Information Science and Technology, BS, Online BS
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies offers you the opportunity to earn your Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (BSIST) degree entirely online. As a student in the only IST program of its kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, you’ll develop a unique blend of IT and information science competencies that will set you apart in the job market.
The BSIST program immerses you in IT domains, including information architecture, human-centered design, web development and IT security. Whether you’re aiming to land your first IT job or advance in your current role, the IST curriculum equips you with the technical, interpersonal and ethical skills to become a leader in the field.
Start Dates: Fall, Spring or Summer
Cost per Credit: $392 (Total Cost: $47,040*)
Credit Hours: 120 (30 Credits in Major)
*Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
Online
Why Study Information Science and Technology at UWM?
- Engage in real-world projects through our nonprof-IT internship program. Help local nonprofit organizations with technology-related projects.
- Combine your BSIST degree with multiple certificates and degree programs.
- Take graduate-level courses your senior year to begin your accelerated IST master’s degree.
- Cultivate critical thinking and creativity skills related to IT.
- Develop a forward-thinking mindset to anticipate client and organizational needs.
- Collaborate with experienced faculty and industry professionals to gain insights into current IT trends and practices. UWM professors teach both in-person and online classes.
- Transfer seamlessly into the program and apply up to 60 credits from your previous studies.
Discover the financial aid resources and scholarships available for undergraduate students through Student Financial Services, UWM and Information Studies.
Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing. Explore the Panther Scholarship Portal regularly as you make progress on your degree.
You must meet UWM’s general admissions requirements to be considered for admission to the Information Science and Technology program.
The online IST degree curriculum allows you to customize your degree path and explore essential technology topics. While the program doesn’t have formal concentrations, you can enhance your major with a minor, double major or certificates. You may even opt to complete our accelerated BSIST + MSIST master’s degree to earn two degrees in five years.
If you’re interested in information science and technology but aren’t sure if you want to choose it as your major, explore our IST minor.
Courses
To complete the online IST degree, you must take a total of 120 credits, including general education requirements and the following courses:
- INFOST 110 – Introduction to Information Science
- INFOST 240 – Web Design I
- INFOST 290 – Project Teams, Leadership and Communication
- INFOST 310 – Human Factors in Information Seeking and Use
- INFOST 315 – Knowledge Organization for Information Science & Technology
- INFOST 340 – Introduction to Systems Analysis
- INFOST 350 – Introduction to Application Development
- INFOST 410 – Database Information Retrieval Systems
- INFOST 440 – Web Application Development
- INFOST 490 – Senior Capstone
Choose five information studies courses at the 300, 400 or 600 level. Contact your advisor for additional course options.
- INFOST 320: Web Design II
- INFOST 325: Information Security I
- INFOST 370: Data Analysis and Visualization for the Information Professional
- INFOST 375: Multimedia Web Design
- INFOST 383: Native Mobile Applications
- INFOST 385: Information Security II
- INFOST 465: Legal Aspects of Information Products and Services
- INFOST 491: Advanced Topics (Responsive UI Design; Oracle Academy Database Design & Programming w/SQL; Information Architecture)
- INFOST 695: Ethical Hacking I
- INFOST 697: Cisco Routing and Switching I
Cross-functional electives help you become a more well-rounded IT professional with skills in other applicable subjects. Choose a three-credit course from each of the four disciplines below.
- Business
- Communication
- Technical Arts
- Philosophy/Psychology
By choosing your electives wisely, you can enhance your IST degree with additional certificates, study abroad experiences, minors and/or a double major. These build on your IST program foundation and let you learn more, often without delaying your graduation.
You can get help from advisors to select general electives that match your career goals and to meet the 120 credits needed for your online information science and technology degree.
Programs that pair well with your IST major include:
- Art
- Certificate in Health Care Informatics
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Digital Arts & Culture Certificate
- General Business
- Global Studies
- Health Care Administration
- International Studies
- Journalism & Mass Communication
- Minor Options
- Web Development Certificate
Enhance Your Coursework
Take your BSIST to the next level by adding an internship experience, independent study project or study abroad program. All of these opportunities help you stand out and gain practical skills for your future career.
