Best Bachelor's Information Systems Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Senior capstone project (INFOST 490). Internship opportunities through partnerships with major employers in Milwaukee
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's BSIST is the UW System's only degree combining IT with information science—a distinction that means you're learning both how systems *work* and how information *moves through society*, positioning graduates for emerging roles in data governance and misinformation detection that pure IT programs miss.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (BSIST) is the only degree of its kind in the UW System. Students combine core IT skills including front-end web design, programming, and project management with customizable electives. The curriculum emphasizes information science, information architecture, human factors in information seeking, information organization, and internet applications. The program requires a senior capstone project and encourages internship experiences through partnerships with major Milwaukee employers including Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and Acuity. Graduates are prepared for IT leadership roles in both Fortune 500 corporations and innovative startups. The flexible curriculum allows students to enhance their degree with minors, double majors, or certificates in areas such as Web Development, Health Care Informatics, and Digital Arts & Cultures. An accelerated BSIST + MSIST option enables students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Eppstein Uhen Architects (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Maria Haigh — Information Systems, misinformation, disinformation, fake news, big data and society
- Dr. Wonchan Choi — Student use of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Hyerin Bak — Student use of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Xiangming (Simon) Mu — Information studies research
- Adam Hudson — Nonprofit technology
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to healthcare sector (Milwaukee Medical Complex, Froedtert Hospital systems)Access to major regional financial services and manufacturing employersGrowing tech startup ecosystem in downtown Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Study abroad opportunities available. Focus on technical and business skill integration
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's proximity to Epic Systems—which employs over 11,000 people in healthcare IT alone—creates an unusual pipeline where undergraduates can access internships at a company that literally shapes how hospitals operate nationwide, turning a regional advantage into direct exposure to enterprise-scale systems thinking.
The Bachelor of Business Administration with an Information Systems major at UW-Madison develops a unique blend of technical and business skills to solve complex problems in today's digital world. Students gain holistic understanding of business operations and how technology fits into strategy, with focus on developing technical solutions, designing computer-based systems, and analyzing data for business decision-making. The program ranked #32 in the U.S. for undergraduate management information systems programs by U.S. News & World Report (2020). Graduates pursue diverse career paths including business analysis, programming, technology consulting, product management, project management, and systems analysis. The curriculum emphasizes programming, database management, systems analysis, design, project management, and strategic thinking alongside communication and inclusive decision-making skills.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BBA
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
Industry Partners
- Epic Systems (corporate)
- American Family Insurance (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum UW-Madison GPA. Application Deadline: Mid March for fall start.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Home to Epic Systems, one of the world's largest health IT companiesProximity to growing tech corridor and venture capital activityStrong recruitment pipeline from Midwest Fortune 500 headquarters
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Marquette integrates information systems into comprehensive business leadership education, emphasizing ethical innovation and strategic decision-making alongside technical competency.
Hakia Insight: Marquette's dual BS/BA structure and deep ties to Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, and Northwestern Mutual mean students can tailor their degree between technical depth and business strategy while networking with companies that actively recruit from campus—a rarity at private institutions outside major metros.
