Comparing Cornell Master's Degrees: The MPS in Info Science vs. Data Science

If you're exploring graduate programs in tech, data, or information systems, a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) can be a smart, career-focused choice. Designed to help students develop practical, job-ready skills, MPS programs are ideal for those seeking to advance or transition into high-growth industries.

At the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, you’ll find two specialized MPS programs: the MPS in Information Science and the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics.

Both offer hands-on training and direct pathways into tech and analytics careers, but each program serves different interests, skill sets, and long-term goals. In this blog, we’ll compare the Cornell MPS in Information Science vs. Data Science to help you choose the right master’s program for your future.

Discover how an MPS degree can prepare you for real-world success.

Which Master of Professional Studies Degree is Right for You?

The choice between the MPS in Information Science and the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics at Cornell Bowers depends on your academic background, interests, and career goals. While both programs emphasize practical, industry-ready skills, they prepare students for different types of roles in the tech and data landscape.

A Master's in Information Science (IS) may be the right fit if you:

• Want to understand and improve how people interact with technology
• Are curious about topics like user-centered design, technology ethics, or digital communication
• Come from a diverse academic background, such as social sciences, humanities, or design, and want flexibility in choosing courses that match your interests

A Master's in Data Science and Applied Statistics (SDS) may be the better fit if you:

• Enjoy working with numbers, writing code, and building predictive models
• Have a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, or statistics
• Are seeking a technical, analytics-focused role in fields like machine learning, data engineering, or business intelligence

By aligning your strengths and interests with the right program, you’ll be better positioned to thrive in graduate school—and in the fast-changing tech industry after graduation. 

What Do The Cornell MPS Programs Have in Common?

While both degrees serve different academic and career interests, they share several core strengths that set Cornell MPS programs apart:

How Do The Professional Master's Degrees Differ?

While Cornell Bowers’ MPS programs share a strong foundation in applied learning and career readiness, the academic focus and skill development in each degree are distinct.

Academic Focus

• The IS program explores how people interact with technology, with coursework often centered around user experience (UX), ethics, policy, and sociotechnical systems.
• The SDS program emphasizes statistical modeling, programming, and large-scale data analysis, preparing students to uncover insights from complex datasets.

Skill Emphasis

• The IS program combines technology, behavioral science, and design, making it ideal for those interested in tech development with a human-centered approach.
• The SDS program develops in-depth quantitative and computational skills, encompassing machine learning, predictive modeling, and data engineering.

MPS Project Applications

Each program culminates in a real-world project tailored to its academic strengths. These projects aren’t just academic exercises—they’re opportunities to apply your skills in professional settings, showcase your work to employers, and gain meaningful experience.

IS Project Example: Building Trust in Generative AI

In partnership with Google, a student team from the IS program developed metrics to measure user-perceived trust in GenAI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard. Through surveys of student developers and Google employees, the team identified privacy and accuracy as the two most important factors influencing trust among these groups. Their recommendations included giving users more control over data sharing and ways to verify AI-generated responses, insights that helped inform ethical design decisions for emerging AI tools. 

SDS Project Example: Predicting Metastatic Colorectal Cancer from Medicare Claims

A student team from the SDS program earned the 2025 Best MPS Project Award for their work with Trinity Life Sciences. Using Medicare claims data, they developed a rule-based machine learning method to identify potential patients with metastatic colorectal cancer by analyzing their complete claims histories. The project demonstrated how applied statistics and machine learning can drive real-world impact in healthcare, enhancing early detection strategies and supporting more informed clinical decision-making. 

Program Structure

• The IS program offers more flexibility, allowing students to tailor courses across interdisciplinary areas.
• The SDS program follows a more structured path with required coursework in advanced statistics, programming, and analytics tools, designed to prepare students for technical roles in data-heavy industries.

Career Outcomes to Expect from Each MPS Degree

Both Cornell MPS programs open doors to exciting, high-impact careers, but the roles you’ll be prepared for vary depending on your area of study. 

IS: Versatile Tech Roles with a Human Focus

Graduates of the MPS in Information Science program are equipped to bridge the gap between people and technology. Whether you’re drawn to user experience, data ethics, or tech strategy, this degree can lead to roles such as:

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Machine learning engineer
• UI/UX designer
• Business intelligence analyst
• Data engineer

Explore five in-demand information science jobs to consider.

SDS: Quantitative Careers in High-Growth Fields

This MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics program prepares students for data-intensive roles across a range of industries, from finance to healthcare to tech. With intense training in analytics and modeling, standard job titles include:

• Statistician or mathematician
• Research scientist
• Data scientist
• Quantitative analyst
• Operations research analyst

Explore career paths with a data science and statistics degree.

Whichever path you choose, Cornell Bowers’ strong industry connections and career services can help you transition confidently from graduate school to the workplace.

Prepare for Data and Information Science Jobs with a Master of Professional Studies from Cornell Bowers

In today’s competitive tech landscape, a graduate degree is often essential for advancing your career and gaining specialized expertise in high-demand fields like data science and information science. Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical skills or explore how people interact with technology, the MPS programs at Cornell Bowers offer a powerful path forward.

Both the MPS in Information Science and the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges and real-world careers. With a focus on applied learning, professional development, and hands-on experience, these programs equip graduates with the tools and connections needed to thrive in rapidly evolving industries.

As a Cornell MPS student, you’ll benefit from:

• A rigorous curriculum focused on real-world applications and in-demand skills
• Access to leading faculty conducting cutting-edge research in AI, data science, and cybersecurity
• Strong industry partnerships that lead to internships and job placements
• The opportunity to work with a real client through the MPS Project, gaining experience that stands out on your resume

Whether your interests lie in data-driven innovation or the human side of technology, a Cornell Bowers MPS degree can help you turn your goals into a career. 

Looking for more information about Cornell's master's degrees? Request more information about the MPS in Information Science and/or the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics and unlock exclusive program guides.