If you want to pursue a career in UX design, product management, data science, mobile or web development, you might be interested in the information science field. However, with various degree options—including the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and the Master of Science (MS)—it can be hard to decide on a path.
Information science can be defined as the intersection of social science and computer science. It examines the creation, organization, access, and utilization of information within social contexts, using methods and tools from both fields to analyze and manage information systems.
If you are considering a graduate education in the information science field, there are two types of degrees you may come across:
| Master of Science (MS) | Master of Professional Studies (MPS) |
Let’s break down the key differences between these two degrees to help you make an informed choice that best suits your goals.
When deciding between a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and a Master of Science (MS), it's important to understand their approach and focus.
What is a Master of Science (MS) Degree?
An MS is generally more research-focused, emphasizing the study of scientific principles and their application in technical fields. Students in an MS program are typically engaged in exploring new technologies, conducting research, and applying scientific theories to advance knowledge in a specific area.
What is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) Degree?
An MPS is generally designed for working professionals, focusing on practical problem-solving. It teaches students how to implement scientific principles and technologies in business or professional environments and emphasizes real-world applications and skill development that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
Aside from their differences in research and practical application, the MPS and MS information science degrees vary in several other areas.
| MPS in Information Science | MS in Information Science | |
| Typical Program Length | 1 year | 2 years |
| Student Population | Working professionals seeking practical application of information science | Professionals, scholars, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about understanding the human, ethical, and technological dynamics of the evolving information society |
| Common Focus Areas | User experience (UX), data science, interactive technologies, and networks, crowds, and markets | Human-computer interaction, data science, library science, social computing, and UX |
| Career Outcomes | Software engineer, UX designer, web developer, technology analyst, and consultant | Software developer, data scientist, startup founder, product manager, and technical UX specialist |
| Courses and Curriculum | Often includes a capstone project component and courses in user experience, data science, and interactive technologies |
Research design, data cleansing, libraries and archives, big data analytics, machine learning, etc. |
While MS and MPS criteria differ, both paths can provide diverse and specialized options catered to various interests and career aspirations. If you are a working professional seeking to advance your practical application of information science in less than two years, Cornell Bowers CIS’s MPS in Information Science is worth considering.
Information Science at Cornell Bowers CIS was born out of the need to provide a space for academics interested in studying the use of technology rather than just its creation.
Through a unique combination of world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and a forward-thinking curriculum, Cornell Bowers CIS is an excellent choice for students passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems.
The MPS in Information Science will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and apply technology in a variety of fields and contexts. Plus, as part of the program, you’ll participate in a semester-long MPS Project, working in a team to build solutions for a real client.
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