Design technology that understands humans.
With a bachelor of science in information science, you’ll design the future of digital experiences. Blend technical skills with human behavior insights to build tomorrow's digital solutions. From apps to algorithms, make technology work for everyone.
Explore your degree options.
You can pursue an information science degree through the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Additionally, a degree in Information Science, Systems, and Technology is offered through the Cornell Engineering (Engineering).
Column Header: | CALS | A&S | Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree Awarded: | Bachelor of Science in Information Science | Bachelor of Arts in Information Science | Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems, and Technology |
Overview: | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with interdisciplinary sciences. | Best for students who wish to enrich their liberal arts study. | Best for students who wish to pursue a degree in information systems engineering. |
Degree Similarities: | Similar to A&S, you’re required to complete five core courses, three electives, and at least one concentration. | Similar to CALS, 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 span written and oral communication, physical and life sciences, and social sciences and humanities. | Course requirements include writing seminars, foreign language, and distribution areas across A&S. | Course requirements span Engineering disciplines and include seven core courses, two electives, and two concentrations. |
Unlock future opportunities.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Leverage resources.
- Get to know your faculty advisor.
- Keep meeting with Bowers academic advising and career services.
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.
- Continue your exploration of your interests in the field with electives.
- Keep meeting with Bowers academic advising and career services.
- Savor the end of your Cornell experience.
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.
Follow your passions with interdisciplinary study.
I’m thankful for discovering information science because it was the foundation for my passion of building software but also having a strong appreciation for UX and HCI. That focus on UX and HCI is pretty rare in a program.
B.S. Information Science
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