The Information Science Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) Diversity & Excellence Scholarship was created to advance the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science's commitment to access, equity, justice, and inclusion, and to enhance the diversity of the Information Science MPS student population. This scholarship is available on a competitive basis to all students applying to the program. This scholarship will provide the awardee with two semesters of tuition, the student health insurance premium and the student activity fee.  

How to Apply

A personal statement of no more than 400 words is required for any MPS applicant who wishes to be considered for the Diversity & Excellence Scholarship. All scholarship applicants must indicate in the Financial Support section of their MPS application that they wish to be considered for a “Program-specific Scholarship or Grant.” Content in the Personal Statement should complement rather than duplicate the content contained within the Statement of Purpose. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

When completing the personal statement in the MPS application process, students are asked to address how their personal background and experiences influenced their decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, students are asked to provide insight on their potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.

For consideration for nomination for the Information Science MPS Diversity & Excellence Scholarship, students must also use the Personal Statement to indicate how one or more of the following identities and/or experiences apply to them:

  • First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian having completed a baccalaureate degree)
  • Member of ethnic and/or racial groups historically excluded from and underrepresented in graduate education – Black, Indigenous (Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islanders, other Indigenous peoples) and/or Latina/o/x
  • McNair or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Scholar (the Graduate School will verify an applicant’s status as a McNair Scholar or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow while pursuing a baccalaureate degree at a U.S. institution)
  • Other identities and/or experiences historically underrepresented and/or marginalized within graduate education including but not limited to the following:
    • Those who manage a disability
    • Being of a gender and/or sexual orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
    • Those who identify as a military veteran
    • Holding DACA, TPS, refugee, or asylee status
    • Those who have experienced housing and/or food insecurity
    • Single parents

Success in education requires significant persistence and resilience. You should use your personal statement to address how your personal, academic, and/or experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances.