Bachelor of Arts in Information Science

Redefine information for the Information Age.

With a bachelor of arts in information science, you’ll study the design and use of information systems in a social context. Our interdisciplinary approach gives you the freedom to create a program that’s as unique and multidimensional as you are.

View Major Requirements

Explore your degree options.
	A&S	CALS	EN
Degree Awarded	Bachelor of Arts in Information Science	Bachelor of Science in Information Science	Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems, and Technology
Overview	Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with liberal arts study.	Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with interdisciplinary sciences.	Best for students who wish to pursue a degree in information systems engineering.
Degree Similarities	As with CALS, you’re required to complete five core courses, three electives, and at least one concentration.	As with A&S, you’re required to complete five core courses, three electives, and at least one concentration.	Similar to A&S and CALS, this degree examines information systems in various contexts.
Degree Differences	Course requirements include a foreign language and distribution areas across A&S.	Course requirements span written and oral communication, physical and life sciences, and social sciences and humanities. For this program, you matriculate to Cornell as an Information Science major. VIEW is B.a. PROGRAM	Course requirements span EN disciplines and involve more technical requirements beyond those required for A&S and CALS. VIEW ISST b.s. PROGRAM

Unlock future opportunities.

90%

Employed or in graduate school

Class of 2024 data, six months post-graduation.

$94K

Mean starting salary

31%

Employed in the tech sector

Followed by 20% in financial services and 16% in consulting

88%

Employed in the U.S.

View Career OutcomesView Career Outcomes

Navigating your academic journey.

Setting the foundation.

In your first year, you’ll engage in student life and start fulfilling your college distribution requirements. You’ll also research and fulfill requirements to apply (also known as “affiliate”) to the B.A. Information Science program.

Explore the curriculum.

Take INFO 1200 or INFO 1260 to learn what information science is all about.
Take another INFO core course.
Work on your A&S distribution requirements.

Connect and get involved.

Join ISSA
Explore and join Bowers clubs and organizations.
Attend the Bowers Academic Fair at the start of the year.
Set up a meeting with a Bowers academic advisor.
Take advantage of Career Services, including setting up an introductory meeting.

Exploring possibilities.

In your second year, you’ll officially apply to the program. This is the year to acquaint yourself with the Bowers community and resources, and to dive deeper into your core curriculum.

Join the major.

In the fall, take INFO 1300 if you’re interested in UX or interactive technologies
Complete IS affiliation requirements.
Apply for admission and, if accepted, join the major in the spring.
Work closely with your Bowers academic advisor to plan your path, keeping in mind some courses are only offered in the fall or the spring.

Immerse in Bowers.

If you haven’t already, join ISSA and other Bowers clubs.
Research and pursue leadership opportunities.
Think about applying to be a Bowers undergraduate course staff in a course you enjoyed and would like to help others in.
Explore research opportunities.

How to Apply

Cultivating depth.

In your third year, you’ll take electives that highlight your interests (or reveal new ones). It’s a good year to consider leadership and research opportunities as well as plan for your future.

Pursue your passions.

Finish your Information Science core requirements by the end of the year.
Take a variety of electives so you can fully explore your information science interests.
If you’re interested in research and potentially graduate school, this is the time to dive into exploring this.
Assume leadership role(s).

Leverage resources.

Get to know your faculty advisor.
Keep meeting with Bowers academic advising and career services.

Information + Resources for Current Students

Synthesizing and leading.

In your final year, you’ll complete remaining coursework, make progress toward your post-graduate goals, and enjoy the culmination of your Cornell Bowers journey.

Use your faculty advisor as a sounding board for where to take your IS studies.
Keep meeting with Bowers academic advising and career services.
Savor the end of your Cornell experience.

Planning your curriculum.

Explore the courses that shape your major. Students entering Cornell in fall 2025 can review current major requirements, elective options, and other key academic information that will help guide your undergraduate journey.

View Major Requirements

Choose one concentration.

Human-first technology

Examines how humans interact with digital systems, exploring concepts like user experience, digital psychology, and social computing. Students learn to apply psychological and sociological principles to design more effective and human-centered technology solutions.

Turning data into powerful insights

Focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of large-scale data sets to uncover meaningful patterns and insights. Students develop proficiency in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization while learning to ask the right questions and communicate findings effectively.

Create and critique tomorrow's digital landscape

Examines how digital technologies shape and are shaped by cultural practices, social movements, and artistic expression. Students learn to create digital content while developing a critical understanding of media theory, digital aesthetics, and the social impact of technology.

Shape a more responsible digital world

Explores the complex ethical challenges and regulatory frameworks shaping our digital world. Students learn to analyze and address critical issues in privacy, intellectual property, algorithmic bias, and digital rights while developing frameworks for responsible technology development.

Build tomorrow's digital solutions

Combines theoretical foundations with hands-on technical skills to create innovative digital solutions. Students learn to design, develop, and implement interactive systems while understanding the principles that make technology both powerful and accessible.

Decode the science of social connections

Examines how networks shape everything from social media to financial markets and information flow. Students learn to analyze and model complex networked systems while understanding how collective behavior emerges from individual interactions.

Where technology meets human needs

Focuses on creating intuitive, effective, and engaging digital interfaces and experiences. Students combine principles of psychology, design thinking, and user research to develop products and services that truly serve human needs.

Students driving positive change.

A woman and man sit together on their laptops. The woman is smiling.

One thing that I’ve personally taken out of doing this type of work is you’re able to see tangible impact on your direct community. I’m involved in Cornell Green Club. We focus on sustainability and using technology to impact the local Ithaca and Cornell community.

Liz Moon ’25
B.A. Information Science