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Our Information Science and Technology (IST) major combines core IT skills like front-end web design, programming and project management with electives that you choose. The only degree of its kind in the UW System, the IST degree will prepare you to be a leader in the IT industry.

Building on a general undergraduate education, the IST program immerses students in information science, information architecture, human factors in information seeking and use, information organization, storage and retrieval, and applications of the internet. This degree prepares graduates to be IT leaders in our increasingly digital culture and economy.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

Hybrid, On Campus

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Where will the IST degree take you?

An IST degree has no boundaries! From building online solutions for nonprofit organizations to securing and maintaining IT networks in corporations such as Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation & Acuity, IST students and graduates are building the information and technology systems that people depend on today and envisioning the innovations of tomorrow.

UWM Prepares Graduates for a Wide Range of IT Professions

IST Program Options at a Glance

Major, minor, double-major, plus certificates! The flexible nature of the IST degree curriculum will allow you to customize your program by developing a focused area of study or by choosing a minor or certificate in another field. Students wishing to pursue a certificate or minor in another field are encouraged to make this decision early in their program, and speak to their academic advisor to plan their course of study.

The IST program is also a great choice for transfer students. Whether you are an associate degree holder from a UW System university, a technical college IT associate degree holder, or changing your major, our advising staff will assist you with transferring credits to maximize the work you’ve already completed.

Major: Information Science & Technology (BSIST)

Major in Information Science & Technology (BSIST)

The bachelor’s of Information Science & Technology degree will prepare you to be a leader in the IT industry. You will learn core technical skills and build upon those skills with the professional knowledge, critical thinking and creative skills needed to help organizations innovate IT practices, products and services.

Minor: Information Science & Technology (IST)

Minor in Information Science & Technology (IST)

Most careers require skills in the effective use of information and technology. Because of this, the minor in Information Science & Technology pairs well with all degree programs at UWM. The minor appeals to students who wish to acquire the essential knowledge and skills in information science, information architecture and information technology while pursuing studies in their major areas.

IST minor combines well with:

  • Computer Science
  • Communications
  • General Business
  • Journalism & Media Communications
  • Health Care Administration
  • Interactive Arts
  • Intelligent Systems
  • International Studies
  • Philosophy
  • English/Technical Writing
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Requirements (18 credits)

Fulfillment of the minor in Information Science & Technology (IST) requires the completion of 18 credits of INFOST coursework.

  • Required Course (3 credits)
    INFOST 110 – Introduction to Information Science & Technology
  • IST Core Courses (6 credits)
  • IST Electives (9 credits) – INFOST 300-level or above
  • For a complete list of requirements and elective coursework for the minor in Information Science and Technology, please visit the IST Minor Requirements page >

Declare the IST Minor

Students interested in pursuing the IST minor should complete the IST Minor Declaration Form and contact a SOIS academic advisor for further details.

IST Joint Certificates

The IST program notably allows students to customize their degree program by developing a focused area of study or by choosing a minor or certificate in another field. The ability to customize your education will enhance the IST degree and allow for specialized preparation and experience in your area of interest.

Certificates are interdisciplinary programs that combine courses from multiple subject areas. Some certificate programs may have requirements that can be covered by the completion of IST program requirements.

  • BSIST + Digital Arts & Cultures Certificate
    The Digital Arts & Cultures (DAC) Certificate creates opportunities for students to gain practical skills in creating and critically analyzing digital art and media, as well as an understanding of the cultural and political implications of a host of emerging technologies. Visit the Digital Arts and Culture website for complete details.
  • BSIST + Certificate in Health Care Informatics
    Offered cooperatively with the College of Health Sciences, the Certificate in Health Care Informatics prepares students to understand, analyze and evaluate information technology used to perform administrative and clinical tasks within a health care organization. Visit the Health Care Informatics page for complete details.
  • BSIST + Web Development Certificate
    Offered cooperatively with the College of Engineering & Applied Science, the Web Development Certificate creates opportunities for students to enhance their IST degree with additional web programming components. Visit the Web Development Certificate page for complete details.
Accelerated Master’s Degree (BSIST + MSIST)

The accelerated Bachelor of Science / Master of Science Degree in Information Science & Technology provides qualified students the option of an accelerated course of study toward an advanced degree. The accelerated program helps students obtain both an undergraduate and graduate degree in a more cost-effective and efficient manner.

Internships and Experiential Learning

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. The city is an extension of the classroom, and many opportunities exist to gain real-world experience through internships as well as experiential learning opportunities such as the nonprof-IT program.

BSIST Mission & Learning Outcomes

BSIST Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (BSIST) program is to prepare students – equipped with technical, interpersonal and ethical proficiencies – for careers in the information professions­ who will design, build and support user-focused information technology solutions to meet a diverse set of needs.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (BSIST) program will have the ability to:

  • Analyze complex information and technology needs and apply principles of information science and other relevant disciplines to identify and implement solutions.
  • Design, implement evaluate, and administer information systems to meet a given set of requirements – including user and organizational needs — in diverse environments.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in the design, implementation and evaluation of information technology solutions.
  • Recognize organizational and social responsibilities as information professionals and make informed judgments based on legal and ethical principles.

[Syllabi for all BSIST courses – both core and electives – should specify which of the learning outcomes will be achieved by the end of the course]

Approved by BSIST Curriculum Committee: March 2, 2018

The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology —offered in the UW Flexible Option—is designed to help you achieve your goals, on your schedule, and on your budget. As a competency-based program, you will build on your existing IT knowledge and skills.

You must meet UWM’s general admissions requirements to be considered for admission to the Information Science and Technology program.

Financial Aid

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.

The 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 IST degree, you must take a total of 120 credits, including general education requirements and the following courses:

IST Core Courses (30 Credits)
  • 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
Upper Division Electives (15 credits)

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 (12 credits)

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
General Electives (42 credits)

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.

Internships

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.

Independent Study

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.

Study Abroad

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.

BSIST + Digital Arts and Cultures

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.

BSIST + Certificate in Health Care Informatics

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.

BSIST + Web Development Certificate

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 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 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.