Information science, on which the Information Science and Technology program is based, is the study of the organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and use of information. Information technology (IT) is the collection of tools that make it possible to access and use information. Some graduates will go directly into jobs in business and industry sectors that rely heavily on information as a raw material or as a product. Other graduates may go on to graduate study in library and information science, information management, computer science, or telecommunications.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology will give students a head start on any number of careers in the information industry:

  • Information Architect
  • Business Information Coordinator
  • Network Manager
  • IT Consultant
  • Web Designer
  • Technology Trainer
  • Multimedia Specialist
  • Human-Computer Interface Designer
  • Software/Systems Developer
  • Technical Writer
  • Database Developer
  • Digital Library Specialist
  • E-Commerce Web Administrator

Experiential Learning

Becoming a leader in IT means immersing yourself in the tools and technologies of the profession. SOIS provides students with valuable experiential learning opportunities through the Nonprof-IT program. The mission of the Nonprof-IT program is to empower local nonprofit organizations with comprehensive information technology support by creating internship opportunities for UW-Milwaukee students. UWM students gain real world experience working on project teams, providing technology solutions, and receive credits toward graduation while developing a passion for service. Visit the Nonprof-IT website to learn more. 

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.

Requirements

Area I: UWM Distribution Requirements21
Area II: Major Requirements30
Area III: Information Studies Electives15
Area IV: BSIST Cross-functional Electives12
Area V: General Electives42
Total Credits120

Related Area of Study

Each student will work with his/her advisor to select general electives, including related areas of study that are appropriate to his/her career goals and to complete the 120 total credit requirements for the BSIST degree. Because of its interdisciplinary and cross-functional nature, the BSIST program allows students to apply the study of the concepts and tools of information science, information architecture, and information technology to one or more related areas of study. The related area of study is a set of courses outside of the BSIST major, normally a minor or certificate in another field of study, typically including 18-22 credits. In some cases, students may choose to study two related areas as part of their BSIST program.

Related Areas of Study Selected List: Computer Science; Health Care Administration; Art & Design; General Business; Library & Information Science; Philosophy; Global Studies; Intelligent Systems; Communication; Digital Arts & Culture; Mass Communication & Journalism

With the help of their advisor, students create and customize their own related area of study. This may be credit-bearing courses that students will take to prepare for certification examinations such as Microsoft certifications, CISCO, etc., or a customized selection of courses chosen by students that will sharpen their skills in one or more selected areas of study.

Completing the Degree

The BSIST degree includes a total of 120 credits as follows:

Area I: UWM Distribution Requirements
General Education Requirements (GER) 121
Area II: Major Requirements
INFOST 110Introduction to Information Science and Technology3
INFOST 240Web Design I3
INFOST 290Project Teams, Leadership, and Communication3
INFOST 310Human Factors in Information Seeking and Use3
INFOST 315Knowledge Organization for Information Science and Technology3
INFOST 340Introduction to Systems Analysis3
INFOST 350Introduction to Application Development3
INFOST 410Database Information Retrieval Systems3
INFOST 440Web Application Development3
INFOST 490Senior Capstone3
Area III: Information Studies Electives
Select five additional Information Studies courses at the 300, 400, 500, or 600 level or equivalent coursework15
Area IV: BSIST Cross-functional Electives
Select 12 credits12
Area V: General Electives
Select 42 General Electives, including Associate Area(s) of Study42
Total Credits120
1

 Learn more about the General Education Requirements.

To continue and graduate in the BSIST program, each student must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the major and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all credits counted toward the degree.

Students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree may be eligible to earn a second bachelor's degree in Information Science and Technology by completing 36 Information Studies (INFOST) credits in consultation with a BSIST advisor. 

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

If a student satisfies all the obligations described in the Four-Year Graduation Guarantee, the student will be able to complete an undergraduate degree within four years. If the undergraduate degree completion in four years is delayed by the unavailability of courses, then UWM will relieve the student of the financial tuition burden for courses still required for graduation.

Admission to the BSIST Program

Standard UWM admission policies for freshmen and transfer students apply. Students may begin the program as freshmen or after completing several semesters as undeclared or other majors. Students may begin as transfer students from another accredited college or university or as students returning to get a second degree.

In addition to being available during standard class times, the BSIST degree is available fully online to serve students both on and off campus.

Entrance Guidelines

Students who meet the standard University admission requirements are admissible to the School of Information Studies. The same criteria for acceptance are applied to in-state and out-of-state students. For undergraduate admission requirements, see the Admission section of this catalog.

Information Science and Technology BS Learning Outcomes

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

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

Advising

Students accepted by UWM who declare an interest in the IST program will be assigned a SOIS advisor. Students are expected to work closely with their IST advisor to tailor a program of electives to best suit their interests and career goals. IST students may also wish to explore minors or certificates in related areas such as computer science or technical writing. For information on Academic Advising for IST majors, please visit the SOIS Academic Advising page.

Career Services

Whether you are a recent graduate just starting your career or an alumni looking for a change, the School of Information Studies (SOIS) is committed to supporting students and alumni throughout their careers. Visit our career resources page for career-related resources and join us throughout the year for career workshops and networking opportunities.

Accelerated Program Option

This program is offered as part of an accelerated graduate program. For more information, see Accelerated Graduate Degrees.

Honors in the Major

GPA of 3.500 or above in all Information Studies (INFOST) courses applied towards the Information Studies Core (Area II) and Upper Division (Area III) requirements. A minimum of 36 INFOST credits completed in residence are needed towards the Core and Upper Division requirements to be considered for Honors in the Major

High Honors in the Major

GPA of 3.750 or above in all Information Studies (INFOST) courses applied towards the Information Studies Core (Area II) and Upper Division (Area III) requirements. A minimum of 36 INFOST credits completed in residence are needed towards the Core and Upper Division requirements to be considered for High Honors in the major.

College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.