At the bachelor's level, marquette's information systems program, housed within the College of Business Administration, benefits from deep integration with an AACSB-accredited business school environment where IS is positioned as a strategic discipline rather than a support function. Students pursue the BS in Information Systems alongside peers in accounting, finance, and management, with shared core business coursework and a business school perspective on technology's role in creating competitive advantage. The curriculum emphasizes enterprise systems (SAP, Oracle), business intelligence and analytics, cloud architecture, and IT strategy—preparing graduates for roles that bridge technical and business domains. Marquette's location in Milwaukee provides access to major financial services, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing firms; many offer internships, guest lectures, and direct recruitment from campus. The program is particularly strong in preparing students for careers in enterprise IT roles, management consulting, and IT-adjacent leadership positions. With strong alumni networks and a Jesuit emphasis on professional ethics and social responsibility, Marquette graduates often move into roles where they shape organizational technology strategy and governance.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
- Milwaukee-area financial institutions (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong ties to Milwaukee-based corporate headquarters (Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual)Proximity to Wisconsin business sector and regional employer networksAccess to Midwest financial services and insurance industry
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship experience in junior or senior year (IS 451 CBA Management Information Systems Internship). Internships earn university credit applied to major
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse's mandatory, credit-bearing internship (IS 451) isn't optional padding; it's baked into the major itself, meaning every graduate enters the job market with paid healthcare IT experience at Mayo Clinic or Gundersen, two of the nation's most advanced health systems.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at UW-La Crosse prepares students for careers in IT-related fields by teaching them to plan, analyze, design, and implement computer-based information systems. The 120-credit program combines a 50-credit College of Business Administration core with 29 credits of IS-specific coursework covering data management, networking, artificial intelligence, project management, and business analytics. Students develop technical skills in software design, database management, and data visualization alongside business acumen in accounting, economics, and organizational behavior. The vast majority of IS majors participate in paid internship experiences during their junior or senior year that earn university credit and frequently lead to post-graduation employment. The curriculum culminates in MGT 449 (CBA Capstone: Applied Business Strategy), requiring students to apply their knowledge to real business challenges. Career paths include positions as business/systems analysts, business analytics professionals, web developers, applications software engineers, security specialists, project managers, network analysts, and database administrators.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Gundersen Health System (corporate)
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Peter Haried — Information Systems
- Ye (Hannah) Han — Information Systems
- DeAnn Almond — Information Systems
- Xiaodi (Coco) Zhu — Information Systems
- David Annino — Information Systems
- Eduardo Rodriquez — Information Systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.00 minimum.
Requirements: Minimum 120 semester credits with 2.00 cumulative GPA, At least 40 credits in 300/400 level courses, Completion of general education requirements, Completion of at least one ethnic studies (diversity) course, College of Business Administration core (50 credits), Information Systems major requirements (29 credits), Major and minor requirements with minimum 2.00 GPA, Minimum 30 semester credits in residence at UWL, Completion of MGT 449 in semester of graduation
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System, major healthcare IT employersAccess to regional manufacturing and financial services companies
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Oshkosh, WI
Key Distinction: Oshkosh emphasizes hands-on infrastructure labs and IT operations readiness, preparing graduates for immediate contribution in systems administration and network management roles.
Hakia Insight: UW-Oshkosh's deliberate focus on infrastructure labs and IT operations readiness fills a real market gap—while peers chase cloud and AI, Oshkosh graduates are job-ready for systems administration roles that still command solid salaries and face persistent talent shortages.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Oshkosh's information systems program targets students interested in practical IT careers with a curriculum centered on systems infrastructure, networking, and database management. The program's distinctive strength is its hands-on lab environment where students configure real enterprise networks, manage database systems, and troubleshoot infrastructure challenges—not just simulate them. This applied focus appeals to students who learn best by building and deploying actual systems rather than studying abstract concepts. The program maintains active connections with regional healthcare systems, government agencies, and mid-market businesses in the Fox Valley area, creating internship opportunities that frequently convert to full-time offers. Faculty expertise spans network architecture, systems administration, and IT security, reflecting the practical skills employers consistently demand. Graduates typically transition into IT operations, network administration, or systems support roles where their hands-on training immediately translates to job performance. The program also serves working professionals through evening course options, recognizing that many students balance education with current employment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Regional healthcare organizations (nonprofit)
- Fox Valley businesses (corporate)
Location Advantages: Fox Valley regional business networkAccess to healthcare IT employers
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Stevens Point, WI
Key Distinction: Stevens Point integrates emerging technologies (cloud, cybersecurity, analytics) with business context, producing graduates prepared for evolving IT management and systems architecture roles.
Hakia Insight: Stevens Point's access to Wisconsin state government IT systems gives students a rare opportunity to work on mission-critical infrastructure at scale during coursework, not just internships—a practical advantage for those targeting government or enterprise operations roles.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Stevens Point's information systems program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning within a collaborative regional context. The curriculum balances core IS fundamentals—databases, systems analysis, networking, and enterprise software—with applied project work that connects students directly to real-world business challenges. What distinguishes this program is its focus on developing problem-solvers who can bridge technical and business domains, preparing graduates for roles where they translate organizational needs into technological solutions. The program benefits from Wisconsin's strong regional economy, with established connections to mid-sized and larger employers across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and public sectors who actively recruit graduates. Faculty bring both academic rigor and industry experience, often maintaining consulting relationships that inform curriculum development and create internship opportunities for students. The Stevens Point location, while smaller than major urban centers, offers distinct advantages for IS students: lower student-to-faculty ratios enable more personalized mentoring, and the tight-knit regional business community means students build professional networks organically through coursework projects and internships. The program integrates current industry tools and platforms into labs and capstone courses, ensuring graduates arrive at their first positions already familiar with systems they'll encounter professionally. Graduates typically pursue careers in business analysis, systems administration, IT project management, and enterprise solutions roles. The program's alumni network remains active within Wisconsin's business landscape, providing both mentorship and job placement advantages for recent graduates seeking positions in the region's dynamic economy.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Wisconsin state government agencies (government)
- Regional manufacturing firms (corporate)
Location Advantages: Access to Wisconsin state government IT systemsManufacturing and operations technology focusRural problem-solving context attracts enterprise employers
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — Eau Claire, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Eau Claire's embedded internship model integrates paid, credit-bearing industry work into the core IS curriculum rather than positioning it as a separate track.
