The Information Science & Technology master’s (MSIST) is a professional graduate degree program for those who seek advanced training to meet the ever-increasing need for information technology (IT) professionals.

Program Type

Master’s

Program Format

Hybrid, On Campus, Online

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Why Choose Our Program?

The Master of Science in Information Science and Technology (MSIST) is a professional graduate degree program for those who seek advanced training to meet the ever-increasing need for information technology (IT) professionals

  • Exceptional Quality and Value: Nationally recognized urban research university.
  • Flexible Pathways to Degree: Fully online program tailored for working professionals.
  • Career Advancement: Tailor your academic experience to match your career aspirations through a variety of electives.
UWM Creates IT Professionals Needed in Today’s Digital Age

The information science master’s degree is composed of 30 credit hours and will supplement our Bachelor of Science in Information Science & Technology.

The MSIST will provide essential skills and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Data science: Provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to manage data sets generated by applications.
  • Information security: Focuses on techniques to ensure the security of all data captured, stored and analyzed through applications.

The program is currently accepting students with varying levels of technical expertise. If you would like to learn more, please complete our information request form and an academic advisor will contact you.

Online & Onsite Offerings

Starting with the Fall 2023 semester, the MSIST program will be available in both the online and onsite formats.

MSIST Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Information Science & Technology program requires 30* graduate-level credits, including 15 credits of required coursework, competency requirement and either 12 or 15 credits of elective credit depending on whether competency is demonstrated through coursework or examination.
*30cr hours starting Fall 2022.

Prerequisites

Preference will be given to those students who have a baccalaureate degree in information sciences, computer information systems, computer science, engineering, statistics or a related field. Students with a sufficient background gained through work experience or professional training in information technologies, such as networks, web services and database development, will also be considered for admission to the program.

Those who have neither of the aforementioned qualifications should contact an advisor: https://uwm.edu/informationstudies/students/academic-advising/

Core Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
INFOST 582Introduction to Data Science3
INFOST 583Survey of Information Security3
COMPST 701Computing Fundamentals for IT Professionals3
COMPST 703Software Development Life Cycle3

Culminating Course

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
INFOST 790Project Design, Implementation, and Evaluation3

Electives

Select 12 or 15 elective credits depending on whether programming competency is demonstrated through coursework or examination. Electives can be used toward Tracks.

Programming Proficiency demonstrated by one of the following with a grade of C or better (0-3cr):

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
INFOST 350Introduction to Application Development3
BUSMGMT 744Programming for Business Analytics3
COMPST 702Software Development in Python3
COMPST 750Problem-Solving with Object-Oriented Programming3
HCA 741Essential Programming for Health Informatics3
Programming Competency Examination

The complete list of courses offered by the School of Information Studies can be found in the UWM Academic Catalog.

Program Completion Time Frame

All degree requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial enrollment in the master’s program.

MSIST Careers – Median National Salary

Occupation2021 Median Pay
Computer and Information Research Scientists$131,490
Computer Network Architects$120,520
Computer Systems Analysts$99,270
Database Administrators$101,000
Information Security Analysts$102,600
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$80,600
Software Developers$109,020
Web Developers and Digital Designers$78,300
From: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

Master’s Degree Admission (MSIST)

The admission process for the information science master’s program is the same whether you are a full-time or part-time, onsite or online (including blended/hybrid) student. An applicant must meet all UWM Graduate School and School of Information Studies admission requirements to be considered for the MSIST program.

Admission Deadlines

MSIST Online Program
We practice rolling admissions, but we recommend a deadline of Nov. 1 for spring and March 1 for summer and fall – these are also the priority deadlines for funding consideration.

MSIST On-Campus Program
The on-campus program is a fall-only start. We practice rolling admissions with a priority deadline of March 1 – this is also the priority deadline for funding consideration including scholarships and teaching assistantship positions. 

How Do I Apply?

APPLICATION CHECKLIST
UWM Graduate School Application
MSIST online program Application Portal (Panthera)
MSIST on-campus program Application Portal (Panthera)
Upon submitting your application you will receive an email from the university, explaining how to check the status of your application on our PAWS online student information system.
Required
Reason Statement
Brief 1-2 pages outlining your background and focusing on your educational and professional goals.
Required
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts from each institution attended can be uploaded in Panthera.
Official copies not needed until 1st term in program.
Required
ResumeRequired
Application Processing FeeRequired
GRE TestNot Required
Letters of RecommendationNot Required

After you have submitted all application materials to the UWM Graduate School, the application is reviewed and you will receive a notification email of the final decision from the Graduate School.

Please visit the UWM Graduate School website for complete details on admission requirements.

Admission Categories
Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree or equivalent
GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
International Student AdmissionInternational applicants should follow the MSIST admission/application procedure as well as the UWM Center for International Education (CIE) admission requirements found at: uwm.edu/cie/international-admissions/
Non-Degree Candidate (NDC) AdmissionThis admission category (also referred to as Graduate Special) is used for the following:
– To enroll in classes without pursuing a degree.
– To prove your ability for success in graduate school when your overall GPA falls below university admission requirements. (Note: NDC status does not guarantee admission to or enrollment in a graduate degree program.)

It is possible to take graduate-level credits as a NDC prior to admission to the MLIS program and have them count toward the degree. The limit to the number of such credits is 12. These credits must be approved by the UWM Graduate School and SOIS in order to be counted toward the degree.

For complete details on Non-Degree Candidate Admission, please visit the UWM Graduate School website: uwm.edu/graduateschool/non-degree-admission/