Earn Your BS in Information Technology and Web Science – A STEM Undergraduate Degree
In a world where information technology powers nearly everything, Rensselaer’s BS in Information Technology & Web Science (ITWS) prepares you to design, build, and manage solutions that shape how people live, work, and communicate. You’ll master web and IT fundamentals while customizing your studies with a focus track that aligns to your goals.
- Interdisciplinary from day one. Combine a strong computing and web core with a focus area you choose—from data science and security to management information systems and more than 20 additional options.
- Future-proof skills. Explore issues of security, trust, privacy, content value, and the Web’s evolution—so you can lead technical projects with social and ethical awareness.
- Hands-on learning. Project-based coursework and applied problem solving prepare you to ship real solutions.
Real-World Skills with a STEM Advantage
Your curriculum emphasizes both development and management of web and IT systems, giving you the range employers want: coding, data, UX, systems thinking, and leadership. RPI’s Center for Career & Professional Development supports internships, co-ops, and full-time placement.
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
The BS in ITWS requires 128–130 credit hours, including 36–38 credits of ITWS Core and 32 credits for a Focus Track (remaining credits satisfy Institute requirements). The core builds a foundation for applying ITWS in any discipline; the focus track provides depth in your chosen area (see more details below).
By graduation, you’ll be able to:
- Design and implement web and information systems that are reliable, scalable, and secure.
- Apply data, algorithmic, and computational methods to solve real-world problems.
- Evaluate social, legal, and ethical implications of technology; design with privacy and usability in mind.
- Communicate technical ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Choose a track—or design one with your adviser—to fit your interests. Examples include:
Data Science, Information Security, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Networking, Web Technologies, Management Information Systems, AI/Intelligent Systems, Communications, Arts, Psychology, Medicine/Health.
Most students pursue internships (typically one academic term or summer) to gain hands-on experience. The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) offers advising, employer connections, and recruiting events to help you secure roles that match your track.
Common roles: Software or Web Developer, Data Analyst/Engineer, Security Analyst, UX/UI Designer, Product Manager, Systems Analyst. Industries: Tech, finance, health, media, e-commerce, consulting, government, and startups.
An ITWS degree opens doors across the digital economy. You’ll be ready to launch into technical, product, or analyst roles—or continue to graduate study—equipped to bridge code, data, people, and policy.
Careers and Internships
Leverage RPI’s CCPD for résumé reviews, interview prep, career fairs, and employer connections across tech and beyond. Many ITWS students secure internships or co-ops that convert to full-time offers.
Admissions and Program Structure
ITWS is open to students who want to pair computing depth with domain focus. You’ll finish with a portfolio of projects, internship experience, and a specialization that signals your strengths to employers.
Program Benefits and Outcomes
- A flexible, cross-disciplinary degree aligned to industry needs
- Project-rich coursework and access to internships/co-ops
- Choice of focus track to target careers in data, security, UX, systems, or product
- Preparation for graduate study or immediate entry into high-demand roles
Program FAQs
A STEM-designated undergraduate degree combining a rigorous IT and web core with a customizable focus track, so you graduate with both breadth and depth.
128–130 total credits, with 36–38 credits of ITWS Core and 32 credits for your Focus Track; remaining credits meet Rensselaer’s degree requirements.
Data Science, Information Security, HCI, Networking, Web Technologies, MIS, AI, Communications, Arts, Psychology, Health—and more than a dozen others.
One-term internships (Fall, Spring, or Summer) are common and supported by RPI’s CCPD; durations often range three to six months depending on the employer.
You’ll complete the ITWS Core (covering web/IT development and management, data/algorithms, security, and ethics) and a 32-credit focus track of advanced courses selected with your adviser.
Full-stack/web development, scripting and data handling, networking/security foundations, UX and human-centered design, project management, and communication—always grounded in responsible, ethical tech practice.
Curriculum
Completion of the B.S. in Information Technology and Web Science requires a total of 128 - 130 credit hours:
ITWS Core Requirements (24 - 26 credits)
The ITWS core requirements establish a solid foundation for applying ITWS to any discipline.
