Information Science and Technology, MS, Online MS
Whether you’re an experienced IT professional looking to stay ahead of the curve or an aspiring technologist ready to make your mark in the field, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s online Master of Science in Information Science and Technology (MSIST) degree gives you the advanced skills needed to succeed.
The online MSIST degree at the School of Information Studies addresses two critical areas of modern information technology: data science and information security. You’ll master managing complex data and making decisions, preparing you for leadership roles. Simultaneously, the program emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.
Start Dates: Fall, Spring or Summer
Cost per Credit: $800 (Total Cost: $24,000*)
Credit Hours: 30
*Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.
Program Type
Master’s
Program Format
Online
Why Study Information Science and Technology at UWM?
- Enhance your problem-solving and critical thinking skills for complex IT challenges.
- Stay ahead of trends in technology with regularly updated course content.
- Boost your earning potential and open doors to senior positions in IT.
- Benefit from a fully online program designed to accommodate both working professionals and distance learners.
- Learn from instructors who are industry professionals and teach in-person and online classes.
- Tailor your courses to match your career goals through a variety of electives.
To help you achieve your goal of earning an online MSIST degree, UWM and the School of Information Studies offer scholarship opportunities and financial assistance resources. Reach out to the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.
Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing. Explore the Panther Scholarship Portal regularly as you make progress on your degree.
The online MSIST degree application process is the same whether you are a full-time or part-time student. To be considered for admission, you must:
- Meet all UWM Graduate School and School of Information Studies admission requirements.
- Complete the graduate online application and submit all application materials, including transcripts, a resume and an application fee.
- Submit a one- to two-page statement of reason.
We practice rolling admissions, but we recommend completing your spring application by Nov. 1 and your summer or fall application by March 1. These are also the priority deadlines for funding consideration.
Preference is given to 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.
If you don’t have either of the aforementioned qualifications, please contact an advisor.
| Minimum Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale |
| International Student Admission | International applicants should follow the MSIST admission/application procedure as well as the UWM Center for International Education (CIE) admission requirements. |
| Non-Degree Candidate (NDC) Admission | This 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 the university admission requirements. (Note: NDC status does not guarantee admission to or enrollment in a graduate program.) It is possible to take graduate-level credits as an 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 Information Studies in order to be counted toward the degree. Review complete details on Non-Degree Candidate (NDC) Admission. |
Program Requirements
The Master’s of Information Science and Technology program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and supplements our Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology degree. All degree requirements must be completed within five years from your enrollment start date.
Courses
Explore required master’s in information technology courses and electives. Classes range from computing fundamentals to software development and problem-solving in programming.
- COMPST 701: Computing Fundamentals for IT Professionals
- COMPST 703: Software Development Life Cycle
- INFOST 582: Introduction to Data Science
- INFOST 583: Survey of Information Security
- INFOST 790: Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Select four or five elective courses, depending on whether your programming competency has been demonstrated.
Programming proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following courses with a grade of C or better (zero-three credits):
- BUSMGMT 744: Programming for Business Analytics
- COMPST 702: Software Development in Python
- COMPST 750: Problem-Solving with Object-Oriented Programming
- HCA 741: Essential Programming for Health Informatics
- INFOST 350: Introduction to Application Development
Note: Electives can be used toward Tracks.
Graduates of the online MSIST program at UWM pursue a wide range of careers in the information technology sector and beyond, from health care and finance to consulting and cybersecurity. Below is a list of some of the roles our graduates have obtained, showcasing the many opportunities available to you.
- Assistant Director Software Engineering – Northwestern Mutual
- Business Growth Consultant – Fresh Coast Labs
- Cyber Security Analyst – Douglas Dynamics
- Director of IT – Wisconsin Club
- Information Technology System Analyst – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- IT Service Support Analyst – Marquette University
- IT Support Specialist – IEWC
- Lab Information Systems Analyst – Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin
- Laboratory Operations Analyst II – Tempus Labs
- Programming Analyst – FIS
- Senior Consultant – Booz Allen Hamilton
- Senior Database Engineer – Northwestern Mutual
- Senior Technical Analyst – vcpi, a DAS Health Company
- Senior Model Risk Auditor – Santander