Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Individual and team projects based on actual applications. Integration of business and IT curriculum
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's explicit faculty in cybersecurity (Somesh Jha) and systems performance (Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau) combined with Security and Parallel Computing labs means undergrads can co-author research alongside faculty working on problems that matter to Google and Meta—not just attend lectures about them.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems at UW-Madison combines business acumen with practical IT instruction through a 19-credit major emphasizing individual and team projects based on real applications. The curriculum includes core courses in data science programming, databases, systems analysis and design, with elective specializations in digital strategy, contemporary topics, or platform analytics. Students develop proficiency in project management, consulting, teamwork, and communication skills while working on computer-based business solutions. The program is designed to prepare effective leaders in information systems design, development, and management, with curriculum delivered through the Department of Operations and Information Management within the School of Business.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BBA
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
- Computer Sciences Department - Security and Privacy Lab
- Parallel Computing Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Somesh Jha — Cybersecurity, machine learning security, formal methods
- Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau — Operating systems, storage systems, systems performance
- Michael Swift — Computer architecture, systems security, virtualization
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Mid March.
Requirements: Complete School of Business Liberal Studies Requirements, Business Fundamentals Requirement, Business Core Requirement, Business Signature Requirement, 19-credit Information Systems major, Minimum 30 credits in residence at UW-Madison
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Madison's growing tech ecosystem and startup sceneProximity to Microsoft Research and other corporate labsAccess to Wisconsin's biotech and medical device industries
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: An applied, industry-integrated IT program with direct consulting pathways to Milwaukee's healthcare IT and financial technology sectors, emphasizing team-based real-world projects over theory.
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's direct pipeline to Froedtert, Aurora Health Care, and Northwestern Mutual—not generic tech companies—means students graduate with healthcare IT and fintech domain expertise baked in, a specialization that commands premiums in those sectors.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Milwaukee's information technology and computer science programs deliberately emphasize industry-ready preparation, with curriculum design informed by regular feedback from Milwaukee's robust healthcare IT, financial technology, and manufacturing sectors. The engineering school houses programs with strong systems and networking foundations, but what makes UW-Milwaukee distinctive is its explicit focus on applied learning—students work on consulting projects for real organizations through the capstone course sequence, and internship placement is woven into degree requirements rather than optional. Faculty include practitioners with recent industry experience, ensuring that coursework reflects current toolsets and architectural patterns rather than lagging behind practice. The university maintains active partnerships with major healthcare systems (Froedtert, Aurora, Ascension Wisconsin) where IT infrastructure demands are substantial and specialized, creating a pipeline for students seeking roles in healthcare technology. Co-op and internship opportunities are abundant and well-structured, with many students securing full-time offers from their internship employers. Graduates report that the program's emphasis on team projects, client communication, and real-world problem-solving prepared them more effectively for junior engineer roles than purely academic curricula.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Froedtert Hospital (corporate)
- Aurora Health Care (corporate)
- Ascension Wisconsin (corporate)
- Northwestern Mutual (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee's healthcare IT sector strength and major hospital systemsProximity to financial technology and insurance industry operationsManufacturing and industrial automation IT presence in region
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: UW-La Crosse's IT program stands out for embedding students in live client projects with regional healthcare and manufacturing partners, creating a portfolio-based curriculum that directly translates to entry-level systems administration and IT support roles.
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse's embedded live client projects with Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System create a portfolio of real healthcare IT infrastructure work before graduation, giving students concrete proof of systems administration competency that typical graduates lack.
At the bachelor's level, UW-La Crosse's information technology program emphasizes applied problem-solving through a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with hands-on project work. The program distinguishes itself through strong partnerships with regional healthcare systems and manufacturing companies, giving students real-world exposure to enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity implementation, and systems management. Faculty bring industry experience to the classroom, and the program's capstone requirement places students on actual client projects—whether upgrading legacy systems, implementing network security, or optimizing database performance for regional organizations. This project-centric approach means graduates leave with portfolios demonstrating immediate workplace competency. The La Crosse location, nestled between Madison's tech corridor and the Twin Cities market, provides internship and recruitment pathways to larger tech employers while maintaining strong ties to local business leaders who actively participate in curriculum advisory roles. Students consistently report that the program's emphasis on troubleshooting real infrastructure challenges, rather than theory alone, accelerates their transition into mid-level IT roles at regional enterprises and larger corporations recruiting from the area.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
- Gundersen Health System (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic and regional healthcare IT demandAccess to Twin Cities tech market (1.5 hours)Regional manufacturing and enterprise IT ecosystem
University of Wisconsin-Platteville — Platteville, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Platteville's program leverages its engineering foundation to deliver systems-thinking and software architecture skills that propel graduates into software engineering and systems design roles rather than support-tier IT positions.