Focus Track Requirement (44 credits)
The required focus track provides an opportunity for in-depth study of an ITWS application area. Focus track options include arts, communication and networks, law, management information systems, medicine, psychology, and numerous others. In consultation with a faculty adviser, students may also design their own focus track through the selection of courses that match their individual interests.
Rensselaer Degree Requirements (60 credits)
The Rensselaer requirements ensure the degree’s breadth and its consistency with long-established Rensselaer traditions.
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to demonstrate:
- Skill in core information technology and web science development methods
- Foundation skill and knowledge in engineering and/or computer science core
- Knowledge of the management concerns for the effective use of (especially web) technology
- An ability to be creative and use well-developed problem solving skills
- Communication, leadership skills and ability to work in teams
- Knowledge of the social, legal, and ethical issues in employing technology around the world
- An ability to recognize and respond to human-computer interaction issues to make technology more usable
- Broad knowledge of science, humanities, and/or business topical courses
- Application expertise through completion of a chosen focus track
- An ability to complete the culminating experience designed to prepare graduate for both acceptance into graduate study program and/or direct entry into ITWS career
- Introduction to Information Technology and Web Science - 4 credits
- Web Systems Development - 4 credits
- Database Systems or Data Resource Management (choose 1) - 4 credits
- Information Technology and Web Science Capstone or Senior Thesis (choose 1) - 4-6 credits
- Web Science Systems Development - 4 credits
- Managing IT Resources - 4 credits
Along with the 8 required courses (32 credits) for your focus track, you must take the corresponding required technical track courses:
Note: Along with the 8 required courses (32 credits) for your focus track, you must take the corresponding required technical track courses:
| Technical Track | Focus Tracks | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering |
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| Computer Science |
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| Information Systems |
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| Web Science |
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Math/Science Requirements (24 credits)
- Calculus 1 - 4 credits
- Math Elective - 4 credits
- Computer Science 1 - 4 credits
- Data Structures - 4 credits
- Physical Science Elective - 4 credits
- Life Science Elective - 4 credits
Humanities, Arts and Social Science Requirements (24 credits)
- IT and Society - 4 credits
- Intro to Human Computer Interaction - 4 credits
- Humanities Elective - 4 credits
- Social Science Elective - 4 credits
- 2 HASS Electives - 8 credits
Free Elective Requirement (12 credits)
- 3 Free Electives - 12 credits
The Arch is a unique approach to education that provides flexibility in the semester schedule, allowing students to pursue professional and personal development opportunities that prepare them to meet the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. The Arch is a requirement of the Rensselaer curriculum.
Summer Here
During The Arch, students remain on campus for the summer after their sophomore year, taking junior-level classes, and receive focused attention from professors at this pivotal point in their academic progression.
The World Away
Then, students leave the Troy campus for a semester during the traditional junior year—either fall or spring—to pursue their passions in the form of co-ops, internships, civic engagement, research, or international experiences. Students who pursue these opportunities during their academic career are better prepared for future professional careers and graduate school.
For more information regarding the Arch, please visit https://info.rpi.edu/the-arch
The ITWS minor requires a minimum of 16 credit hours that must be approved by the minor advisor in ITWS.
Requirements
- ITWS-1100 Introduction to ITWS
- ITWS/IHSS-1220 IT and Society
- ITWS-2110 Web Systems Development (CSCI 1200 Data Structures is a pre-requisite for ITWS-2110)
- ITWS-4310 Managing IT Resources*
* MGMT Majors only – Take ITWS-4100 Information Technology and Web Science Capstone or other course as approved by faculty advisor.
- Curriculum and Focus Tracks - Fall 2020/Spring 2021
- Curriculum and Focus Tracks - Fall 2021/Spring 2022
- Curriculum and Focus Tracks - Fall 2022/Spring 2023
- Curriculum and Focus Tracks - Fall 2023/Spring 2024
- Curriculum and Focus Tracks - Fall 2024/Spring 2025
- Curriculum and Focus Tracks - Fall 2025/Spring 2026