Hakia Insight: UW-Eau Claire embeds paid internships directly into the curriculum rather than treating them as separate experiences, meaning students graduate with integrated real-world data management projects already on their resume, not just classroom work.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Eau Claire's information systems program has built strength in data management and analytics as a primary differentiator—the curriculum front-loads exposure to relational databases, SQL, and business intelligence tools within the first two years, allowing students to specialize in analytics, reporting, or data engineering as they progress. This emphasis on data literacy reflects both industry demand and the program's research environment, where faculty actively incorporate student researchers into applied analytics projects. The program maintains strong partnerships with healthcare and insurance organizations in the region, creating opportunities for students to work on real health informatics and claims analysis systems. Coursework explicitly connects IT infrastructure to organizational decision-making: students learn that database design, data governance, and analytics capabilities directly enable or constrain business strategy. What distinguishes this program is its insistence that information systems professionals must understand data provenance, quality, and ethics—not just architecture. Capstone projects frequently involve designing analytics solutions for real organizations facing data integration or reporting challenges. Graduates move into roles such as business analyst, data analyst, health informatics specialist, or IT business consultant, frequently within healthcare systems, insurance carriers, and regional financial services firms. The program's regional location near Mayo Clinic and health systems creates a natural pipeline into healthcare IT, where information systems expertise is increasingly central to clinical operations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
- Gundersen Health System (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic and regional health systemsAccess to healthcare IT infrastructure and health informatics opportunitiesGrowing data analytics demand in regional employers
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Green Bay's problem-based learning curriculum integrates systems thinking and business acumen from day one, producing graduates who can architect solutions rather than just implement them.
Hakia Insight: UW-Green Bay's problem-centered learning framework teaches students to architect solutions from business constraints first, a pedagogical choice that typically appears only in graduate programs—giving undergrads a five-year head start on systems thinking.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Green Bay's information systems curriculum is organized around a problem-centered learning framework where technical courses are explicitly connected to business challenges and organizational strategy. Rather than compartmentalizing IT as purely technical, students explore how systems thinking, data governance, and digital transformation intersect with real organizational needs—making the program particularly strong for students aiming toward IT management, business analysis, or digital strategy roles. The program draws on faculty expertise in enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and business intelligence, with several instructors holding industry certifications that keep coursework current with market practices. Green Bay's location on Wisconsin's northeastern corridor provides proximity to healthcare systems, paper manufacturing enterprises, and regional financial institutions, all significant IS employers. Graduates frequently move into systems analyst, IT coordinator, and business applications roles at these anchoring employers, with many later transitioning into IT management or consulting positions as their careers progress.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Green Bay healthcare systems (corporate)
- Northeast Wisconsin paper and manufacturing companies (corporate)
Location Advantages: Healthcare IT sector employmentManufacturing operations and systems experienceRegional financial services technology opportunities
Lakeland University — Plymouth, WI
Key Distinction: Award-winning Cooperative Education program allows earning up to 25% of degree via paid work experience. Flexible delivery formats including Online Live and BlendEd Live options
Hakia Insight: Lakeland's award-winning co-op program lets students earn up to 25% of their degree through paid work, a model that can reduce total cost of attendance while building a portfolio; combined with flexible online and blended formats, it targets working adults who can't afford traditional full-time study.
