Applying to the program.
Below, you'll find the essential information you need to prepare a strong application to our undergraduate program, including qualifications, expectations, and application steps.
The Application Process
Here’s what you need to apply (also known as “affiliate”) based on where you are in the process.
Studying information science at Cornell.
Bowers gives students interested in majoring in Information Science at Cornell three options:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Science, Systems, and Technology through Cornell Engineering
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Science through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, or
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Information Science through the College of Arts and Sciences
IS vs. ISST: What’s the Difference?
The ISST major has a few additional technical coursework requirements beyond those required for the IS major in A&S or CALS. Those same courses, however, are open to Information Science majors as electives should they wish to take them.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in pursuing the B.S. in Information Science, Systems, and Technology (ISST) you should apply directly to Cornell Engineering. While you’ll indicate your interest in ISST on the common app, admission is to Engineering itself and not directly to the major. This path combines Information Science studies with Cornell’s engineering curriculum.
Once you’re enrolled at Cornell, you’ll complete a set of prerequisite courses before applying to (also known as “affiliating with”) the Information Science major. Cornell Engineering students typically affiliate with the Information Science major in the second semester of their second year.
See the “Cornell Students” tab for more details.
Becoming a Bowers' major.
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible to apply (also known as “affiliate”):
- A grade of C (not C-) or higher in at least two of the following courses: MATH 2940, CS/ENGRD 2110, and ENGRD 2700.
- An ISST-specific GPA of 2.5 or higher in all completed Engineering Mathematics (MATH 1910, MATH 1920, MATH 2930, MATH 2940, MATH 3040), Engineering Distribution (CS/ENGRD 2110, ENGRD 2700), and ISST major core courses (INFO 1200/1260, INFO 1300, INFO 2040, INFO 2450, ORIE 3500, ISST core ML course).
Cornell EN students can apply (also known as "affiliate") to the major after fulfilling the Bowers requirements.
Students in their senior year of study intending to change majors to IS or add IS as a second major must submit a course plan to demonstrate they can complete all degree requirements by their current expected graduation date.
Students can apply to the major while currently enrolled in their last courses needed for affiliation. Applications will be reviewed once final grades have been posted.
- Applications received between January 1st and January 31st are processed by March 1st.
- Applications received between February 1st and May 31st are processed by July 1st.
- Applications received between June 1st and September 14th are processed by October 15th.
- Applications received between September 15th and December 31st are processed by mid-January.
Your degree through Cornell Engineering.
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 Cornell Engineering (EN).
This program is offered through Cornell Engineering.
EN | A&S | CALS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems, and Technology | Bachelor of Arts in Information Science | Bachelor of Science in Information Science |
Overview | Best for students who wish to pursue a degree in information systems engineering. | Best for students who wish to enrich their liberal arts study. | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with interdisciplinary sciences. |
Degree Similarities | Similar to A&S and CALS, this degree examines information systems in various contexts. | 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. |
Degree Differences | Course requirements span EN disciplines and involve more technical requirements beyond those required for A&S and CALS. | 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. |
