Answers to frequently asked questions about the MSIM program. If you are not able to locate your question/answer below, please email iask@uw.edu with your inquiry.

• Learning about the Program
• General Admissions Questions
• Application Eligibility & Requirements
• Application Materials
• International & Non-native English Speakers
• Careers

Learning about the Program

Q: Do you offer MSIM Information Sessions?
A: Yes. We offer virtual information sessions year-round. View a schedule of upcoming information sessions. All registrants receive a recording of the session, even if they cannot attend.

Q: How do I decide which MSIM degree option is right for me?
A: This decision is dependent on your academic and professional background, goals and desired timeline. Compare the program options side-by-side to determine which option is the best fit for you and explore our FAQ about the online vs. residential degree options. Still unsure? Attend an information session or schedule an advising appointment to learn more from admissions staff and ask questions.

Q: What can you tell me about the MSIM student body?
A: See MSIM class profile information.

Q: Do MSIM students work on campus?
A: Yes! Many residential students work in on-campus jobs. They hold hourly roles in administration and housing and food services, hourly roles supporting Information School courses as reader/graders, and graduate assistantships across the UW campus.

Q: Do most students participate in internships?
A: Yes, 79% of MSIM alumni reported they completed at least one internship during the program. Check out our Career Outcomes page for more information.

Q: Is the MSIM program considered a STEM discipline?
A: Yes, the MSIM program is a STEM discipline.

Q: How do I decide between studying in the residential or online option?
A: Studying residentially or online has many factors. Check out the Residential & Online information to help you think about the differences and what would be best for you. 

General Admissions Questions

Q: What is the best undergraduate major to have if I want to apply to the MSIM program?
A: MSIM students come from a wide range of backgrounds. Check out the MSIM Statistics page for more information. We do not look for specific academic backgrounds during our admissions process.

Q: How competitive is the program?
A: The level of competitiveness for admission into the MSIM programs fluctuates from year to year depending on the applicant pool and on the number of admission spaces available. See MSIM Statistics.

Q: Can I take classes in the MSIM program before being admitted?
A: Unfortunately, no, our courses are filled to capacity each quarter. We encourage you to attend an information session, particularly our sessions with current students or faculty to learn about the classroom experience. 

Q: Do you accept transfer credits?
A: No, the MSIM program does not accept transfer credits.

Q: How many times do you admit applicants each year?
A: For the degree tracks in residential mode, we admit students for autumn quarter only. For the online mode, students can begin in any academic quarter. See details.

Q: Are applicants allowed to defer enrollment to a different quarter or year?
A: Please reach out if you are considering delaying your entry to the program. In general, these requests are only approved in the event of extenuating circumstances, or in the case of online admitted students deferring for one quarter. 

Q: I am a Washington state resident. Am I eligible for a tuition waiver or reduction?
A: All MSIM students pay the same rate regardless of residency (in-state, out of state and international; residential or online). Tuition rates are updated in early March each year and take effect the following September.

Q: I am a Washington state employee. Am I eligible for a tuition waiver or reduction?
A: The UW tuition-exemption benefit applies only to state-supported programs; the MSIM program is self-sustaining. Therefore, MSIM students who are Washington state employees do not qualify for the tuition exemption. Washington state employees should still discuss their interest in the program and potential options for how their employing agency can support them. 

Q: How do I qualify for an Information School scholarship?
A: The Information School has a limited number of scholarships available each year. All applicants to the MSIM program who apply by the deadline are automatically considered for these awards. Recipients will be notified shortly after admissions decisions are conveyed

Q: How does the MSIM admissions committee make admissions decisions?
A: Applicants are evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative factors, with emphasis on the fit of the applicant to the program. The evaluation is based on GPA, resume, essay statements, and recommendations. Because we consider these items as a package, there are no minimums or target ranges. (The exception to this is the English Proficiency requirement. If using tests to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement, a minimum score is required.) Each student is rated individually on the strength of the combination of all of these factors.

Q: What are the requirements for admitted students?
A: In order to accept the offer of admission, applicants are required to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit, which will go toward their first quarter tuition. Additionally, applicants will need to fulfill other requirements as outlined by the UW Graduate School, such as submitting official transcripts and measles immunization documentation (residential students only). Students will be directed to the steps to complete after being admitted through the Graduate Application for Admission.  

