MS: Information Science

The Master of Science in Information Science prepares graduates to pursue diverse careers such as data analyst, information architect, UX designer, systems analyst, knowledge manager, consultant, or digital librarian. With the growing importance of data in all sectors, information science professionals are in high demand across industries including technology, healthcare, finance, law, education, and government.

Graduates from our research-oriented Master of Science in Information Science program will be equipped to take on a leadership role in organizations that examine and explore new ways of working, communicating, and creating and affecting change in the world. A number of our graduates have also gone on to pursue further graduate study at top Ph.D. programs in Information and Computer Sciences in the U.S. and abroad.

Students acquire and hone the fundamentals of research inquiry with an interdisciplinary information science lens, building relevant skills for transforming a breadth of fields where data and information increasingly play a central role: traditional and social media, health and medicine, safety-critical systems, energy, transportation and more.

Thesis/Project

Students in our master's program can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis plan:Ìý6 thesis hour credits (INFO 6950), typically taken over two semesters (3 credit hoursÌýeach). A thesis defense with 3 committee members and submission of the thesis to the GraduateÌýSchoolÌýareÌýrequired.

Non-thesis plan:Ìý6 credits taken of Master's Project (INFO 6940) over twoÌýsemesters (3 credit hours each) with an INFO faculty member. Students will complete one or moreÌýin-depth research projects as part of this plan; however, a formal thesis document and oral presentation/defenseÌýareÌýnotÌýrequired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is my research interest appropriate for Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Department of Information Science?

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We welcome applications from students with a broad range of interests in information science—from data science to information visualization to studies of online communities and more. The best candidates will be those who can identify interests that align with the expertise of current faculty members.ÌýOur faculty members have expertise in areas such as machine learning, philanthropic informatics, accessible technology, personal informatics, social media, information visualization, law, ethics, digital humanities and crisis informatics.

2. What kinds of backgrounds should students have?

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We welcome applications from students with diverse backgrounds and skillsets both technical and non-technical. A degree or background in computing or information science is not required, though prospective students should have a desire to use the tools, concepts and methods of information science. Students in our program will be expected to learn the technical skills required to carry out their research.

3. What are the course and curriculum requirements for the program?

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Our core curriculum includes coursework in information science and theory, research methods, and completion of a research thesis or project. Students will be encouraged, with the guidance of their advisor, to take additional courses that will compliment their research inquiry, from both within and outside of our department. We are fortunate to be located within the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information (CMDI), which includes many communication and media studies classes. We also have close ties with the Department of Computer Science, the ATLAS Institute and the Institute for Cognitive Science.Ìý Many of our students also utilize the flexibility of the INFO MS curriculum to concurrently complete graduate certificates, like those in theÌýDigital Humanities orÌýCognitive Science.

4. How do I know if I’m a good fit for your program?

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If you think this may be the right place for you, then please apply! It is impossible for us to know ahead of time who might end up being a perfect fit for such an interdisciplinary department. However, the best indicator is likely having some interest—either with respect to methods or domains—in common with at least one member of our faculty.

5. How do I know that your program is a good fit for me?

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The best way to gauge your fit in Information Science is to explore the research interests and expertise of our currentÌýfaculty andÌýgraduate students. If you are considering multiple programs at Â鶹ÊÓƵ (for example, computer science, ATLAS or communication), we encourage you to apply to all of the programs for which you see a potential overlap with your interests. If you have any specific questions about the Department of Information Science, please feel free to email.

Phone: 303-735-0730

Email:Ìýcmcigrad@colorado.edu

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You belong here.

At CU, students are as important as the problems they solve.

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Student Voices: Why CU?

Matt Nesselrodt, MS Student
"As someone with a background in the humanities, I was particularly interested in working with CU's INFO department because of how clearly they value interpretivist lines of inquiry. The diverse set of methodologies and skills represented by my peers, faculty, and staff inspires me to consider big questions about technology, people, and the planet from a variety of perspectives. Working with Dr. Jonathan Zong in the Data & Design lab has been a wonderfully enriching life experience. Moreover, my peers are absolutely wonderful people and friends. We look out for each other, and I appreciate it tremendously."
Abbie Seale, MS Student
“Being a part of the Information Science department at CU has exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and ideas I would not get to interact with in other settings. The opportunity to engage with so many different academic backgrounds and positionalities has led me to discover new approaches to my own research as well as be involved with a welcoming and close community. Whether it be within my own lab group or the department at large, INFO is home to a rich constellation of work and stands out as a space which fosters excellence in academia and research as well as meaningful relationships.â€
Kate Davis, MS Student
"Information science has enabled me to explore my passions both in STEM and the humanities. As a member of the Information Visions Lab I have had the opportunity to blend my creative work in ceramics with my technical skills in research and data visualization. The MS program has not only expanded my knowledge but also facilitated first hand experience applying the skills I gained in undergraduate degree to my masters project. Beyond the research methods and interdisciplinary nature of Information Science I have found a wonderful community here. Having done both the BAM and MS programs I am uniquely positioned to connect with the department on both the graduate and undergraduate levels expanding my community and opportunities."Ìý

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Earn your Master's in three semesters!

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Example Plan of Study

Three Semester Plan

First Semester
  • INFO grad-level methods course—3 credit hours
  • INFO Graduate Elective (5000-level)—3
  • INFO Graduate Elective (5000-level)—3
  • INFO Graduate Seminar (INFO 6500)—1
Second Semester
  • INFO grad-level [design] theory—3 credit hours
  • Grad-level breadth course—3
  • MS Thesis (INFO 6950)/Project (INFO 6940)—3
  • INFO Graduate Seminar (INFO 6500)—1
Third Semester
  • INFO Graduate Elective (5000-level)—3
  • Grad-level breadth course—3
  • MS Thesis (INFO 6950)/Project (INFO 6940)—3
  • INFO Graduate Seminar (INFO 6500)—1

Information Science Degree Requirements

Looking for specific degree requirementsÌýor information about classes?Ìý

Contact the Department of Information Science

Department of Information Science:

General Inquiries:ÌýÌýÌý Email

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ÌýÌýCMDI Department of Information Science (INFO)
1045 18th Street, UCB 315
Boulder, CO 80309

ÌýÌý 303-735-7581

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