Audience Tools

Master of Science in Information Management

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MSIM Application Materials

The following applies to applicants to the MSIM program's residential modes. Applicants to the online modes should apply through our MSIM online portal.

MSIM Application for Graduate Study

The application opens annually on Sept. 1. Visit the Application for Graduate Study and create a login ID and password.

Retain your login ID and password, as you will need them to:

  • Save a partially completed application
  • Pay the application fee ($85 payable by debit or credit card)
  • Monitor the submission of recommendations and test scores (if applicable)
  • Check the status of your application

Once you have paid the fee, you will be unable to make further changes to your application with the exception of letters of recommendation, contact information and transcript updates.

Application Fee and Fee Waiver

The application fee is $85 USD, payable online by debit or credit card. Qualified applicants can request a fee waiver through the Graduate School following the process outlined on the Graduate School's website. 

Application Materials

Review and/or consideration of incomplete applications or late materials is at the discretion of the MSIM admissions committee. If application materials are missing due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, the committee will take that into consideration and make its judgment based on the information available.

Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose is a very important part of your application. It should be a well-written and carefully crafted essay that is 900-1,200 words in length (graphics can be included but are not required). Be sure to visit the iSchool and the MSIM program websites to make yourself familiar with our mission and values. Consider utilizing a resource to check for grammar and spelling errors.

It is required that you address the following two critical questions:

1. Explain why you are choosing to pursue an MSIM degree. Please explain what Information Management area(s) of study interest you and how they meet your career aspirations. Include your personal motivation, professional and academic goals in pursuing the MSIM degree, and your previous experience as it relates to the MSIM program.

2. How does the MSIM program at the UW iSchool align with your values and personal mission? How will you contribute to the MSIM and iSchool community? Please discuss how you align with and will contribute to the Mission & Vision of the iSchool as it relates to leadership, equity, inclusion, innovation and service. Tell us your story; the life opportunities and challenges you have faced and how these experiences have shaped you.

Recommendations (2 Required)

Enter the names and contact information for two references. These individuals will be sent an email prompt with instructions for submitting their recommendation online.

Request recommendations from two people who know you well and who are able to comment on your academic competence, ability to engage in graduate study, potential for future success in the information management profession, or who can comment on your employment experience. Unless academic- or work-related, do not submit recommendations from family members, clergy, or friends.

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae 

Upload a PDF of your résumé or curriculum vitae. There is no preferred formatting or specific requirements that need to be met. However, your submission should include the following information, as applicable:

  • Academic history (including institution, degree, dates of attendance)
  • Professional experience (including employer, position title, and dates of employment)
    • Mid-Career MSIM applicants must demonstrate at least five years of full-time, professional work experience in technology, information, or management positions.
    • Applicants to the Full-Time program are not required to have work experience.
  • Involvement with volunteer, community, and/or diversity-related activities including the organization, position title, and dates of service
  • Honors, awards, publications, and presentations
  • Research experience

Extenuating Circumstances (optional)

If there are extenuating circumstances, not addressed in other sections of your application, related to your academic transcript, resume, test scores or other facets of your application that you would like the admissions committee to consider, please describe them. Please limit your response to 250 words.

Scholarship Information (optional)

All applicants are automatically considered for a limited number of iSchool merit-based scholarships. If there is additional information you would like to provide the committee that you feel is relevant to your being considered for a scholarship, please let us know. (Please limit this response to 500 words.)

In the past, we have had specific scholarship money for new students who are employed by the state of Washington, first-generation college students, or students who are active duty military or have veteran status. Please indicate if you fall into one or more of these categories. This information will not be used during the decision-making process. It will only be used for scholarship consideration, after admissions decisions have been made.

**Responding to this question does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship.**

Specialization Selection

In Question 4 on the Program Information Page in the Application for Graduate Study, applicants are required to indicate their specialization preferences.

Early-Career Option

Applicants to the Early-Career option will list their top three specializations in ranked order. Applicants not planning to do a specialization should select "No specialization."

Applicants must select at least one specialization (or pick "No specialization") and can list two more. Picking more than one specialization is not required.

Early-Career Accelerated Option

Applicants to the Early-Career Accelerated option will list their top two specializations in ranked order. Applicants not planning to do a specialization should select "No specialization."

Applicants must select at least one specialization (or pick "No specialization") and can list a second. Picking two specializations is not required.

Mid-Career Option

Applicants to the Mid-Career option will list their top two specializations in ranked order. Applicants not planning to do a specialization should select "No specialization."

Applicants must select at least one specialization (or pick "No specialization") and can list one more. Picking more than one specialization is not required.

Mid-Career applicants should note that not all specializations are offered during the evening or weekend.