Lakeland University's Bachelor of Science in Data Science immerses students in technology, programming, statistics, and data visualization to prepare them for designing and implementing complex data processes. The program offers three emphasis areas: Business Analysis, Financial Analysis, and Operations Analysis. A standout feature is the award-winning Cooperative Education program, allowing students to earn up to 25% of their degree through paid work experience while gaining academic credit. The curriculum focuses on practical skills including programming, data wrangling, visualization, and stakeholder communication. Students can choose flexible delivery formats including main campus, six regional centers, 100% online, or BlendEd Live options. Graduates enter a rapidly growing field with Wisconsin's operations research analyst being the fastest-growing job market in the state. The program addresses high employer demand for data science skills in predictive analytics, risk mitigation, customer behavior analysis, and workflow automation across various industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Technology Laboratory
- Psychology Lab
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Cynthia Lindstrom — Computer Science
- Dr. Chia-Chin (Cristi) Chang — Mathematics
- Dr. Nisansala Wickramasinghe — Data Science
- Kim Viglietti — Business Administration
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Rolling admission with 6 start dates throughout the year.
Requirements: Create computer code (programming), Clean and organize data (data wrangling), Create data visualizations, Communicate findings to various stakeholders
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee tech sectorAccess to regional Fortune 500 companies
Carroll University — Waukesha, WI
Key Distinction: Carroll University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Carroll University's Information Systems programs lack sufficient public data differentiation in the provided materials.
Carroll University offers Information Systems programs in Waukesha, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Information Systems Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options. Online GIS Development track available
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's MS in Cartography and GIS uniquely offers three structural paths—thesis, accelerated in-residence, and fully online—allowing PhD aspirants, working professionals, and geographic technologists to pursue the same degree with fundamentally different outcomes and timelines.
The MS in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems offers three tracks: thesis-based for PhD preparation, Accelerated/Non-Thesis in-residence program, and fully online GIS Development professional track. The thesis option provides broad foundation in mapping theory and GIS applications for careers in government agencies, planning organizations, environmental agencies, and private industry. Non-thesis professional tracks focus on career advancement for working professionals. The program requires 30 credits with 16 residence credits minimum. Graduate assistantships and funding opportunities are available through the Geography department. Students develop state-of-the-art technical skills in cartography and GIS with emphasis on ethical professional conduct. The program prepares graduates for positions across government, NGOs, environmental consulting, and private sector GIS roles with strong theoretical foundation and practical application skills.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
Industry Partners
- Epic Systems (corporate)
- American Family Insurance (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum UW-Madison GPA. Application Deadline: Mid March for fall start.
Requirements: 16 residence credits minimum, 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework, 3.00 GPA overall
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Home to Epic Systems, one of the world's largest health IT companiesProximity to growing tech corridor and venture capital activityStrong recruitment pipeline from Midwest Fortune 500 headquarters
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Milwaukee emphasizes IT strategy and enterprise transformation over pure technical depth, preparing students for business-aligned IS leadership roles.
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's faculty expertise in misinformation, disinformation, and AI's societal impact (Haigh, Choi) signals a program that teaches enterprise IS leadership within a critical lens on technology's business AND social consequences—rare at the master's level.
At the master's level, UW-Milwaukee's information systems program emphasizes applied problem-solving and real-world technology implementation, grounding its curriculum in practical business contexts rather than pure theory. The program stands out for its strong focus on enterprise systems, data analytics, and digital transformation—areas directly aligned with what employers are actively hiring for. Students engage with industry-standard tools and platforms through hands-on labs and capstone projects that often involve local Milwaukee-area companies, giving them portfolio-ready experience before graduation. The faculty blend academic rigor with genuine industry experience, creating a program culture where technical depth meets business acumen. A key strength is the program's flexibility: students can pursue traditional on-campus study while also accessing hybrid and online options, making it accessible to working professionals seeking to transition into information systems roles. The school's location in Wisconsin's largest metropolitan area provides proximity to a growing tech sector and established Fortune 500 companies with significant operations in the region, creating internship and recruitment pipelines that benefit graduating students. Graduates consistently move into systems analyst, business analyst, and IT project management roles at organizations ranging from healthcare systems to financial services firms, with many reporting strong salary growth within their first three years post-graduation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Eppstein Uhen Architects (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Maria Haigh — Information Systems, misinformation, disinformation, fake news, big data and society
- Dr. Wonchan Choi — Student use of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Hyerin Bak — Student use of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Xiangming (Simon) Mu — Information studies research
- Adam Hudson — Nonprofit technology
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to healthcare sector (Milwaukee Medical Complex, Froedtert Hospital systems)Access to major regional financial services and manufacturing employersGrowing tech startup ecosystem in downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee School of Engineering — Milwaukee, WI
Hakia Insight: Milwaukee School of Engineering's master's program welcomes 24+ credit transfers, reducing time-to-degree for candidates from two-year institutions—a structural choice that directly expands access to advanced IS credentials for non-traditional pathways.