Hakia Insight: UW-Platteville's engineering heritage means its IT graduates study software architecture and systems design—competencies that lead to engineer-track careers—rather than support-tier IT roles, a credential distinction that compounds salary growth over a career.
At the bachelor's level, at UW-Platteville, the computer science and information technology program harnesses the university's engineering heritage to create a technically rigorous pathway with particular strength in systems design and software development. The program integrates hands-on laboratory work and capstone design projects that mirror actual software engineering workflows, preparing students not just to code, but to architect systems and lead development initiatives. Faculty expertise spans cloud architecture, embedded systems, and full-stack development, and students frequently participate in interdisciplinary projects bridging IT and engineering disciplines—such as IoT implementations or real-time systems. The proximity to Chicago's tech ecosystem and Milwaukee's growing software development scene creates recruitment pipelines to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. Co-op and internship opportunities are woven throughout the curriculum, allowing students to build professional networks while still enrolled. Graduates often transition into software engineer roles, systems architect positions, or IT leadership tracks at companies valuing the problem-solving rigor and systems thinking that characterize Platteville's engineering-influenced approach.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: 30 minutes from Madison tech hubProximity to Epic Systems (major healthcare IT employer)Access to Chicago and Milwaukee tech markets
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Whitewater uniquely integrates business acumen into its IT curriculum, training students to understand technology as a business enabler rather than an isolated technical domain—a differentiator for IT leadership and business technology roles.
Hakia Insight: UW-Whitewater's integration of business acumen into its IT curriculum explicitly trains students to translate technical capabilities into business value, positioning graduates for technology management and digital transformation roles that pure technical programs don't prepare for.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Whitewater's information technology program combines a business-aligned curriculum with practical infrastructure and security training, designed for students targeting IT leadership, enterprise systems management, or business technology consulting. The program distinguishes itself by integrating business process improvement and organizational change management into technical coursework—students don't just learn to implement systems, but to evaluate how technology solves business problems. Cyber security concentration options and network administration tracks allow specialization based on career goals. The college's location in the Milwaukee-Madison corridor provides access to major corporations and mid-market companies actively recruiting IT professionals for infrastructure management, helpdesk advancement, and IT project coordination roles. Faculty maintain active connections with industry advisory boards, ensuring curriculum stays aligned with what employers actually hire for. Experiential learning through case studies, simulations, and capstone projects centered on real business scenarios builds the soft skills—communication, stakeholder management, project coordination—that distinguish graduates in hiring managers' eyes. Students often progress into systems administrator, IT project coordinator, or IT support leadership roles within their first 3–5 years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct access to Milwaukee corporate IT marketProximity to Madison technology sectorRegional business and healthcare IT hiring concentration
Carthage College — Kenosha, WI
Key Distinction: Carthage College offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Carthage College's private institution status in Kenosha positions it as an alternative to larger state universities for students seeking smaller class sizes and mentorship-driven IT education in Wisconsin's underserved Southeast region.
Carthage College offers Information Technology programs in Kenosha, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Lakeland University — Plymouth, WI
Key Distinction: Small cohort size with integrated hands-on projects throughout curriculum creates accelerated practical readiness compared to traditional lecture-heavy IT programs.
Hakia Insight: Lakeland's small cohort model isn't just about intimacy—it enables faculty to embed real client projects into foundational courses, meaning students graduate with portfolio work from actual Milwaukee-area businesses rather than academic exercises.
