MS: Information Science

Application Deadline

Feb 5

How to Apply
Request Graduate Information

The MS in Information Science is a research-oriented master's in how people use data and technology. You take courses in research methods and design theory plus electives across the department and campus, join a faculty research lab, and conduct original research with a thesis or an applied project. The program welcomes technical and non-technical backgrounds — a computing degree is not required.

Thesis/Project

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

Thesis plan: 6 thesis hour credits (INFO 6950), typically taken over two semesters (3 credit hours each). A thesis defense with 3 committee members and submission of the thesis to the Graduate School are required.

Non-thesis plan: 6 credits taken of Master's Project (INFO 6940) over two semesters (3 credit hours each) with an INFO faculty member. Students will complete one or more in-depth research projects as part of this plan; however, a formal thesis document and oral presentation/defense are not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is my research interest appropriate for CU Boulder’s Department of Information Science?

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. Our 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?

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?

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. Many of our students also utilize the flexibility of the INFO MS curriculum to concurrently complete graduate certificates, like those in the Digital Humanities or Cognitive Science.

4. How do I know whether I'm a good fit?

Alignment with faculty research interests is the strongest indicator. Read about our faculty and our research labs, and name the faculty whose work overlaps yours in your statement. If your interests also overlap another CU Boulder department, such as Computer Science or the ATLAS Institute, you are welcome to apply to more than one program.

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.”

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."

Earn your Master's in three semesters!