Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Information Science

Where custom learning drives purposeful progress.

With a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in information science, you'll tackle real-world problems and design a tailored curriculum that prepares you for careers at leading companies.

Four optional focus areas offer specialized training in user experience, data science, interactive technologies, and networks, crowds, and markets, while the program’s linchpin MPS Project course is a hands-on, collaborative experience where student teams conceptualize, build, and implement solutions for client companies, non-profits and agencies.

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Interdisciplinary learning that works for the real world.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Information Science is an interdisciplinary, two- to three-semester program that prepares you for successful careers in information science.

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Work with clients to drive change.

The MPS program stands out due to being very hands-on, giving its students special opportunities to work closely with real clients on projects that have an immediate and real-world impact. This experience applies across several industries, most importantly as technology continues to transform many fields.

Matthew Roohan ’23, MPS ’24

Unlock future opportunities.

Minimum credits to earn your MPS degree

$83K

Mean starting salary for recent graduates

29%

Alumni employed in the technology sector

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Careers in Information Science

Bowers Career Planning

Where user design meets information architecture.

Careers in UX/UI blend user-centered design principles with information architecture to create intuitive digital interfaces and experiences.

Designing smarter information experiences.

Product designers with an information science background create intuitive digital solutions by merging design principles with information architecture, ensuring products effectively organize and deliver information to users.

Transforming data into actionable knowledge.

Career paths in data science combine analytical techniques with information behavior principles to extract meaningful insights and create user-centered data solutions.

Digital craftsmanship: where design meets development.

Web designers and developers combine technical expertise with user behavior principles to create digital spaces that effectively organize and deliver information.

Data-driven products for market success.

Product managers combine strategic product development with data expertise to create solutions that transform information into user value and business success.

Understanding user behavior through experience research.

UX Research examines how users interact with information systems, combining behavioral research methods with information organization principles to create more intuitive digital experiences.

At the intersection of code and data architecture.

Software developers with an information science background merge programming expertise with information management principles to build systems that effectively organize, analyze, and utilize data.

Building bridges between code and data.

A software engineer with an information science background merges programming expertise with data management skills to build systems that effectively organize and utilize information.

Explore the curriculum.

The MPS program provides foundational coursework and technical skill-building, culminating with the research and design of a deliverable for real-world implementation by partnering companies. With no core courses, students can design a curriculum that’s tailored to their career interests, including choosing an optional focus area.

Overview

To earn the MPS in Information Science degree, students must complete at least 30 credits of courses at a 5000-level or higher, while taking no more than 19 credits per semester.

To design their tailored academic plan, students are encouraged to work with Academic Planning.

If you are a Cornell undergraduate interested in the MPS program, please visit the Admissions page to learn about the Early Credit Option.

Information Science Courses

Students must complete at least 18 credits of courses in Information Science, divided into two categories:

Human and Social Systems (HSS, minimum 9 credits): courses that focus on the human and social aspects of computing systems and digital technology.
Information Systems (IS, minimum 9 credits): courses that focus on the technical and technological aspects of computing systems.

MPS Project

As part of the MPS program, students carry out a semester-long project either in the fall or spring semester. This required project offers students an opportunity to experience working with a client to complete work on time and to the satisfaction of the client. Projects are completed in teams of 5-7 students, giving students an opportunity to practice work distribution and team skills.

Alternatively, students may complete the MPS Project requirement through the Digital Technology Immersion course (NBA 6480, Spring only), offered through the Johnson Business School. Note that there are limited seats in NBA 6480.

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.

Electives

Any remaining credits to fulfill the 30-credit requirement may be taken as elective courses. Elective courses prepare you for a professional career by complementing and extending your Information Science degree.

Grade Requirements

Information Science and Elective courses: a minimum grade of C.
MPS Project: a minimum grade of B.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Two credits may be taken as pass/fail (S/U), including INFO 5905, Professional Career Development.

Overview

As a framework to help you structure your studies, these focus areas contain a mix of categorical Information Systems (IS) and Human and Social Systems (HSS) courses.

View a list of all MPS courses, which are categorized by IS/HSS and the focus areas. Pre-approved electives are also listed in this spreadsheet.

Data Science

Learn to analyze large amounts of data using data mining techniques and strong programming skills. Identify relevant questions, capture, process and analyze data from multiple sources to help answer the questions, and organize and communicate the results for effective decision making.

Interactive Technologies

Learn to design and build functional technical systems. Develop the technical skills needed to build novel interactive tools, both hardware and software, in various domains: health, education, business, and more.

User Experience

Learn to design and develop technology products from a human-centered perspective, providing users with meaningful experiences and a positive impact on society at large. Develop the skills needed to apply user research methods, product design, and create successful interactive products.

Networks, Crowds, and Markets

Learn to analyze and understand online social systems, human behavior, and decision making in interconnected systems. Apply formal models, data and policy issues drawn from economics, sociology, computer science, mathematics, ethics, and law to analyze and design networked online systems.