Program Overview
The Information Science program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison equips students with the knowledge and skills to create and manage data-driven technologies that foster well-being and support the public good. The program emphasizes the ethical, cultural, and social factors in the design and use of information technology-based systems. Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including data science, information management, and human-computer interaction.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Information Science (iSci) majors study concepts and examine issues at the nexus of people, data, information and computing. Majors gain the knowledge and skills to create data driven technologies, and to make them work for real communities. Information Science focuses on the ethical, cultural, and social factors in design and use of information technology-based and data-driven systems. Majors become adept in the creation, management, retrieval, and curation of data and information. The major emphasizes designing systems that foster well-being and support the public good.
Outline:
The Information Science major requires a minimum of 30 total credits as detailed below.
List A: Core Information Science Coursework
Complete at least 21 credits Credits are calculated using any L I S course in a Breadth area below and any of the following additional courses:
- COMP SCI/L I S 102 Introduction to Computing3
- L I S 201 The Information Society4
- L I S 202 Informational Divides and Differences in a Multicultural Society3
- L I S 301 Information Literacies in Online Spaces3
- L I S 340 Topics in Information Studies - Social Aspects3
- L I S 341 Topics in Information Studies - Technological Aspects1-3
- L I S 350 History and Future of Books3
- L I S 351 Introduction to Digital Information3
- L I S 407 Data Storytelling with Visualization3
- L I S 440 Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science3
- L I S/AFRICAN/COM ARTS 444 Technology and Development in Africa and Beyond3
- L I S/LEGAL ST 460 Surveillance, Privacy, and Police Powers3
- L I S 461 Data and Algorithms: Ethics and Policy3-4
- L I S 464 Applied Database Design3
- L I S 470 Interaction Design Studio3
- L I S 500 Code and Power3
- L I S 501 Introduction to Text Mining3
- L I S 510 Human Factors in Information Security3
- L I S/NURSING/OCC THER 517 Digital Health: Information and Technologies Supporting Consumers and Patients3
- COMP SCI 570 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (Information Science Coursework)4
- L I S/LEGAL ST 645 Intellectual Freedom3
- L I S 646 Introduction to Info Architecture and Interaction Design for the Web3
- L I S/LEGAL ST 663 Introduction to Cyberlaw3
Information Science Breadth Requirements (ALL MUST COMPLETE)
Ethics, Computing & Society Coursework
Complete one course & at least 3 credits
- L I S 201 The Information Society4
- L I S 202 Informational Divides and Differences in a Multicultural Society3
- L I S 461 Data and Algorithms: Ethics and Policy3-4
- L I S/LEGAL ST 460 Surveillance, Privacy, and Police Powers3
- L I S 500 Code and Power3
Computational Techniques and Tools Coursework
Complete one course & at least 3 credits
- L I S 351 Introduction to Digital Information3
- L I S 501 Introduction to Text Mining3
- COMP SCI/L I S 102 Introduction to Computing3
- COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I4
- COMP SCI 200 Programming I3
- COMP SCI 300 Programming II3
- COMP SCI 368 Learning a Programming Language1
- STAT 433 Data Science with R (Complete one course & at least 3 credits)3
Principles of Information and Data Science Coursework
Complete one course & at least 3 credits
- L I S 440 Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science3
- L I S 464 Applied Database Design3
- STAT 240 Data Science Modeling I4
Designing for Human Computer Interaction Coursework
Complete one course & at least 3 credits
- L I S 470 Interaction Design Studio3
- COMP SCI 570 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction4
- I SY E/PSYCH 349 Introduction to Human Factors3
Communicating Digitally Courses
Complete one course & at least 3 credits
- L I S 407 Data Storytelling with Visualization3
- L I S 350 History and Future of Books3
- COM ARTS 200 Introduction to Digital Communication3
List B Career/Community/Internship Coursework (1-6 credits)
Complete 1-6 credits Some courses listed may have additional requisites:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative1
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers3
- INTER-LS/INTER-AG 250 Undergraduate Research Experience1-3
