What Is Information Science?
Information science centers around people’s interactions with information, data and technology. By majoring in Information Science, you will explore the intersection between technology and human values. You will work with people to gain insight into the ways individuals and societies use information and data, while learning to develop equitable information and data systems. In short, you’ll leverage information and data technologies to enhance people’s lives.
In the program, you will learn how to create technology-based systems that actively support social justice and promote the public good. Graduates will strive to increase impartial access and understanding of information and data that will increase productivity and foster well-being.
The interdisciplinary major integrates coursework in computing, analytics, design, human factors, ethics and impact on society.
Why major in Information Science?
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Increasing demand for information professionals: As the world becomes more technology and data-driven, there is a growing need for professionals who can collect, organize, and analyze information effectively.
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Wide range of employment opportunities: Information Science graduates can work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, government, education, finance, and more.
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Emphasis on technology: Our Information Science program focuses on developing skills which are in high demand in the job market.
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Flexibility: An Information Science major can be tailored to suit your interests and career goals, allowing you to focus in diverse areas of interest.
Declaration Process
Students are encouraged to declare the major early to plan for required coursework and create a four-year plan. There are many additional advantages and benefits including priority access to LIS courses. Students who have declared the Information Science major become part of the Information School community and are able to connect with faculty, staff and peers. Declared students would also receive notice of academic and career opportunities.
L&S students fulfilling degree requirements may earn a BA or BS. Students in other UW-Madison Schools and Colleges may pursue Information Science as an additional major. Check out the Guide for more information.
Below are the steps to declare an Information Science major:
- Run a “What-If” DARS to review your progress towards the Information Science major.
- Join the “Information Science Major Declaration” Canvas course
- Complete the Canvas course. It consists of 4 modules, a knowledge check, additional resources and a link to the Information Science Major Declaration Form. You must carefully review all 4 modules and score a 100% (can be retaken) on the knowledge check to access the declaration form.
If you meet the major eligibility GPA requirements, you do not need to meet with an advisor to declare.
Eligibility
No specific coursework is needed to declare. Please run a “What-If” DARS report for the Information Science major and navigate to the section titled: “Information Science major — Residence & Quality of Work”.
You are eligible to declare the Information Science major if any of the following apply to you:
- You are a first-semester student on campus and don’t have a GPA yet.
- You haven’t taken any coursework for the major yet.
- You have earned a 2.000 GPA on any coursework counting in the major completed prior to declaring, including a 2.000 GPA on any previously completed upper-level work in the major.
IMPORTANT: If your GPA in the major OR GPA on upper-level work in the major is BELOW 2.000, you need to schedule an Information Science advising appointment to discuss options and a path to declaring the major.
Undergraduate Advising
Stacy Harnett
she/her/hers
Academic Advising Manager
sharnett@wisc.edu
4216 Helen C. White Hall
Stacy Harnett is the undergraduate advisor for the Information Science major. Information Science advising supports you in navigating your undergraduate career. Stacy can provide guidance if you are interested in learning more about the program as well as declaring the major, major requirements, course selection, four-year planning and study abroad. In addition, Stacy can help connect you with appropriate resources on campus to support your academic and personal success.
Current UW-Madison students are welcome to schedule an appointment using Starfish. If you are unable to find a time that works with your schedule, please email Stacy so she can find a time that works.
Focus Areas
Designed to help you select a concentration of courses that aligns with your interests and career goals. They are not official credentials, but serve as a guide to allow for specialization.
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Analytics
You will gain knowledge and skills in the evaluation, representation, manipulation, analysis and interpretation of data for the purposes of supporting decision making and making improvements to organizations and communities. The Data Science major and certificate may also be of interest.
LIS 351- Introduction to Digital Information
LIS 407- Data Storytelling with Visualization
LIS 440- Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science
LIS 461- Data and Algorithms: Ethics and Policy
LIS 464- Applied Database Design
LIS 501- Introduction to Text Mining
STAT 240- Data Science Modeling I
Civic Technologies
You will learn to use information and data technologies to tackle problems faced by communities and society as a whole. Apply technology to create solutions such as improving the relationships between citizens and governments or nonprofits. Gain skills and knowledge related to computing-based systems, and combine that knowledge with your other passions.
