Program Overview
The Information Science program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison equips students with the skills to create and harness data-driven technologies. Emphasizing ethical and social factors, the program cultivates expertise in data management, retrieval, and curation. Graduates are prepared for careers in information technology, including data analysis, interaction design, and information security.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Information Science (iSci) major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison delves into the nexus of people, data, information, and computing. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to create data-driven technologies and harness them for real-world applications. Emphasizing the ethical, cultural, and social factors in designing and utilizing information technology-based systems, the major cultivates adeptness in creating, managing, retrieving, and curating data and information. Graduates emerge as proficient designers of systems that foster well-being and serve the public good.
Outline:
Coursework
Core Information Science Coursework
(21 credits minimum)
- List A:
- L I S 202: Informational Divides and Differences in a Multicultural Society (3 credits)
- L I S 350: History and Future of Books (3 credits)
- L I S 351: Introduction to Digital Information (3 credits)
- L I S 440: Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science (3 credits)
- L I S/AFRICAN/COM ARTS 444: Technology and Development in Africa and Beyond (3 credits)
- L I S 461: Data and Algorithms: Ethics and Policy (3-4 credits)
- L I S 464: Applied Database Design (3 credits)
- L I S 470: Interaction Design Studio (3 credits)
- L I S 500: Code and Power (3 credits)
- L I S 501: Introduction to Text Mining (3 credits)
- L I S 510: Human Factors in Information Security (3 credits)
- COMP SCI 570: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (4 credits)
- L I S/LEGAL ST 645: Intellectual Freedom (3 credits)
- L I S 646: Introduction to Info Architecture and Interaction Design for the Web (3 credits)
- L I S/LEGAL ST 663: Introduction to Cyberlaw (3 credits)
Breadth Requirements
Ethics, Computing & Society Coursework
(3 credits minimum)
- L I S 460: Surveillance, Privacy, and Police Powers (3 credits)
- L I S 500: Code and Power (3 credits)
Computational Techniques and Tools Coursework
(3 credits minimum)
- L I S 351: Introduction to Digital Information (3 credits)
- L I S 501: Introduction to Text Mining (3 credits)
- COMP SCI/L I S 102: Introduction to Computing (3 credits)
- COMP SCI 220: Data Science Programming I (4 credits)
- COMP SCI 200: Programming I (3 credits)
- COMP SCI 300: Programming II (3 credits)
- COMP SCI 368: Learning a Programming Language (1 credit)
- STAT 433: Data Science with R (3 credits)
Principles of Information and Data Science Coursework
(3 credits minimum)
- L I S 440: Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science (3 credits)
- L I S 464: Applied Database Design (3 credits)
Designing for Human Computer Interaction Coursework
(3 credits minimum)
- L I S 470: Interaction Design Studio (3 credits)
- COMP SCI 570: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (4 credits)
Communicating Digitally Courses
(3 credits minimum)
- L I S 407: Data Storytelling with Visualization (3 credits)
Career/Community/Internship Coursework
(1-6 credits)
- Selected from a list of approved courses, including:
- Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences (1 credit)
- Digital Health: Information and Technologies Supporting Consumers and Patients (3 credits)
- Washington DC Semester in International Affairs Internship Seminar (4 credits)
- Independent Reading and Research (1-4 credits)
- Coordinative Internship/Cooperative Education (1-8 credits)
Approved Electives
- Courses from the Core Information Science or Breadth Requirement lists, or:
- Actuarial Science
- Communication Arts
- Computer Sciences
- Consumer Science
- Design Studies
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Health Information Systems
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Marketing
- Operations and Technology Management
- Personal Finance
- Public Affairs
- Risk Management and Insurance
- Statistics
- And more
Assessment:
The program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These may include:
- Assignments
- Projects
- Exams
- Presentations
- Portfolios
Teaching:
The program benefits from a dedicated faculty of scholars and professionals who bring expertise and experience to the classroom. They employ a range of teaching methods to foster student engagement and understanding, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Workshops
- Labs
- Project-based learning The program also offers unique opportunities for students to engage in research and hands-on learning through internships and involvement in faculty-led projects.
Careers:
Graduates of the Information Science program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the rapidly growing field of information technology. Potential career paths include:
- Data analyst
- Information architect
- Interaction designer
- User experience researcher
- Web developer
- Information security analyst
- Data scientist
- Knowledge management specialist
- Technical writer
- Policy analyst
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Museum curator
