Program Overview

Information Science & Technology, BS + MS (Accelerated) – Online

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's online Bachelor of Science in Information Science & Technology (BSIST) + Master of Science in Information Science & Technology (MSIST) accelerated program offers a streamlined path to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.

Program Overview

The School of Information Studies' curriculum equips you with essential skills in data science, information security, and more. You'll master managing complex data sets in digital applications and learn techniques for safeguarding captured, stored, and analyzed data.

Program Details

• Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer
• Cost per Credit:
  • BSIST = $392
  • MSIST = $800
• Credit Hours:
  • BSIST = 120
  • MSIST = 24

Program Type and Format

• Program Type: Accelerated Graduate Degree
• Program Format: Online

Why Study Information Science and Technology at UWM?

• Learn from wherever you are with online coursework taught by the same professors who provide in-person instruction.
• Pay undergraduate tuition for your first six graduate credits, reducing the overall cost of your IST accelerated degree.
• Start your master's coursework in your senior year to earn your bachelor's and master's in information science and technology more quickly.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for UWM's online accelerated IST degree, you must:

• Currently be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology degree.
• Have a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher.
• Be in progress to complete 105 bachelor's credits prior to your first term as a graduate student.
• Demonstrate IT experience (e.g., INFOST 408, INFOST 495, or professional IT experience).

Application Process

Take the following steps to get started with your IST accelerated degree:

• Complete the IST Accelerated Master's Degree Interest Form.
• Schedule a meeting with your undergraduate advisor to determine your eligibility for the accelerated program and to discuss coursework and timeline.
• Register for two graduate-level courses (six credits) when you have reached senior status within your BS program.

Curriculum and Graduation

The IST accelerated degree curriculum is designed to fast-track your education while providing a comprehensive, high-quality learning experience. You'll complete six graduate credits as part of your BSIST degree, effectively shortening your MSIST degree to 24 credits.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have earned advanced roles across various organizations, including:

• Assistant Director of Software Engineering
• Business Growth Consultant
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Director of IT
• Information Technology System Analyst
• IT Service Support Analyst
• IT Support Specialist
• Lab Information Systems Analyst
• Laboratory Operations Analyst II
• Programming Analyst
• Senior Consultant
• Senior Database Engineer
• Senior Technical Analyst
• Senior Model Risk Auditor

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The online accelerated IST degree helps you save on costs by allowing you to pay undergraduate tuition rates for your first six MSIST credits. Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing. Explore available scholarships regularly as you make progress on your degree.