LIS 201- The Information Society
LIS 351- Introduction to Digital Information
LIS 464- Applied Database Design
LIS 500- Code and Power
LIS 501- Introduction to Text Mining
LIS 510- Human Factors in Information Security
CS 200- Programming I
CS 220- Data Science Programming I
Health Informatics
Data and information underlie efforts to support health and wellness. Topics covered in this coursework include understanding how consumers use information and data to make health decisions, the importance of information and data management in supporting health and wellness research, and helping design better systems for health professionals to support care.
LIS 407- Data Storytelling with Visualization
LIS 470- Interaction Design Studio
LIS 510- Human Factors in Information Security
LIS 517- Digital Health: Information and Technologies Supporting Consumers and Patients
JOURN/COM ARTS/LSC 617- Health Communication in the Information Age
Information, Data & Society (General Digital Citizenship)
Following this set of courses, you will explore the interaction between information, technology and society. The coursework includes perspectives from history, philosophy, communications, gender, race and ethnic studies and information science.
COM ARTS 200- Introduction to Digital Communication
LIS 201- The Information Society
LIS 301- Information Literacies in Online Spaces
LIS 350- History and Future of Books
LIS 461- Data and Algorithms: Ethics and Policy
LIS 500- Code and Power
LIS 510- Human Factors in Information Security
Information Policy, Law and Ethics
This area examines the ways in which information and information technologies intersect with law, social concerns, and public policy. This includes ways in which legal rights may be expanded or infringed with information technologies and ways in which information and technologies may be subject to legal regulation. It also considers different types of moral values that affect and are affected by information technologies, such as privacy, security, speech, fairness, and democracy.
LIS 201- The Information Society
LIS 460- Surveillance, Privacy, and Police Powers
LIS 461- Data and Algorithms: Ethics and Policy
LIS 510- Human Factors in Information Security
LIS 645- Intellectual Freedom
LIS 663- Introduction to Cyberlaw
COM ARTS 509- Digital Media and Political Communication
User Experience Design
This set of courses will prepare you with knowledge and skills needed to develop effective, efficient and delightful user interactions with digital information systems, including data-intensive systems and data interfaces. The rise in consumer expectations for easy and efficient digital interactions with digital products, sales and services has created high demand for UX professionals across all industries.
LIS 201- The Information Society
LIS 470- Interaction Design Studio
CS 570- Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
LIS 500- Code and Power
LIS 510- Human Factors in Information Security
LIS 517- Digital Health: Information and Technologies Supporting Consumers and Patients
DS 120- Design: Fundamentals I
DS 341- Design Thinking for Transformation
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be prepared for today’s tech-centered job market with computing, analytical, communication and management skills. Career opportunities are endless as there is no one job category or set of industries. Below are some examples of career outcomes:
- User Experience/Interaction Designer
- Information Architect
- Analyst or Consultant (Data, Product, Program, Business)
- Database Manager
- Product Manager/Project Manager
- Information Governance Analyst
- Digital Media Coordinator
Can I Double Major?
The Information Science major can be your sole major, or it can also be used to complement a wide variety of majors. The accessible and flexible design of the Information Science major makes double majors a feasible opportunity.
Social science and humanities majors can pursue Information Science to add computer, data and information experience to their skillset. Computational/data science majors may add the Information Science major as a path to learn about ethics, policy and social impacts.
Created in collaboration with other majors advisors, below are two sample 4-year double major plans. Please review the full curriculum for both majors in the Guide and contact advisors for questions.
Sample 4-Year Plan: Information Science and Computer Sciences
International Students
This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program.
Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.
Additional Information
Digital Studies Certificate
Students may take iSchool courses as part of the Digital Studies Certificate. The certificate explores the relationship between digital technologies and society, and provides students with the opportunity to both produce digital content and critically assess the digital content they encounter through hands-on training with video, audio, and interactive digital media tools.
Financial Aid
At UW-Madison the Office of Financial aid is here to help you navigate the financial aid process to get the most out of your experience at UW-Madison. Reach out and let us know what we can do for you!
Academic Support
UW-Madison is committed to the success of all students and offers a wide range of resources aimed to help students do well and thrive. Don’t see what you need? Consider asking your advisor for assistance. All resources are free unless otherwise noted.