Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming professions within the information science and technology industry. Rather than replacing human workers, AI is augmenting human capabilities—boosting productivity, streamlining processes, and opening new possibilities across nearly every tech occupation. As AI becomes more embedded in how organizations operate, demand is rising for professionals who understand both the tools and the underlying information to build systems that are efficient, ethical, and user-focused.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Information Science and Technology is designed for students who want to explore the powerful intersection of AI and information science. You'll gain the skills to apply AI tools and techniques to real-world information challenges—like organizing large datasets, improving human-computer interaction, and ensuring ethical use of technology.
What makes this certificate unique is its information science focus. Unlike other AI programs that emphasize only computing or business, this certificate prepares you to think critically about how AI systems handle information—how it’s collected, structured, retrieved, analyzed, and ethically applied in diverse environments.
The certificate requires 21 credits, including foundational coursework in AI and options in programming, data visualization, human-computer interaction, and ethics. You can complete it as part of the BS in Information Science and Technology, or as a stand-alone undergraduate credential.
Whether you want to build smarter databases, create intuitive user interfaces, or help organizations make better, more ethical data-driven decisions—this certificate equips you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to lead in a world powered by information and AI.
Requirements
No more than 6-9 of the required credits may be taken at an institution other than UWM. They must be in areas relevant to the BSIST program. These courses are subject to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions transfer policy. The overall GPA in the program must be 3.0. The certificate must be completed in 3 years from initial enrollment date in the certificate.
Students in the certificate program must complete a minimum of 21 undergraduate credits in several required areas:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Certificate Courses | ||
| INFOST 410 | Database Information Retrieval Systems | 3 |
| INFOST 470 | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence in Information Science & Technology | 3 |
| INFOST 671 | Applied Web 3.0: Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain | 3 |
| Programming/Development Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Application Development | ||
An equivalent programing course at UWM | ||
| Human Computer Interaction Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Human Factors in Information Seeking and Use | ||
| User-Centered Interaction Design | ||
| Data Science/Visualization Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Data Analysis and Visualization for the Information Professional | ||
| Introduction to Data Science | ||
| Data Analysis for Data Science | ||
| Information Ethics/Policy Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Information Technology Ethics | ||
| Information Ethics | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
INFOST 291, INFOST 491, and INFOST 691 special topics courses may count in the relevant areas above if taken with an AI-related topic.