At the master's level, MSOE welcomes transfer students and defines a transfer student as someone who has attended another college or university and completed more than 24 college credits. The school offers articulation agreements with technical colleges for efficient credit transfer toward an MSOE degree.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Location Advantages:
University of Wisconsin-Parkside — Kenosha, WI
Key Distinction: Entirely course-based curriculum with optional thesis/project. Evening classes designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: UW-Parkside's location equidistant to Milwaukee and Chicago tech markets, combined with evening scheduling for working professionals, creates unusual leverage: students can access Fortune 500 internships from two separate regional hubs without relocating.
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems (MSCIS) at UW-Parkside is a practical, career-focused program designed for both new entrants and working IS professionals seeking advancement. The program is entirely course-based with thesis and projects optional, offering maximum flexibility for mid-career professionals. Students can complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time, with most courses offered in the evenings to accommodate working schedules. Four specialty tracks—Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Technology Management, and Software Development—align with high-demand roles like security analyst, data scientist, business analyst, and software engineer. The program supports career progression from technical practitioner to management roles, preparing graduates for positions with increased responsibility and compensation in enterprise IT environments.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Location Advantages: Equidistant to Milwaukee and Chicago tech employment marketsAccess to Fortune 500 corporate headquartersGateway to two regional tech hubs via single commute corridor
Marian University — Fond Du Lac, WI
Key Distinction: Marian University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Marian University's Information Systems programs lack sufficient public data differentiation in the provided materials.
Marian University offers Information Systems programs in Fond Du Lac, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time options available. Evening and blended on-campus classes for working professionals
Hakia Insight: Marquette's part-time MS in Computer and Information Science with evening/blended classes and partnerships with Accenture and Deloitte means working professionals can advance credentials without pause—a design choice that acknowledges most career-changers can't afford to step out of the workforce.
Marquette's M.S. in Computer and Information Science is a professional master's degree designed for both career changers and current professionals seeking to advance their skills. The program offers full-time and part-time options with on-campus (including evening/blended classes) and fully online delivery formats, ranked #20 by US News & World Report for online programs. Students can pursue specializations in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense, AI and Analytics, or a Computing Career Change track. The program emphasizes practical experience through practicum and professional projects. Median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations is $104,420 (May 2023), significantly higher than the $48,060 median for all occupations. The curriculum prepares graduates for roles in cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, project management, enterprise architecture, and technology management. With flexible scheduling and personalized advising, the program accommodates working professionals balancing career and education.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer and Information Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Accenture (corporate)
- Deloitte (corporate)
- Milwaukee-area financial institutions (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Strong ties to Milwaukee-based corporate headquarters (Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual)Proximity to Wisconsin business sector and regional employer networksAccess to Midwest financial services and insurance industry
Concordia University-Wisconsin — Mequon, WI
Key Distinction: Concordia integrates business strategy and ethics throughout its IS curriculum, developing technology leaders rather than just technical practitioners.
Hakia Insight: Concordia's explicit emphasis on ethical technology leadership within a Lutheran framework creates rare accountability—graduates aren't just managing enterprise systems, they're trained to interrogate the moral implications of automation and data use, a competency Milwaukee's healthcare and financial sectors increasingly demand.
At the master's level, concordia's information systems program, rooted in the university's Lutheran educational tradition, emphasizes ethical technology leadership and business-systems integration rather than pure technical depth. The curriculum prepares students to understand IS within organizational contexts—covering enterprise resource planning, business intelligence, and digital strategy—alongside solid technical foundations in databases and systems architecture. What distinguishes Concordia's approach is explicit attention to technology ethics, leadership competencies, and how information systems drive organizational mission, appealing to students who see IS as a strategic business function rather than purely technical specialty. The program serves a mix of traditional undergraduates and working professionals, with flexible course scheduling that accommodates employment. Faculty bring industry experience and maintain connections with Milwaukee-area corporations, creating internship and networking pathways. Graduates often pursue IT management, business analysis, and systems consulting roles where their combination of technical competence and leadership orientation supports career advancement. The program's smaller size and emphasis on mentorship create close student-faculty relationships that support career planning and professional development.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Systems — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Milwaukee-area corporations (corporate)
Location Advantages: Milwaukee metropolitan area employer accessWisconsin business sector connections
Ottawa University-Milwaukee — Brookfield, WI
Key Distinction: Ottawa University-Milwaukee offers comprehensive Information Systems programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ottawa University-Milwaukee's Brookfield location positions it directly in Wisconsin's corporate corridor, but the real advantage is serving regional professionals who can network with peers from healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing while staying employed.
