often facilitated through the Cornell Bowers CIS Research Portal or individual department labs.
Capstone Projects
Capstone experiences involve designing and testing systems such as:
Campus navigation apps
Healthcare scheduling algorithms
Scalable e-commerce platforms
AI decision support systems for nonprofits
Industry Engagement & Internships
ISST students intern with top tech firms, startups, and government agencies. Roles often span:
Systems engineering
Data analytics
DevOps and cloud architecture
Technical project management
Cornell’s engineering career network connects students with employers such as Google, Cisco, IBM, Palantir, Deloitte, and the U.S. Digital Service.
Hackathons & Innovation Challenges
Big Red Hacks
Cornell Systems Engineering Challenge
Data Science Competitions
Cornell CUP (Unmanned Aerial Systems Design)
These events foster collaboration, fast-paced problem-solving, and prototype development.
Graduates of the ISST program at Cornell enter the workforce with multi-dimensional problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and an understanding of how systems shape society. Their ability to design and manage complex information architectures makes them valuable across sectors.
Career Growth Pathways
Systems Engineer → Technical Architect → Chief Technology Officer
Data Analyst → Data Engineer → Director of Data Infrastructure
Product Manager → Program Director → Head of Innovation
Security Analyst → Risk Manager → Chief Information Security Officer
Tech Policy Analyst → Advisor → Global Technology Ethics Leader
Graduate Study Pathways
Many ISST alumni pursue:
MS or PhD in Information Systems, Systems Engineering, or Data Science
MEng in Computer Science or Operations Research
MBA with Tech/Analytics Focus
Law or Public Policy (with focus on tech governance or AI policy)
SAT/ACT Update: Cornell University will require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for undergraduate applicants starting with the Fall 2026 admission cycle. Cornell University’s SAT code is 2098, and our ACT code is 2726.English Language Proficiency Requirements (ELP) – All students must demonstrate strong English proficiency through one of the following: U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident Native English speaker English as the primary language of instruction in secondary school Applicants who do not meet these criteria must submit TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.5+), or Duolingo (130+) scores. Self-reported scores are accepted via the Common App or Cornell’s ELP Form. Official scores are required upon enrollment.SAT Score Reporting: If you plan to apply to one of our test-recommended colleges/schools, you are welcome to submit unofficial test scores to Cornell University. Should you be admitted to and enrolled at Cornell, we will require official test scores sent from the testing agency at that time.SAT Superscore: Applicant results will be superscored to combine your highest subsections. For the SAT, you can use Score Choice, but Cornell recommends sending all SAT scores.Recommendations: School Report Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 2 Required, 1 Optional, Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 3 OptionalWriting Requirements: Common App personal essay- Required, Writing Supplement- 1 Required Question (Based on your selection of a College or School in the Academics section you will be required to complete additional writing question(s)). Applications are done through the Common App.Graduates of Cornell’s Bachelor of Science in Information ScienceSystems and Technology (ISST) are equipped with technical acumen and system-level thinking to tackle complex problems involving peopleinformationand technologyThe program’s fusion of computingengineeringsystems designand social understanding enables graduates to excel in tech-driven industriesdigital transformationand innovation leadership rolesEngineering & Technology
Systems Engineer: Designing and optimizing large-scale socio-technical systemsSoftware Developer: Creating and managing full-stackscalable applicationsIT Solutions Architect: Developing enterprise-level information systemsNetwork Engineer: Architecting secure and efficient data communication systemsSystems Integration Specialist: Linking technology platforms across organizationsData Science & Analytics
Data Engineer: Building and managing robust data pipelines and infrastructuresBusiness Intelligence Analyst: Using data visualization to support decision-makingOperations Analyst: Optimizing workflows and logistics through systems modelingPredictive Analytics Consultant: Forecasting trends using historical data modelsProduct & Program Management
Technical Product Manager: Leading development of tech-based products with end-user focusDigital Transformation Consultant: Guiding organizational shifts to data-first systemsIT Project Manager: Overseeing cross-functional technology initiativesCybersecurity & Policy
Information Security Analyst: Defending against cyber threats through secure systems designPrivacy Engineer: Developing platforms that embed data protection principlesTechnology Policy Analyst: Evaluating the societal impact of digital infrastructuresEntrepreneurship & Innovation
Startup Founder (Tech/IT Platforms): Creating ventures that solve information flow challengesInnovation Technologist: Driving cross-disciplinary innovation in smart systemsDigital Strategy Consultant: Advising global clients on aligning tech with organizational goals
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