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences1
- DS 601 Internship1-8
- INTL ST 322 Washington DC Semester in International Affairs Internship Seminar4
- INTL ST 523 International Internship1-3
- INTL ST 622 Washington DC Sem in International Affairs Seminar4
- L I S 399 Independent Reading and Research1-4
- LSC 399 Coordinative Internship/Cooperative Education1-8
- POLI SCI 402 Wisconsin in Washington Internship Course4
- PUB AFFR 327 Administrative Internship3
- COM ARTS 605 Digital Studies Capstone1
- COMP SCI/STAT 403 Internship Course in Comp Sci and Data Science1
- GEN BUS 450 Professional Experience in Business1
- JOURN 697 Internship1-3
- INTER-HE 202 SoHE Career & Leadership Development1
List C Approved Electives
Complete additional credits from courses on List A (Core Information Science), the courses listed for Breadth Requirements, or from any of the following:
- ACT SCI 652 Loss Models I3
- ACT SCI 655 Health Analytics2-3
- COM ARTS 155 Introduction to Digital Media Production4
- COM ARTS 200 Introduction to Digital Communication3
- COM ARTS 345 Online Communication and Personal Relationships3
- COM ARTS 346 Critical Internet Studies3
- COM ARTS 478 Rhetoric and Power on the Internet3
- COM ARTS 509 Digital Media and Political Communication3
- COM ARTS 577 Dynamics of Online Relationships3
- CNSR SCI 257 Introduction to Retail2
- CNSR SCI 301 Consumer Analytics3
- COMP SCI 200 Programming I3
- COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I4
- COMP SCI/E C E 252 Introduction to Computer Engineering3
- COMP SCI 300 Programming II3
- COMP SCI 304 WES-CS Group Meeting1
- COMP SCI 310 Problem Solving Using Computers3
- COMP SCI/E C E 354 Machine Organization and Programming3
- COMP SCI 407 Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications3
- COMP SCI 400 Programming III3
- COMP SCI 402 Introducing Computer Science to K-12 Students2
- COMP SCI/E C E 506 Software Engineering3
- COMP SCI 542 Introduction to Software Security3
- COMP SCI 545 Natural Language and Computing3
- COMP SCI 564 Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation4
- DS 120 Design: Fundamentals I3
- DS 140 Visual Thinking - Form and Space3
- DS 221 Person and Environment Interactions3
- DS 321 Problem-definition: Design Programming3
- DS 341 Design Thinking for Transformation3
- DS 451 Color Theory and Technology3
- DS/COMP SCI/I SY E 518 Wearable Technology3
- DS/COMP SCI 579 Virtual Reality3
- DS 679 Research Methods in Design3
- GEN BUS 306 Business Analytics I3
- GEN BUS 307 Business Analytics II3
- GEN BUS 656 Machine Learning for Business Analytics2-3
- INFO SYS 322 Introduction to Databases3
- INFO SYS 371 Technology of Computer-Based Business Systems3
- INFO SYS 424 Systems Analysis and Design3
- I SY E 348 Introduction to Human Factors Engineering Laboratory1
- I SY E/PSYCH 349 Introduction to Human Factors3
- I SY E 350 Industrial Engineering Design I3
- I SY E 450 Industrial Engineering Design II3
- I SY E/COMP SCI/DS 518 Wearable Technology3
- LSC 350 Visualizing Science and Technology3
- LSC 432 Social Media for the Life Sciences3
- LSC 440 Digital Media and Science Communication3
- LSC 532 Web Design for the Sciences3
- LSC/COM ARTS/JOURN 617 Health Communication in the Information Age3
- JOURN 175 Media Fluency for the Digital Age3
- JOURN 411 Multimedia Design4
- JOURN/COM ARTS/LSC 617 Health Communication in the Information Age3
- JOURN 622 The Impact of Emerging Media3
- JOURN 463 Digital Media Strategies4
- MARKETNG 355 Marketing in a Digital Age3
- MARKETNG/OTM 427 Information Technology in Supply Chains3
- MARKETNG 445 Digital Marketing Analytics3
- OTM/MARKETNG 427 Information Technology in Supply Chains3
- OTM 453 Operations Analytics3
- R M I 660 Risk Analytics and Behavioral Science2-3
- R M I 670 Cyber Risk & Regulations2-3
- STAT 240 Data Science Modeling I4
- STAT 433 Data Science with R3
- PUB AFFR 281 Discovering What Works in Health Policy3
- PUB AFFR 380 Analytic Tools for Public Policy3
- PUB AFFR 523 Policy, Privacy, and Personal Identity in the Postgenomics Era3
- HIST SCI 150 The Digital Age3
- LSC 340 Misinformation, Fake News, and Correcting False Beliefs about Science3
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Overview:
University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.Student Life:
Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.Housing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.Wisconsin Idea:
The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.Location:
Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.Academic Programs:
UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
