UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

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Everything you need to know about the MS in Information – online or on-campus

The information landscape is ever-changing, and businesses need skilled professionals who can guide their technology decisions and protect their data. Enhancing your expertise with a master’s degree can make you a stronger candidate for these types of high-paying technology jobs.

As a student in the Master of Science in Information (MS Information): Campus Option or Online Option, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of advanced computing concepts, data analytics, user experience, cybersecurity and ethics. You’ll have the opportunity to become a subject matter expert with the power to influence key business decisions within organizations. 

Through coursework and hands-on internship experience, you’ll gain core competencies in IT governance, project management, and cybersecurity, which are critical for leading teams and managing large-scale IT initiatives. 

This higher-level knowledge and expertise open up opportunities for leadership roles in IT departments, technology consulting or project management, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a rapidly changing and competitive field.

Graduates leave the program with enhanced problem-solving abilities and the confidence to oversee complex IT systems and projects, making them prime candidates for high-level roles such as IT director, chief information officer (CIO) or enterprise architect.

Read on to learn more about the MS Information program curriculum and requirements.

Online vs. on-campus

Students in the MS Information program can choose to complete their coursework online or in person. 

  • 100% online: The online degree is a part-time program designed for working professionals. Most students finish in 2-4 years, depending on full-time or part-time status.
  • 100% on-campus: This is a full-time master’s degree program, which can be completed in about 2 years.

Both programs have the same credit requirements and cost, so your decision ultimately comes down to your preferred learning style and time to degree.

Curriculum: What will you learn?

The MS Information program enables students to obtain both the technical skills needed to understand today’s information and data systems, and the critical thinking, design and communications skills to govern and critique them.

Skills:

  • Data analytics 
  • User research
  • Technology and data ethics
  • Systems analysis
  • Project management
  • Database design
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Information science

Coursework:

All students will complete several core courses, an ethics course and an internship. Students can specialize in one of three program areas, or they can design their own program by mixing and matching across multiple specialties. 

User Experience DesignData Analytics/ManagementCybersecurity

Develop your skills in user and industry research, low and high-resolution prototyping, iterative testing and evaluation and UX analytics.
Gain a strong foundation in analytical techniques and tools including data mining, data visualization and applied statistics.Learn to prevent and respond to cyberattacks while understanding the role that humans play in cybersecurity and privacy.

How to apply

When considering the MS Information program, here are a few things to consider:

  • Either 100% online or 100% on-campus
  • Requires 30 graduate credits
  • Time-to-degree ranges from 1.5-3 years
  • Cost per credit is $1,100 (in-state or out-of-state)
  • Programs are eligible for an international student visa

Application requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum undergrad GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 credits of the degree
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. 

Go to grad.wisc.edu to apply. Application materials should include the following:

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)

For more information, visit the MS Information on campus or online program pages or connect with one of our enrollment coaches