At the bachelor's level, lakeland's information technology program emphasizes applied learning through a curriculum that balances foundational computer science theory with immediately deployable technical skills. The program distinguishes itself through mandatory hands-on projects integrated throughout each semester—students don't wait until capstone courses to build real systems. The IT track focuses on infrastructure, cybersecurity fundamentals, and enterprise systems management, preparing graduates for operational IT roles where they can make immediate impact. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with regional businesses, which directly informs coursework and creates internship pathways. The program's strength lies in its personalized advising model; with a smaller cohort size, students work closely with professors to tailor electives around emerging specializations like cloud architecture or security operations. Graduates consistently report that their practical project portfolio and hands-on lab experience accelerated their hiring timelines and starting salary negotiations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee's growing tech sector
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Marquette's IT program distinguishes itself through deep emphasis on enterprise infrastructure and cybersecurity operations with direct mentorship pipelines to corporate IT departments.
Hakia Insight: Marquette's partnership with Northwestern Mutual's data science institute creates a rare pipeline where undergraduates can contribute to live actuarial and risk modeling projects, giving them resume credentials typically reserved for interns at much larger tech companies.
At the bachelor's level, marquette's information technology program emphasizes applied computing with a strong foundation in both theoretical computer science and practical enterprise systems. The curriculum integrates real-world projects through partnerships with Milwaukee-area corporations and national tech firms, giving students direct exposure to industry workflows before graduation. A distinctive feature is the program's focus on IT infrastructure, cybersecurity fundamentals, and business-aligned technology management—reflecting the reality that many IT professionals work in operational and security roles rather than pure software development. Faculty bring experience from roles at major financial institutions and technology companies, embedding that perspective into coursework. The program's location in an urban setting with access to Fortune 500 headquarters creates internship pathways that many students convert into full-time positions. Hands-on labs cover networking, systems administration, and cloud infrastructure, with capstone projects often directly addressing challenges brought in by industry mentors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Data, Ethics, and Society
- Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute
- Center for Cyber Security Awareness and Cyber Defense
- Research, Teaching and Learning Department
Industry Partners
- Wisconsin-based financial services firms (corporate)
- Local Fortune 500 companies (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael Zimmer — Computer science, data ethics and society
- Dr. Praveen Madiraju — Computer science
- Laurie Panella — Information technology leadership
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee corporate headquarters and regional IT operations centers
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Oshkosh, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Oshkosh delivers systems-level computer science education with emphasis on mentored, hands-on projects and direct regional employer engagement in curriculum design.
Hakia Insight: UW-Oshkosh's ERIC lab and EPA/USGS partnerships mean CS students can build environmental monitoring systems and data pipelines that directly support federal research—a chance to work on infrastructure-scale problems before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Oshkosh's computer science and information technology offerings prioritize accessibility and hands-on learning within a mid-sized public university context. The program structure allows students to build depth in systems-level programming, database design, and practical software development without the research-focus intensity of larger R1 institutions. Faculty prioritize mentorship and direct engagement—classes maintain reasonable sizes, enabling project-based learning where students tackle real problems in operating systems, networking, and web development. The curriculum reflects input from regional employers who actively recruit from the program, ensuring that coursework aligns with skills demand in the Upper Midwest job market. Students benefit from collaboration with the university's engineering programs, cross-pollinating ideas around embedded systems and hardware-software integration. The Fox Valley region's growing tech sector provides internship and employment opportunities in both established companies and startup environments.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC)
Industry Partners
- USGS (collaborator)
- EPA (collaborator)
- NGRREC (collaborator)
- UW-Green Bay (collaborator)
- MTU (collaborator)
- Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (collaborator)
- WI DATCP (partner)
- WI DNR (partner)
- American Biogas Council (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Gregory Kleinheinz — Environmental engineering technology, biogas systems, environmental public health
- Dr. Marcel Dijkstra — Environmental engineering technology, phosphorus bioavailability research
- Dr. Jiaqiong Li — 3D optical sensing, digital-twin technologies, physics-informed deep learning
- Dr. Ahmed Nasif — Signal processing, communication systems, IoT and nanotechnology
- Dr. Pawel Olszewski — Mathematical modeling and optimization of energy conversion processes
- Dr. Tongtong Lu — Biomedical optics, bioinstrumentation, machine learning in healthcare
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Fox Valley regional technology employers
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Stevens Point, WI
Key Distinction: Stevens Point's program differentiates itself through liberal arts-informed computer science education emphasizing design thinking and software engineering principles alongside technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Stevens Point's Digital Forensics and Recovery Analysis Lab is rare at the bachelor's level; students gain hands-on experience investigating real security incidents for regional employers like Sentry Insurance, turning theoretical cybersecurity into courtroom-ready expertise.
