About a year ago, the Information School (iSchool) at UW–Madison launched a brand new undergraduate major in Information Science. In the program, students study the countless ways humans interact with technology and data. The major prepares Badgers for careers across a wide range of sectors, from technology and finance to government and healthcare.
The BA/BS in Information Science may be just a year old, but it’s already attracting outstanding students from across the state and beyond. Today, we’re highlighting three current Information Science majors whose diverse array of interests reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Information Science. Read on to learn more about each of them.
Chloe Foor is studying Computer Sciences and History alongside her Information Science major. A senior hailing from West Salem, Wisconsin, Foor appreciates how the Information Science major allows her to “focus on how technology impacts the world and how people access information, both online and in-person.” She hopes to pursue a career in the field of digital humanities, where she says her goals include “using technology to add new layers of analysis to historical information and research and increase the accessibility of history.”
Alexandra Nicholson is a double major in Information Science and International Studies, with a certificate in Data Science. She’s a junior from Oak Park, IL, and she chose Information Science because of her keen interest in the impacts of technology on society.
“With the rise of artificial intelligence, it is more important than ever to understand the intricate relationship between humans and technology.” Alexandra Nicholson
Nicholson plans to seek a career in product management in the rapidly evolving technology industry.
Aaliyah Xiong is pursuing certificates in Graphic Design and Digital Studies, in addition to her major in Information Science. A senior from Fond du Lac, WI, Xiong says she chose Information Science because it was “unlike any other majors available,” and she is passionate about “design thinking and its human-centered approach,” which the major offers plenty of chances to explore. In addition, Xiong notes that in the Information Science major, “there are many opportunities for learning and growth, and there is no pressure of needing to already have experience in something from the start.”
For more information about the Information Science undergraduate major, visit its webpage or contact Stacy Harnett, iSchool academic advising manager at iSciadvising@ischool.wisc.edu.