Information Science and Technology, MS MS
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
Program Format
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 will be encouraged to take the following prerequisites, or their equivalents, before taking related courses: INFOST 240: Web Design I; INFOST 410: Database Information Retrieval Systems; INFOST 440: Web Application Development. If taken, these courses must have been completed within the last five years with a grade of B or better (B- not acceptable).
Core Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 582 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| INFOST 583 | Survey of Information Security | 3 |
| COMPST 701 | Computing Fundamentals for IT Professionals | 3 |
| COMPST 703 | Software Development Life Cycle | 3 |
Culminating Course
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 790 | Project Design, Implementation, and Evaluation | 3 |
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 Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 350 | Introduction to Application Development | 3 |
| BUSMGMT 744 | Programming for Business Analytics | 3 |
| COMPST 702 | Software Development in Python | 3 |
| COMPST 750 | Problem Solving with Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| HCA 741 | Essential Programming for Health Informatics | 3 |
| 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
| 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 |
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
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.
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: uwm.edu/graduateschool/non-degree-admission/ |