At the bachelor's level, stevens Point's computer science program builds on a foundation of liberal arts education, integrating broad problem-solving skills with rigorous technical training. The program emphasizes algorithm design, data structures, and software engineering principles with opportunities to specialize in areas like game development, web technologies, and distributed systems. What distinguishes this approach is the belief that strong computer scientists need context—understanding not just how to code, but why design choices matter for real organizations and users. Faculty guide students through capstone projects often conducted with regional organizations, exposing them to the full lifecycle of software development from requirements gathering to deployment. The program maintains strong ties with Wisconsin's technology sector and supports students in competitive internships. Class sizes allow for personalized advising and collaborative lab work, creating an environment where students deeply understand fundamental concepts rather than skimming surfaces.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity Studies and Advanced Research
- Digital Forensics and Recovery Analysis Lab
- Geographic Information Systems Center
- Maurice E. Perret Map Center
Industry Partners
- Sentry Insurance (partner)
- Skyward (partner)
- WildCard Corp (employer)
- Marshfield Clinic Information Systems (employer)
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (employer)
- NorthWinds Technology Solutions (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Visa (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Tim Krause — Information Technology Management and Applied Computing
- Dr. Tomi Heimonen — Cybersecurity
- Dr. Chad Johnson — Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
- Dr. Hardeep Kaur Dhalla — Computer Information Systems
- Dr. Weimin He — Computing and Information Systems
- Dr. Steve Suehring — Cybersecurity and Computing
Accreditations and Certifications
- Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
Location Advantages: Regional connections to Wisconsin software and technology firms
Best Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Part-time completion available in 3-4 years. Online program option available
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's master's program benefits from proximity to Microsoft Research facilities and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, but the real advantage is faculty like Somesh Jha whose machine learning security research directly influences curriculum—you're studying attack vectors your professors are publishing.
The ALA-accredited Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies at UW-Madison Information School prepares graduates for careers in libraries, archives, digital librarianship, and information organization. Students can choose between campus and online program options, with part-time students completing the degree in three to four years (versus two years full-time). The program requires a 120-hour field practicum providing hands-on experience aligned with career goals. Optional specializations include Strategic Innovation certificate with the Business School, Leadership certificate, and double degrees with Law, Music, or Art History (campus only). Wisconsin residents can add School Library Media Specialist licensing. The curriculum emphasizes user experience, data analytics, digital preservation, and social justice approaches. Graduates work in diverse settings including academic libraries, public libraries, corporate archives, government agencies, and digital asset management roles. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical application through required practicum experiences.
Programs Offered
- Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies — 1-2 years, on-campus. MA
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
- Computer Sciences Department - Security and Privacy Lab
- Parallel Computing Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Meta.
Notable Faculty
- Somesh Jha — Cybersecurity, machine learning security, formal methods
- Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau — Operating systems, storage systems, systems performance
- Michael Swift — Computer architecture, systems security, virtualization
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Mid March.
Requirements: 36 total credits, 30 residence credits, 30 graduate-level coursework credits, 3.00 minimum GPA, 120-hour field practicum, PLO Assessment completion
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Madison's growing tech ecosystem and startup sceneProximity to Microsoft Research and other corporate labsAccess to Wisconsin's biotech and medical device industries
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Coursework-only program (no thesis). Part-time option available (2 courses per semester for 5 semesters)
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's one-year full-time option and 2.75 minimum GPA make it accessible, but the STEM designation paired with Froedtert Hospital and Aurora Health Care partnerships means graduates enter a healthcare IT job market with 15% above-average salary growth.
The MS in Information Technology Management is a STEM-designated program combining technical, managerial, and business knowledge. Can be completed in as little as one year full-time or 5 semesters part-time (2 courses per semester). Offers three focus areas: Enterprise Resource Planning (with SAP certification), Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. Students can earn embedded certificates in ERP or Business Analytics with just a few additional credits. The program features paid internship opportunities during summer and academic year with course credit available. Graduates find positions at top companies including Deloitte, Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual, and Rockwell Automation. Located in Milwaukee with proximity to Chicago, providing abundant corporate partnerships. Part-time option specifically designed for working professionals. No thesis requirement - coursework-based program with capstone web solutions development course.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology Management — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Froedtert Hospital (corporate)
- Aurora Health Care (corporate)
- Ascension Wisconsin (corporate)
- Northwestern Mutual (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum.
