Information Science & Technology

Learn how information is retrieved, organized, manipulated, repackaged, and applied in nearly every aspect of our increasingly digital culture and economy.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) degree immerses students in information science; information architecture; information organization, storage and retrieval; and applications of the Internet.

Offered by the UW-Milwaukee School of Information Studies (SOIS), this is the only IST degree program of its type in the state of Wisconsin. Focusing on a core set of IST competencies, students are encouraged to expand their skills and knowledge through a personally created degree plan built to match their career goals.

Who Should Apply

The UW Flexible Option is especially designed for self-motivated nontraditional students who want their previous schooling, work skills, and prior knowledge to apply toward degrees or certificates. The competency-based and self-paced format of the UW Flexible Option fits the schedules of students who must balance work and family responsibilities with educational goals. Because most UW Flexible Option competencies and assessments are delivered online, students have the opportunity to learn when and where they choose.

This Self-Paced Program Is Ideally Suited For Students Who:

• Working IT professionals who have completed some college, technical school, or
  previous certification
• Individuals who have experience as IT professionals
• Motivated, disciplined self-starters who can work independently
• Those who recognize the value of a University of Wisconsin degree

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About the UW-Milwaukee School of Information Studies

• The only IST program of its kind in the state of Wisconsin
• SOIS continues to be an innovation leader in education—the IST has been offered on-site and online since 2003
• A mix of tenure-track faculty and IT professionals provide assessments and design the curriculum
• Students can personalize and custom-design their degree plans based on transfer credits and elective credits to maximize their career options

Accreditation

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.

Meet Our Faculty

The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology emphasizes core IT skills like front-end web design, HCI and database management, information architecture, human computer interaction, information organization, storage and retrieval, and applications of the Internet. The only IT degree of its kind in the UW System, the IST program prepares graduates to be IT leaders in our increasingly digital culture and economy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) 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 information technology solutions.
5. Recognize organizational and social responsibilities as information professionals and make informed judgments based on legal and ethical principles.

Program Curriculum

The IST program includes a total of 120 credits. Click on each heading to see the competency sets available in each area! Note that the specific competency sets that you’ll need to take may vary based on your transfer credits and degree plan, and you may consult with your Academic Success Coach if you have questions about your degree requirements.

Faculty

In this program, you’ll take competency sets designed by expert UW-Milwaukee faculty. Check out our faculty directory to learn more about the School of Information Studies faculty team.

Residency Requirements

University of Wisconsin System campuses require students to complete a specific number of credits “in residence” to earn a degree. (“Resident credits” are credits earned at the campus granting the degree.) Transfer students are responsible for fulfilling these residency requirements.

Transfer students must complete at least 30 credits with UWM, even if this brings the total number of earned credits beyond the total number of credits required for the degree. For example, if you enter a UW Flexible Option program with 100 transferable credits, you must complete 30 credits with UWM to receive the bachelor’s degree (even though normally the degree requires 120 credits).

The UW Flexible Option offers working adults like you a more affordable way to finish to finish a degree. Instead of paying by course or by credit, you pay a flat rate for a three-month subscription period. If you already know the material, you may be able to pass assessments more quickly, and potentially accelerate your time to graduation. 

Subscription periods begin on the second day of every month. You can choose from two subscription options, each with a different tuition, depending on the number of courses you wish to attempt during the subscription period.

• All-You-Can-Learn Option: Choosing this option allows you to enroll in two or more courses. You may enroll in as many courses as you have time for within a three-month period for a flat tuition rate of $2,250. You can add additional courses in your 3 month term if you finish others early. This option is ideal for learners who would like to earn their bachelor’s degree more quickly.

• Single Course Option: If you would like to study at a slower pace during a three-month subscription period, you may enroll in a single course. The tuition for this option $900 through June, 2020. Starting in July 2020, it will be $1,125.  Students who are enrolled in the Single Course Option are not eligible to add additional courses during their subscription period.  In this case, you must wait until your next subscription period to add additional courses.

Additional Fees: Tuition does not include any textbook or special course material costs. There are no segregated fees in the UW Flexible Option, which saves you hundreds of dollars per credit hour.

Finishing your degree is closer than you think!
Schedule an advising call at 877-895-3276 or contact us at flex@uwex.edu.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Information Science & Technology (IST) must have at least one year of professional IT experience and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from all accredited institutions.

Applicants who do not meet the above requirement may be considered for our Associate of Arts & Sciences (AAS) degree program.  Once you have met the minimum transferable credit requirements, you may request a program change or wait to transfer after the AAS degree is earned (see IST Broad-Based Transfer Credit Policy for Associate Degree Holders).

How to Apply

You may apply up to five months in advance of your desired start date.  All application materials must be received at least one month in advance of your start date.

You will be considered for admission after completing the following action items:

• Submit the e-application and the $50 application fee* apply.wisconsin.edu
• Send official college transcripts from all institutions attended (see section below)
• Send high school transcript or GED/HSED scores (not required if earned bachelor’s degree)
  • Due to COVID-19, many high school staff are working remotely.  It is recommended to request that an electronic transcript be sent, (if the option available through your high school), as physical (mailed) requests may experience delays.
• Complete Holistic Student Profile & Orientation Part 1 (sent after e-application is received)

*No app fee required if previously enrolled in a Flex degree program, UW-Milwaukee or UW Colleges

During the application process, you may be asked to take a math placement test if you have not completed a transferable algebra course. If required, an Enrollment Adviser will explain the process and provide you with instructions to arrange for testing options.

Submitting Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent from each institution attended in a sealed envelope, or sent electronically through a secure document sending service of the institution (i.e. Parchment/Credentials Solutions or the National Student Clearinghouse).

Due to COVID-19, many institutions have transitioned to remote operations. When ordering transcripts, it is recommended to order e-transcripts only, as physical (mailed) copies may not be available in a timely manner.

When ordering PDF transcripts from your prior institution(s):

• Select the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option as the recipient institution
• If your order requires an email address, use admissions@uwex.edu
• DO NOT send your transcripts to UW-Milwaukee

If sending official transcripts by mail, use the following mailing address:

University of Wisconsin Flexible Option
Admissions Office
5602 Research Park Blvd., Suite 303
Madison, WI 53719

If you were previously enrolled in Flex and now wish to return, discover your next steps.

Holistic Admissions Review

Our admission process considers many factors when assessing your application for admission to a UW Flexible Option program. Your high school records, strength of prior college coursework, rigor of curriculum and academic readiness, test scores, grade point average, academic goals, relevant work experience, and your potential for success will all be considered.

The UW Flexible Option is only admitting domestic students at this time.  A domestic student is someone who is either a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident, or holds Refugee, Asylee, or Jay Treaty status.  All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or similar proof of English proficiency. 

Still have questions?  Check out our Admission FAQ page.