Graduate Field
Information Science
Program Description
The information science master of professional studies (IS MPS) is an interdisciplinary master’s program in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. Information science examines the interplay between people and technology: exploring how computing systems intersect with human values, culture, and interaction. Information science involves designing, building, and critically examining technologies to understand its real-world social, cultural, and economic impacts.
The information science master of professional studies (IS MPS) program equips students with a blend of computational, data-intensive skills and an understanding of the social and behavioral aspects of information technology. The program prepares students for successful careers in the tech industry and beyond, with positions such as data scientists, software engineers, user experience designers, product managers, and business analysts.
Areas of Special Interest
- Data science
- Interactive technologies
- User experience
- Networks, crowds, and markets
Concentrations by Subject
- Cognition
- Human computer interaction
- Information science
- Information systems
- Social aspects of information
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 30
Program Requirements
Credit Requirements
The completion of the IS MPS degree program requires foundational coursework and technical skill-building that provide a broad exposure to the field of information science. The requirements offer students the flexibility to combine courses that fit their focus area and individual career goals. The program culminates with the research and design of a deliverable for real-world implementation by partnering companies.
The IS MPS degree program has two tracks: two semesters and three semesters. Depending on the student’s track, they should complete:
- Two-semester track: at least 30 course credits.
- Three-semester track: at least 39 course credits.
In both tracks, all courses should be at a 5000-level or higher, with no more than 19 credits per semester.
Course credits should be distributed across the following categories:
I. Building Technology Systems (BT)
These courses focus on the technical and technological aspects of computing systems and information science.
- Two-semester track: a minimum of nine credits.
- Three-semester track: a minimum of 12 credits.
II. Human and Social Systems (HSS)
These courses focus on the human and social aspects of computing systems and information science.
- Two-semester track: a minimum of nine credits.
- Three-semester track: a minimum of 12 credits.
Note: Courses that fulfill either BT/HS category can be applied in either category according to the student’s choice, but cannot be double-counted in both categories.
III. MPS Project
INFO 5900 MPS Project (3 credits) is offered every semester. In the course, students work in teams to research and design a solution for an external client organization.
- Two-semester track: enroll in INFO 5900 in at least one semester.
- Three-semester track: enroll in INFO 5900 in at least two semesters.
IV. Professional Career Development
All MPS students are required to successfully complete Professional Career Development (INFO 5905, 0.5 credit, S/U, Fall/Spring). Early credit students must take this in their second semester.
V. Electives
Any remaining credits to fulfill the 30-credit requirement (two semester track) or 39-credit requirement (three semester track) may be taken as elective courses. Elective courses prepare students for a professional career by complementing and extending their Information science degree. A list of pre-approved electives and instructions for receiving approval for other electives can be found in the MPS course spreadsheet.
Grade Requirements
- Information science and elective courses: a minimum grade of C. Two of these credits may be taken as pass/fail (S/U), including INFO 5905 Professional Career Development.
- MPS Project: a minimum grade of B.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
For More Information
Students are welcome to consult with Gilly Leshed, Director of the MPS program, or Olivia Howarth, Assistant Director of the MPS program about their academic plan.
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall, May 3
Requirements Summary
- All Graduate School requirements, including the
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Academic statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- An online interview is required. Once the application is submitted applicants will receive a link to the interview and this must be submitted by the application deadline.
- The GRE test is not accepted.
- English Language Proficiency requirement for all applicants
- Note: The M.P.S. program requires the following minimum scores:
Applications will not be reviewed if the minimums in all sections are not met for either the TOEFL or IELTS test.
Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is recommended English proficiency tests are taken and sent to the Graduate School no later than October 30 to meet the fall application deadline.
Second choice field applications are not accepted. Change of program petitions are not accepted by the information science M.P.S. program.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: is-mps@cornell.edu
Campus Address: 522 Rhodes Hall
Website: http://infosci.cornell.edu/