Employers look for applicants who have real-world experience, and an internship is a great way to get started with an IT organization. Becoming a leader in IT means immersing yourself in the tools, technologies and experiences of the profession.
Milwaukee is home to major employers, innovative startups, Fortune 500 companies and an ever-growing technology landscape, making the city an extension of the classroom. If you are located near Milwaukee, you can gain in-person experience working with nonprofit organizations through INFOST 408: Nonprofit Information Technology.
The internship course, INFOST 495, is intended for you if you have previously worked in professional information technology settings. In order for the internship to count toward IST Upper Division Elective credits, you must enroll in INFOST 495 (three credits). You must complete 12 credits in the IST major prior to beginning the internship.
It is your responsibility to identify and secure a site for an internship. You also need to meet with a faculty advisor who will ensure that the internship meets the work and academic learning requirements to count for three credits.
An independent study lets you pursue a project or research topic under the guidance of an Information Studies faculty member. In order for an independent study to count toward IST Upper Division Elective credits, you must enroll in INFOST 399 (one-three credits).
To begin, you must first design a proposed action of study. Prior to registering for INFOST 399, you must meet with a faculty member who will oversee the proposed independent study. You and the faculty member will establish a written contract detailing objectives, a plan of action and means of evaluation. You are expected to assume primary responsibility for learning, while the faculty member is a facilitator in helping you arrange study opportunities.
International experiences and study abroad programs enrich your education personally, professionally and socially. Learn more about international programs organized by Information Studies and university-wide study abroad opportunities.
IST Joint Certificates
The IST major allows you to customize your degree by developing a focused area of study or by choosing a minor or certificate in another field. The ability to customize your education prepares you for success in a specific area that interests you.
The following certificates are interdisciplinary programs that combine courses from multiple subject areas. Some certificate programs may have requirements that are also covered by the completion of IST program requirements.
The digital arts and cultures (DAC) certificate provides opportunities to gain practical skills in creating and critically analyzing digital art and media, as well as understanding the cultural and political implications of emerging technologies.
Offered cooperatively with the College of Health Professions & Sciences, the certificate in health care informatics prepares you to comprehend, analyze and evaluate information technology used to perform administrative and clinical tasks within a health care organization.
In partnership with the College of Engineering & Applied Science, the web development certificate lets you pair your online IST degree with additional web programming components.
Accelerated Master’s Degree (BSIST + MSIST
Obtain both an undergraduate and graduate degree in a faster, more cost-efficient manner through the accelerated BSIST + MSIST master’s degree.
UW Flexible Option
The online IST degree can also be completed as part of the UW Flexible Option. Within this competency-based program, you can achieve your goals — on your schedule and on your budget — while building on your existing IT knowledge.
From creating online solutions for nonprofit organizations to securing and maintaining IT networks, an IST degree has no boundaries. Join fellow graduates who are building the information and technology systems that we all depend on today while envisioning the needs of tomorrow.
IST majors have secured positions in various fields and locations, demonstrating the versatility and high demand for their skills. These opportunities include:
- Adversarial Security Testing Engineer – Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee
- Analytics Consultant – Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago
- Data Analyst – HealthEquity, Milwaukee
- Digital Experience Consultant – Aflac, Columbus, Georgia
- Information Security Analyst – Jockey International, Gurnee, Illinois
- Interactive Web Developer – FRED Agency, Atlanta
- Radiology Clinical Systems Analyst – UW Health, Rockford, Illinois
- Software Engineer – Charles Schwab, Austin, Texas
- Solutions Developer – Omni Resources, Milwaukee
- Solutions Engineer – VMware, Milwaukee
- UX Product Manager – Cisco, Seattle
Want to advance your career even further? Learn more about our online Master of Information Science and Technology degree.
Visit our IT Career Paths webpage to learn more about careers in IT and the classes you can take to prepare you for your IT career.
Career Services
Our career services advisor is available to assist students with career planning and preparation. In addition to networking events and career-prep workshops, our career services advisor can provide one-on-one consultation throughout your academic program. Visit our career resources page for more information.