<p>Hello, I was accepted ED to Information Systems program. I applied to this program because it sounded very interesting and at CMU it was one of a kind (IS is number 1 at CMU). At all my other places, I was going to apply science. I was wondering how difficult it is the transfer to Mellon College of Science (Chemistry) just in case I find out after the first semester that the program is not for me. I plan on taking at least one chemistry course the first semester anyways and continue studying chemistry throughout college regardless. I would consider to pursue double major but I've heard it's not possible to do that with IS. </p>
<p>Boy, do I need to get off this computer and go to work! I just read your question to my son, he chuckled a bit and said that people do double majors with IS all the time. Often with computer science. He also thinks it would be trivial to transfer from IS to MCS if you wanted to, no big deal. Just one person’s opinion, maybe other CMU students can advise you also. Congratulations on your acceptance.</p>
<p>Hmm, ok. I’m not sure why I thought that double majoring was not possible with IS. I guess I better check my sources. I’m assuming your son attends CMU and thus is a reliable source; I’ll take your word. Thanks.</p>
<p>He’s a freshman at CMU. He started out as a double major logic computation/cs and has already changed to economics/minor cs (maybe). Who knows what it will be next month! I also looked at how difficult it would be to double major with IS when he got in (he was accepted to H&SS and IS), and it did look like he would have to take more courses to double major with CS than if he just majored in logic and computation or math. But I don’t know how many extra it would be with MCS.</p>
<p>The confusion about the double major with IS, I believe, is because it is considered a “primary major”. You can’t just randomly decide you’re going to double major in IS–you must be accepted into IS for it to be counted as a major. But if you are accepted into IS, then you can double major with something else, no permission required. Confusing, right! The CMU website explains it alot better than I do.</p>
<p>How is the process of switching between schools? (in my case if it were to happen between IS & College of Science) Is it a formal application that must be reviewed and considered. Do people get rejected from College of Science because of space? If I was not to switch, I could do double major especially because many of the math, tech, and certain other courses requirements overlap between both majors.</p>
<p>Here’s what they say to do below. Note that it specifies grades of C or better in some courses. I would be concerned if you were intent upon transferring into SCS or computational finance, which are limited by numbers, but not MCS. Many people double major because they make it pretty easy for you to do so, but it doesn’t sound like you’d have to do that if you decide you just want to transfer. Definitely check with your other sources.</p>
<p>What to do to transfer into MCS:
Freshmen: Meet with Dr. Grotzinger (<a href=“mailto:eg1b@andrew.cmu.edu”>eg1b@andrew.cmu.edu</a>) to set up a plan for transferring into MCS.
Upperclassmen: Meet with the person in charge of advising in the department of your choice. See the section on minors and double majors for contact information.
When to do it
At any time during the year. In general, freshmen will not be transferred until after spring midsemester grades are posted.
Criteria used
Students must be in good academic standing. They should have demonstrated success - grades of C or better - in science/calculus courses at Carnegie Mellon.
When you’ll know
Upperclassmen will probably know during the meeting with the departmental advisor. Freshmen should meet with Dr. Grotzinger a second time once spring midsemester grades have been issued; they can then be transferred during that meeting.</p>