Information Science and Technology, MS 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 Master of Science in Information Science and Technology (MSIST) degree gives you the advanced skills needed to succeed.
The 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.
Program Type
Master’s
Program Format
Hybrid, On Campus
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.
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.
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 |
| Resume | Required |
| Application Processing Fee | Required |
| GRE Test | Not Required |
| Letters of Recommendation | Not 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.
| 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 found at: uwm.edu/cie/international-admissions/ |
| 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 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: https://uwm.edu/graduateschool/students/admission/non-degree-candidate-admission/ |
Financial Aid
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 MSIST degree curriculum encompasses 15 credits of required coursework, a programming competency requirement and 15 credits of electives.
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
MSIST Careers – Median National Salary
| Occupation | 2021 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 |