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The Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science brings together experts in computer science, information science, and statistics to tackle complex problems through technology and data. Faculty and researchers work across disciplines, collaborating with fields such as engineering, medicine, the sciences, and the humanities, to advance research and develop practical solutions that impact everyday life.

As a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) student, studying on campus in Ithaca gives you direct access to immersive academics, close faculty mentorship, and a collaborative environment that supports practical learning and professional growth.

Cornell Bowers offers two MPS programs—held exclusively on the Ithaca campus—that prepare students to make an immediate impact in our tech-driven world:

Choosing to earn your MPS master’s degree on campus at Cornell Bowers means you won’t just earn a degree—you’ll gain access to hands-on research, personalized career support, cross-disciplinary coursework, and a vibrant student community. In the sections below, we’ll explore how the on-campus experience sets the Cornell MPS programs apart and helps students thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

An MPS Degree Enhanced By Hands-On Learning in Cutting-Edge Research Labs

One of the most significant advantages of the on-campus MPS degree programs at Cornell Bowers is the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. As a Cornell University MPS student, you can engage directly with faculty-led research groups across a range of disciplines, including human-computer interaction, information ethics, natural language processing, machine learning, and statistical modeling.

Students in the IS program may work in labs focused on user experience, digital privacy, or data-driven decision-making. SDS students can explore areas like predictive analysis, Bayesian inference, and large-scale data systems.

The Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit (CSCU) is another valuable campus resource, particularly for SDS students. In addition to offering expert consulting services, CSCU offers free, practical workshops designed to help you sharpen your applied statistical skills and stay current with leading tools and techniques. From R and Python to experimental design and regression modeling, these workshops add another layer of hands-on learning to the on-campus experience.

Personalized Career Support and Networking Opportunities Embedded into Cornell MPS Programs

From day one, Cornell Bowers provides career support specifically designed for MPS students, including one-on-one advising, portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and job search strategies.

In-person career fairs, employer sessions, and alumni events provide direct connections between students and recruiters and professionals in fields such as technology, data science, and consulting, often leading to internships, job offers, and mentorships.

Project-based experiences and strong ties to industry partners also distinguish the Cornell MPS experience. Whether through capstone projects, sponsored research, or innovation challenges, students can build real-world skills and expand their professional network while earning their degree.

Students also benefit from regular department seminars and speaker events. The Statistics Seminar Series (SDS) and Information Science Colloquium (IS) bring experts to campus each semester to discuss new research and emerging trends, while the Bowers Distinguished Speaker Series invites industry leaders and innovators to share their insights and offer a window into the evolving world of computing, data, and information science.

Recent talks at Cornell Bowers

  • Julie E. Cohen, renowned professor of law and author of Between Truth and Power, explored the shifting power dynamics of digital platforms and data governance.
  • Paul England, distinguished engineer at Microsoft, discussed the future of trusted computing and the evolving security landscape in cloud and AI systems.

These events enrich the on-campus experience and prepare students to engage with emerging issues in tech.

Access to the Full Cornell Course Catalogue

Cornell’s academic footprint extends far beyond the Ithaca campus. Through strong connections with Cornell Tech in New York City, the university has built a technology and innovation ecosystem that enhances the on-campus experience. While MPS students in IS and SDS are based in Ithaca, they benefit from the full reach of Cornell’s academic network.

Students have the flexibility to take MPS courses across departments and colleges, tailoring their studies to match their interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in data ethics, business strategy, communication, or behavioral science, you’ll find opportunities to broaden your perspective and deepen your skillset. 

  • The IS program is intentionally designed for customization. Students can choose from four focus areas that align with their goals. Whether it’s UX design, data science, information policy, or human-computer interaction, you can build a learning experience that’s as unique as your career path. 

Request more information and unlock our guide: Building Your Information Science Master's Program

  • The SDS program follows a structured core that includes a two-semester sequence in mathematical probability and statistics, as well as a choice of electives from the Department of Statistics and Data Science and other Cornell departments. This allows for a focus in areas such as machine learning, finance, business analytics, or ethics.

This cross-disciplinary access equips MPS graduates with both specialized knowledge and broader, in-demand skills that employers value. Request more information and unlock two exclusive guides about the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics. 

Library and Academic Support Resources

Cornell’s extensive library system is a valuable asset to students earning an MPS degree. With 16 libraries across the university, students have access to millions of print and digital resources, specialized databases, and expert staff.

Being on campus means you can take full advantage of in-person support from research librarians who specialize in fields like information science, data analytics, and statistics. Students also benefit from access to labs and collaborative study spaces, which are designed to support project-based coursework and team research. Plus, Cornell’s tech lending service makes it easy to borrow the equipment you need—like laptops, cameras, and more—to complete assignments and collaborate effectively.

For students preparing for job interviews or planning their next career move, Cornell offers unique business research tools through the Johnson College of Business Library:

  • Hoover’s Online (Dun & Bradstreet): Detailed company profiles and industry insights
  • CareerBeam: Data on hiring trends, company culture, and employment outlooks

Whether you’re writing a thesis, analyzing data, or researching your next career move, Cornell’s academic support and library system provide the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

A Vibrant Community of Student Clubs and Peer Networks

Cornell’s ecosystem of student organizations helps MPS master’s degree students build technical skills, connect with peers, and explore shared interests. Whether you’re looking to grow your technical expertise or build a portfolio of real-world projects, there’s a community for you.

Organizations such as Women in Computing at Cornell (WICC) and Underrepresented Minorities in Computing (URMC) support inclusion and professional development, while Cornell AppDev offers students the opportunity to design, build, and launch mobile and web applications used across campus.

Being on campus makes it easy to participate in weekly meetings, seminars, projects, and events that expand both your experience and your professional network.

Ithaca is Gorges

Ithaca, NY—where Cornell University calls home—has its many charms. Whether it’s the beauty of the surrounding Finger Lakes and natural gorges, vibrant music and arts scene, or its exceptional and diverse culinary offerings, there are plenty of reasons why Ithaca, NY, is regularly named as one of the top college towns in the United States. There’s something for everyone here: good, fresh food, weekly farmers markets, breathtaking hikes, kayaking on Cayuga Lake, serene swimming holes at the many Ithaca-area parks, and three nearby ski resorts, just to name a few.

More Than a Degree: Pursue Your Master of Professional Studies at Cornell Bowers

Studying on campus at Cornell University isn’t just about earning a credential but immersing yourself in a vibrant academic community, building practical skills in world-class research environments, and forming lasting relationships that extend far beyond graduation.

At the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, the on-campus Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs offer the rigor, flexibility, and support to help students advance or pivot in their careers. From interdisciplinary electives to hands-on research and career-focused programming, the Ithaca campus offers an immersive and supportive environment.

Explore two powerful, career-focused Cornell University MPS programs

Ready to see where an MPS degree from Cornell Bowers could take you? Request more information about the MPS in Information Science and/or the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics to unlock exclusive program guides.