Requirements: 15 credits required courses, 15 credits elective courses, Development of Web-Based Solutions capstone
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee's healthcare IT sector strength and major hospital systemsProximity to financial technology and insurance industry operationsManufacturing and industrial automation IT presence in region
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Full-time and part-time options available. Evening and blended class options for on-campus students
Hakia Insight: Marquette's Master of Science allows evening and blended delivery while maintaining research lab access—meaning working IT professionals can contribute to Dr. Zimmer's data ethics research without leaving their jobs, transforming their career advancement into scholarship.
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science is a professional degree offering both full-time and part-time options with on-campus evening and blended delivery or fully online format. Students can choose from specializations in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense, AI and Analytics, or Computing Career Change. The program offers practical experience through practicum requirements and professional projects. Career outcomes show strong advancement potential, with median annual wages of $104,420 in computer and information technology occupations compared to $48,060 for all occupations. Employment growth is projected much faster than average with 377,500 openings annually. The program prepares students for roles in cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, and technology management, providing pathways for career enhancement or transition into computing fields.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer and Information Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Data, Ethics, and Society
- Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute
- Center for Cyber Security Awareness and Cyber Defense
- Research, Teaching and Learning Department
Industry Partners
- Wisconsin-based financial services firms (corporate)
- Local Fortune 500 companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael Zimmer — Computer science, data ethics and society
- Dr. Praveen Madiraju — Computer science
- Laurie Panella — Information technology leadership
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee corporate headquarters and regional IT operations centers
University of Wisconsin-Parkside — Kenosha, WI
Key Distinction: Course-based program with optional thesis/project. Part-time evening study available
Hakia Insight: UW-Parkside's App Factory isn't a sandbox; it's a consulting lab where students build mobile and web applications for SC Johnson and other Fortune 500 partners, turning capstone work into billable client delivery experience.
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems (MSCIS) at UW-Parkside is designed for both new IS professionals and current practitioners seeking career advancement. The program offers four specialization tracks: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Technology Management, and Software Development. It features entirely course-based study with optional thesis/project, making it ideal for working professionals. Part-time evening study allows completion in three years, while full-time students can finish in 1.5 years. The curriculum emphasizes practical, real-world applications over theoretical study, positioning graduates for roles like security analyst, data scientist, business analyst, or software engineer. Students can design individualized tracks combining computer science, business, bioinformatics, or GIS. The program accepts students from diverse academic backgrounds with prerequisite support available. Evening course scheduling accommodates working professionals, with some summer and independent study options available.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- App Factory
- Social Psychology Lab
- Auditory Perception and Cognition Lab
Industry Partners
- SC Johnson (employer)
- EPIC (employer)
- TriCore (employer)
- Snap-On (employer)
- Northwestern Mutual (employer)
- Jockey (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- IBM (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Christos Graikos — Computer Science Department leadership
- Dr. Sylvia Beyer — Social Psychology and STEM gender research
- Dr. Edward Bowden — Creative and analytic problem solving
- Dr. Melissa Gregg — Auditory perception and cognition
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1, Spring: December 15, Summer: April 15.
Requirements: Entirely course-based study, Thesis or project is optional, Maximum 12 semester hours of graduate work may be transferred
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Milwaukee tech hubAccess to financial services and healthcare IT employers
Ottawa University-Milwaukee — Brookfield, WI
Key Distinction: Ottawa University-Milwaukee offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ottawa University-Milwaukee's Brookfield location positions graduates within Milwaukee's insurance and financial services corridor without the tuition premium of downtown private universities.
Ottawa University-Milwaukee offers Information Technology programs in Brookfield, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Concordia University-Wisconsin — Mequon, WI
Key Distinction: Concordia's IT program uniquely combines technical training with ethical leadership formation and emphasis on communication skills, appealing to values-conscious technology professionals.
Hakia Insight: Concordia's integration of Lutheran ethical leadership into IT curriculum addresses a blind spot in most programs—students studying cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, or data systems simultaneously develop the ethical decision-making frameworks their future employers desperately need.
