Below are the four optional focus areas: Data Science, Interactive Technology, UX Design, and Networks, Crowds and Markets. A framework designed to help MPS students structure their studies, these focus areas contain a mix of Information Systems category and Human and Social Systems category courses. See the Requirements page for more information.

See this Google Sheet for a list of all MPS courses, which are categorized by IS/HSS and the focus areas. Pre-approved electives are also listed in this spreadsheet.

Data Science

Analyzing data to learn about the world

Learn to analyze large amounts of data using data mining techniques and strong programming skills. Identify relevant questions, capture, process and analyze data from multiple sources to help answer the questions, and organize and communicate the results for effective decision making. 

Interactive Technologies

Designing and building systems

Learn to design and build functional technical systems. Develop the technical skills needed to build novel interactive tools, both hardware and software, in various domains: health, education, business, and more. 

USER EXPERIENCE

Studying and designing interfaces

Learn to design and develop technology products from a human-centered perspective, providing users with meaningful experiences and a positive impact on society at large. Develop the skills needed to apply user research methods, product design, and creating successful interactive products.

Networks, Crowds, and Markets

Modeling decision-making and policy

Learn to analyze and understand online social systems, human behavior, and decision making in interconnected systems. Apply formal models, data and policy issues drawn from economics, sociology, computer science, mathematics, ethics, and law to analyze and design networked online systems.