Applicants will also confirm their specialization preferences and their program option in the body of the Application for Graduate Study.

Transcripts

In the Report Prior Schools section of the the Application for Graduate Study, list all schools (colleges, universities and institutions) where you have earned collegiate-level credit.

In the Submit Transcripts section of the application, upload a transcript for each school listed.

Each transcript should be complete, legible and include the following: name of the institution, name of the student, dates of attendance, courses taken, grades/marks/credits earned and be organized by term (quarters, semesters or trimesters).

Please observe the following guidelines:

  • All transcripts should be submitted through the Application for Graduate Study. Please do not mail (or email) transcripts to the iSchool unless specifically directed to do so.
  • The following types of documents can be accepted:
    • Unofficial transcript from the school, often a PDF
    • Official transcript that the applicant scans and uploads into the Application for Graduate Study
    • Information from an online system or dashboard (Applicants are welcome to copy/paste into a Word document. As long as it is complete and legible, we are happy to accept it.)
  • Degree audits cannot be accepted in place of a transcript as they are not a comprehensive summary of the coursework a student has attempted.
  • Applicants should not submit transcripts that they have typed out themselves. Any documentation that is submitted should originate from the degree-granting institution.
  • Foreign transcripts: if not in English, must be accompanied by an English translation.
  • Certificate coursework: You only need to provide a transcript for certificate coursework if you earned academic credit in the process of earning the certificate. If you earned continuing education units (CEUs), a transcript does not need to be submitted.
  • Study abroad (credits earned at a school outside the U.S.): Please refer to instructions for foreign transcripts.
  • Study abroad (credits earned at a school inside the U.S.): Transcripts that fall into this category should be submitted as any other domestic transcripts.
  • Transcripts from a clearinghouse or automated service may not be accessible when submitted through the Application for Graduate Study. As such, it is best to avoid using these services, if possible.
  • In order to submit electronic transcripts, the applicant should have them sent to themselves and then upload them into the Application for Graduate Study.

Please note: The MSIM admissions committee retains the right to require that official transcripts be submitted for review at any time; during the application process or after admissions decisions have been made.

Applicants admitted to the program who accept the offer of admission will be required to submit official transcripts from all degree granting institutions to the Graduate School.

GRE/GMAT Scores

Early-Career program options

Submitting official GRE (or GMAT) scores is required for those applying to the Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated tracks. Applicants who have earned a degree (bachelor's degree or higher) from a regionally accredited institution located in the United States are exempt from the requirement.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score reports should be electronically reported to the University of Washington.

Mid-Career MSIM program option

Applicants to the Mid-Career program option are exempt from submitting official GRE or GMAT scores.

Minimum GRE/GMAT scores

No minimum GRE/GMAT scores to apply for the Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated tracks. Each year the competitiveness of the program depends on the size and strength of the applicant pool, so we don't know in advance what level of scores will be truly competitive for that cycle. In recent years, scores under the 40th percentile were not very competitive, but it all depends on who applies during a given cycle.

The only thing we can say for sure is that you cannot be accepted into the program unless you apply. And also, that your time is probably best spent on making the strongest essays you can--our holistic review takes your writing strongly into account, and this is a great place to put your attention to make a stronger application, as often it is difficult to schedule further GRE/GMAT tests and retake them for higher scores, especially if the deadline is getting close.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for Non-Native English Speakers

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of citizenship) must demonstrate proficiency with the English language. (See UW Memo 8 for Graduate School policies.)

Non-native English speakers will indicate how they will fulfill the requirement in the application. The options are:

  • Official TOEFL scores (submitted to the UW with ETS code 4854, use Department Code 99)
  • Official Duolingo scores
  • Official IELTS scores (submitted to the UW with organization ID 365)
  • U.S. degree (bachelor's or higher)
  • Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from a specific country in Memo 8
  • Medium of Instruction document from undergraduate institution

Additional information:

  • For the Early-Career program options, the minimum TOEFLiBT score is 100.
    • We accept MyBest TOEFL composite scores as a means of meeting this requirement.
    • The MSIM admissions committee has established a higher minimum TOEFLiBT requirement than that of the UW Graduate School.
  • The Mid-Career program option does not have a minimum TOEFL requirement.
  • The MSIM programs accept Duolingo scores of 120 or higher and IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher.
  • If fulfilling the requirement via U.S. Degree or a degree from a specific country in Memo 8, no additional documentation is required as we'll use transcripts submitted with the application to verify that the requirement has been fulfilled.
  • If using a medium of instruction document, we will accept a notation directly on the transcript or a separate document issued by the institution. If submitting a separate document, include it with your transcripts when they are uploaded into the application.

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