MS Information
Program Overview
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.
The degree is appropriate for students with or without a bachelor’s degree in computing or related fields.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the MS Information
MS Information Tuition
During the 2026-27 academic year, tuition for the MS Information is $1100 per credit. Students’ tuition is a flat rate per credit that is not based on residency. Students in both the in-person and online program pay the same rate regardless of where they reside. The rate per credit does not decrease as more credits are taken in a semester.
Detailed fee information for international students is found at: Terra Dotta
Quick Links
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Admissions
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Curriculum Requirements
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Tuition & Cost of Attendance – Domestic
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Tuition & Cost of Attendance – International
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MS Program Handbook
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MS Program Course Planning Checklist
Admissions Deadlines
- February 15 – Priority application.
- March 1 – Final application deadline.
Concentrations Within The MS Information
Students in our program may choose a concentration if it meets their interests. Currently offered concentrations include User Experience Design, Data Analytics/Data Management, and Human Factors in Cybersecurity.
Our concentrations are highly customizable. They are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Concentrations are not required and do not appear on student transcripts.
Watch this video for more information on pathways through the program and career options post-graduation.
View the UW–Madison Guide for additional information.
Concentrations
User Experience Design
The User Experience Design concentration will develop your skills in user and industry research, low and high resolution prototyping, iterative testing and evaluation, and UX analytics.
You will gain expertise with prototyping software, user testing tools and UX analytics systems.
Recommended Electives
LIS 611 – User Experience I
LIS 612 – User Experience II
LIS 613 – User Experience III
LIS 646 – Information Architecture
Data Analytics/Data Management
The Data Analytics/Data Management concentration will give you a strong foundation in analytical techniques and tools including data mining, data visualization, and applied statistics.
You will gain expertise with Python based tools and may gain experience with R software.
Recommended Electives
LIS 501 – Text Mining
LIS 706 – Data Mining
LIS 707 – Data Visualization
LIS 711 – Data Management
Human Factors in Cybersecurity
The Human Factors in Cybersecurity concentration will develop skills in understanding, preventing, and responding to cyber attacks while providing a strong foundation to understand the role that humans play in cybersecurity and privacy.
You will gain expertise in psychology for cybersecurity, cybersecurity usability, data privacy, and cybersecurity for high-risk populations.
Recommended Electives
LIS 510 – Human Factors in Information Security
LIS 512 – Information Economics and Cybersecurity
LIS 640 – Securing Information Networks
LIS 663 – Introduction to Cyberlaw
Admission
Learn about admissions procedures and requirements.
Degree Requirements
Our 30 credits curriculum includes 4 core courses, 1 ethics course and 1 experiential learning course.
For a comprehensive description of the MS Information program, review the MS Information Handbook.
Why MS Information?
- Expert faculty who are accessible & responsive
- Friendly, supportive, & collaborative community of learners
- Students progress together as a cohort
- Programs offered as full or part-time
- Preparation for a variety of careers
- Real world internship experience
International Students
This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 36 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program.
International Student Insights
Favorite iSchool courses:
Clubs and student organizations:
Living in Madison:
FAQ
No, GRE scores will not be considered in the application review process. The iSchool admissions committee takes a holistic approach to application review.
Yes, all students are required to have health insurance. Information on purchasing UW–Madison health insurance can be found at: https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/ship/
Admission decisions will be sent out via e-mail beginning February 1.
Students in this program are eligible to be hired for teaching, research, or project assistant positions at UW–Madison, however they will not receive tuition remission from these positions.
The MS Information is a STEM designated program with CIP code 11.0401 Information Science/Studies.
Contact Our Program Manager
Jenny Greiber
She | Her | Hers
Academic Program Manager, MS Information & Capstone Certificates
Email:jgreiber@wisc.edu
Phone:608-263-1003
Address:
1205 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706
Questions?
We are here to help. Talk with an enrollment coach today to get your questions answered.
Schedule a meeting or email an enrollment coach.