Ottawa University-Milwaukee offers Information Systems programs in Brookfield, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Doctoral Information Systems Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Milwaukee emphasizes IT strategy and enterprise transformation over pure technical depth, preparing students for business-aligned IS leadership roles.
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's doctoral cohort benefits from Dr. Maria Haigh's research focus on misinformation and fake news in big data contexts—an area where enterprise security and strategic communication intersect—giving students dissertation topics that translate directly into consulting and advisory roles.
At the doctoral level, UW-Milwaukee's information systems program emphasizes applied problem-solving and real-world technology implementation, grounding its curriculum in practical business contexts rather than pure theory. The program stands out for its strong focus on enterprise systems, data analytics, and digital transformation—areas directly aligned with what employers are actively hiring for. Students engage with industry-standard tools and platforms through hands-on labs and capstone projects that often involve local Milwaukee-area companies, giving them portfolio-ready experience before graduation. The faculty blend academic rigor with genuine industry experience, creating a program culture where technical depth meets business acumen. A key strength is the program's flexibility: students can pursue traditional on-campus study while also accessing hybrid and online options, making it accessible to working professionals seeking to transition into information systems roles. The school's location in Wisconsin's largest metropolitan area provides proximity to a growing tech sector and established Fortune 500 companies with significant operations in the region, creating internship and recruitment pipelines that benefit graduating students. Graduates consistently move into systems analyst, business analyst, and IT project management roles at organizations ranging from healthcare systems to financial services firms, with many reporting strong salary growth within their first three years post-graduation.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Systems — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Eppstein Uhen Architects (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Maria Haigh — Information Systems, misinformation, disinformation, fake news, big data and society
- Dr. Wonchan Choi — Student use of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Hyerin Bak — Student use of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Xiangming (Simon) Mu — Information studies research
- Adam Hudson — Nonprofit technology
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to healthcare sector (Milwaukee Medical Complex, Froedtert Hospital systems)Access to major regional financial services and manufacturing employersGrowing tech startup ecosystem in downtown Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Apprenticeship-type approach with close faculty mentoring. Balanced program supporting both behavioral/experimental and archival research methodologies
Hakia Insight: The apprenticeship model paired with Wisconsin Institute for Discovery access means PhD candidates collaborate with Epic Systems researchers on health IT problems from year one, compressing the typical post-doctoral job search into embedded industry relationships.
The Wisconsin PhD Program in accounting prepares individuals for research and teaching careers at universities through high-quality research training. The program uses an apprenticeship model where students work closely with faculty across four core research areas: auditing, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and tax research, supporting both archival and experimental methodologies. Students complete three required accounting research seminars and develop specialization in related fields like economics, psychology, or sociology. The program requires original research presentations after the first year and by the end of the third year, often co-authored with faculty. Students build strong statistical foundations and can specialize in behavioral/experimental or archival research methods. The program emphasizes collegiality and produces researchers for academic careers. However, specific details about funding packages, stipend amounts, time to degree, faculty ratios, publication requirements, and placement statistics are not provided in the available content.
Programs Offered
- PhD in Accounting — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
Industry Partners
- Epic Systems (corporate)
- American Family Insurance (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum UW-Madison GPA. Application Deadline: Mid March for fall start.
Requirements: Complete three accounting research seminars: Introduction to Accounting Research, Behavioral Accounting Research, Archival Accounting Research, Meet general PhD requirements of UW-Madison Graduate School and Wisconsin School of Business, Present original research project after first year, Present original research project by end of third year, Develop specialization in related field (economics, psychology, or sociology), Build foundation in statistics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Home to Epic Systems, one of the world's largest health IT companiesProximity to growing tech corridor and venture capital activityStrong recruitment pipeline from Midwest Fortune 500 headquarters
