MSIM Specializations
The MSIM program offers seven areas of specialization that are in high demand among employers:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Intelligence
- Data Science
- Information Architecture
- Information and Cyber Security *
- Program/Product Management and Consulting
- User Experience
Each specialization requires completion of at least three distinct courses, and specialization availability varies based on program track and mode of delivery.
You are not required to complete a specialization, but can mix and match specialization courses with other elective courses to develop a specially tailored curriculum that will propel them to your next career goals. Special topics classes and emerging trends classes are popular in combination with various specializations. Additionally, regularly offered electives such as People Analytics, Social Media Data Mining & Analysis, Data Communications & Networking, and Advanced Database Management are typically offered annually and can be combined with a variety of specializations.
| Specialization | Typical Combinations | Online or Residential | Residential Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | BI, DS, PPMC, UX | Residential only | No |
| Business Intelligence (BI) | AI, DS, UX, IA, PPMC | Both | Yes |
| Data Science (DS) | AI, BI, PPMC, IA | Both | Yes |
| Information Architecture (IA) | UX, BI, DS | Residential only | No |
| Information & Cyber Security (ICS)* | AI, PPMC | Residential only | Yes |
| Program/Product Management & Consulting (PPMC) | AI, BI, UX | Both | Yes |
| User Experience (UX) | AI, PPMC, IA, BI | Residential only | No |
* The iSchool is retiring the Information & Cyber Security specialization starting in the academic year 2026-27 to refocus our attention on the growing discipline of Artificial Intelligence.