Information Science and Technology Major

Hone you analytical and critical thinking skills and learn how to apply innovative solutions to complex technology and systems problems with the Bachelor of Arts in Information Science and Technology and the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology at Temple’s College of Science and Technology. Coursework for both degrees focuses on the design, development, testing and documentation of information systems. You’ll be well-positioned for a career as a database administrator, network analyst, or web and application developer.

The Information Science and Technology BA and BS undergraduate degrees are completed over 123 credit hours. You’ll become proficient in

  • programming languages;
  • working with computer graphics, databases and web technologies; and
  • understanding operating systems and system architectures, such as distributed and network systems.

Both degrees provide the foundation for you to explore career opportunities and advance in the field. You’ll take a capstone course over two semesters, intended to give you real-world experience with professional organizations. Graduates work in government agencies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and schools. You’ll be prepared to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in multiple areas of information science and related disciplines.

A tight-knit community of faculty and students makes up the program. You’ll be able to research with faculty in areas such as collaboration technologies, computer interaction and ethics, and human-computer interaction.

Choosing between the BA and BS

The Information Science and Technology BS degree requires between 72 and 76 credit hours. The curriculum includes classes that dig deep into technical development, including four advanced Information Science and Technology electives. Comparatively, the Information Science and Technology BA degree requires 60 credit hours, with the flexibility to take classes offered through the College of Liberal Arts.

CST students are prepared to work top companies in STEM fields

Classes & Curriculum

As an Information Science and Technology Major, you will broaden your knowledge with a combination of elective and required courses. The first two years cover fundamental concepts in mathematics, operating systems and programming. Advanced courses cover such topics as complex problem analysis, software engineering and databases. These courses may vary depending on the degree type.

Some of the courses for the BA in Information Science and Technology include

  • 12 required Computer and Information Sciences courses;
  • 2 required laboratory science courses; and
  • 2 required mathematics courses.

Some of the courses for the BS in Information Science and Technology include

  • 12 required Computer and Information Sciences courses;
  • 4 required Information Science and Technology electives;
  • 2 required laboratory science courses; and
  • 2 required mathematics courses. 

Find out more about required courses for both the BA and BS.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,112.00 per year
Out-of-state: $38,160.00 per year

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