At the master's level, concordia's information technology program integrates technical skill-building with the university's Lutheran mission of ethical leadership and service, creating a distinctive educational philosophy. The curriculum covers core IT competencies—systems administration, networking, database management, cybersecurity—within a framework that encourages students to think about technology's broader societal impact. The program draws strength from Concordia's location in the greater Milwaukee area and relationships with regional businesses seeking IT talent with both technical competence and strong communication skills. Faculty bring industry experience and maintain active professional networks, translating real-world IT challenges into classroom discussions and capstone projects. Students engage with hands-on labs in networking, server administration, and security practices while also developing the business acumen and interpersonal skills that distinguish IT leaders from technicians. The program appeals to students seeking technical careers with explicit attention to values-driven decision-making.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Milwaukee-area regional employers (corporate)
Location Advantages: Access to Milwaukee's healthcare, financial services, and corporate IT operations
Best Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Apprenticeship-type approach with close faculty collaboration. One of the most balanced programs nationally for different research methodologies
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's Computer Sciences Department Security and Privacy Lab gives doctoral students immediate access to infrastructure security research at national scale—the apprenticeship model means early-stage PhDs are co-authoring papers on systems protecting millions of users.
The Wisconsin PhD in Accounting prepares researchers for university-level careers with an emphasis on high-quality research at the frontiers of knowledge. The highly competitive program uses an apprenticeship approach with close faculty collaboration across four core research areas: auditing, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and tax, supporting both archival and experimental methodologies. Students complete three required accounting research seminars and develop specializations 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. Students build strong statistical foundations and can pursue both behavioral (including experimental economics) and archival research methods. The program has a strong track record of producing high-quality researchers and teachers, with recent faculty publications demonstrating significant field contributions. No specific funding details, time to degree, or placement statistics are provided in the available content.
Programs Offered
- PhD in Accounting — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
- Computer Sciences Department - Security and Privacy Lab
- Parallel Computing Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Somesh Jha — Cybersecurity, machine learning security, formal methods
- Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau — Operating systems, storage systems, systems performance
- Michael Swift — Computer architecture, systems security, virtualization
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Mid March.
Requirements: Complete three accounting research seminars: Introduction to Accounting Research, Behavioral Accounting Research, Archival Accounting Research, 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 statistical foundation, Meet UW-Madison Graduate School general PhD requirements, Meet Wisconsin School of Business general PhD requirements
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Madison's growing tech ecosystem and startup sceneProximity to Microsoft Research and other corporate labsAccess to Wisconsin's biotech and medical device industries
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: An applied, industry-integrated IT program with direct consulting pathways to Milwaukee's healthcare IT and financial technology sectors, emphasizing team-based real-world projects over theory.
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's doctoral emphasis on team-based consulting projects with Froedtert and Northwestern Mutual means PhD graduates enter academia or industry with proof they've solved real enterprise problems, not just theoretical ones.
At the doctoral level, UW-Milwaukee's information technology and computer science programs deliberately emphasize industry-ready preparation, with curriculum design informed by regular feedback from Milwaukee's robust healthcare IT, financial technology, and manufacturing sectors. The engineering school houses programs with strong systems and networking foundations, but what makes UW-Milwaukee distinctive is its explicit focus on applied learning—students work on consulting projects for real organizations through the capstone course sequence, and internship placement is woven into degree requirements rather than optional. Faculty include practitioners with recent industry experience, ensuring that coursework reflects current toolsets and architectural patterns rather than lagging behind practice. The university maintains active partnerships with major healthcare systems (Froedtert, Aurora, Ascension Wisconsin) where IT infrastructure demands are substantial and specialized, creating a pipeline for students seeking roles in healthcare technology. Co-op and internship opportunities are abundant and well-structured, with many students securing full-time offers from their internship employers. Graduates report that the program's emphasis on team projects, client communication, and real-world problem-solving prepared them more effectively for junior engineer roles than purely academic curricula.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Froedtert Hospital (corporate)
- Aurora Health Care (corporate)
- Ascension Wisconsin (corporate)
- Northwestern Mutual (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee's healthcare IT sector strength and major hospital systemsProximity to financial technology and insurance industry operationsManufacturing and industrial automation IT presence in region