Q. Can I apply for both the residential and online options?
A: Prospective students are asked to carefully consider which degree option is right for them prior to applying. While it is not possible to apply to both the residential and online options with a single application, candidates are able to submit more than one application should they wish to apply for multiple options. Note that each application will require payment of a separate application fee.

Q: Can I apply as an online student if I live within driving distance of Seattle?
A: Yes, all interested applicants are encouraged to apply. We anticipate many online students will live in or near Seattle.

Q: Once admitted, is it possible to change delivery modes?
A: No. Once you are admitted to a program mode, either residential or online, you stay in that mode for the duration of the program. 

Application Eligibility & Requirements

Q: What are the basic requirements to be eligible to apply to the MSIM program?
A: The only requirement to be eligible for the MSIM graduate program is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. (If your degree was earned outside the United States, it must be equivalent to a 4-year degree from the U.S.) We do not require that applicants have a bachelor's degree in a specific area or that they take specific prerequisite courses.

Q: What is the minimum acceptable GPA?
A: The MSIM admissions committee values applicants from a wide range of backgrounds with varied skillsets. As such, we encourage all students to apply, regardless of GPA. Applications are reviewed holistically, and both qualitative and quantitative factors are taken into account when admissions decisions are made. Applicants with a lower GPA may want to provide additional information in the Extenuating Circumstances part of the application.

Note: The UW Graduate School has a minimum GPA requirement. As detailed on their website, individual programs may consider qualified applicants with a GPA below a 3.0.

Q: I attended a school outside the U.S. with a different grading scale. How do I calculate my GPA?
A: The help link in the application includes information about calculating GPAs from schools outside the U.S. We understand that GPA calculations can be difficult and encourage applicants to do their best.

Q: I don't have a bachelor's degree OR my bachelor's degree is from a school that is unaccredited, but I have a lot of work experience. Can I still apply to the program?
A: The UW Graduate School requires that all graduate level applicants have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. The MSIM admissions committee has no specific policy regarding admitting students who do not have a bachelor's degree. However, if you submit a complete application by the deadline, it will be reviewed. If the admissions committee decides to recommend you for admission to the program, we will enter a petition on your behalf with the UW Graduate School. We are not able to guarantee that this petition would be approved.

Application Materials

Q: What is the most important aspect of the application materials?
A: The MSIM admissions committee uses a holistic approach when reviewing applications. We place considerable weight on the written materials of an application. Grades are taken into consideration, but make up only 20% of our final weighted decision..

Q: Is my selection of the Early-Career vs. Early-Career Accelerated vs. Mid-Career degree option binding?
A: Yes. Students should carefully consider which degree option is right for them prior to applying. After starting the program, students may request a switch to an alternate option. However, these types of switches will be rarely granted, especially for Early-Career students wanting to opt in to the Accelerated track due to its shorter time to degree. 

Q: What makes a strong statement of purpose?
A: The statement of purpose is your opportunity to present your goals and experience as they relate to information management. We’re interested in how you see the field from your own personal perspective. This statement accounts for the largest portion of your overall application score.

Q: After my application is submitted, can I edit my application materials?
A: No. After you submit your application, you are not able to edit your statement of purpose, resume, supplemental question responses or extenuating circumstances. Recommendations and English proficiency scores (if applicable) will still be accepted up to two days after the application deadline.

Q: Which transcripts do I need to submit with my application?
A: Please provide unofficial transcripts from all colleges, universities and institutions where you have earned collegiate level credit, including those where you took classes as a non-matriculated student or started a different graduate program.

Q: Do I need to mail official transcripts to the Information School?
A: No. Please do not send paper transcripts to the Information School. All application materials, including transcripts, are submitted online.

Q: How do I know whether or not my recommendations have been submitted?
A: Once the recommendation requests have been sent, the status will update automatically if/when a recommendation is submitted for you.

Q: My recommender lost the email that included the link to complete the online recommendation. What do I do?
A: Log back into your application, the recommender section includes a “Resend Email” link that can be used to send another recommendation email request.

Q: Can I submit more than 2 recommendations?
A: The application requires two recommendations. The system is set to allow three recommenders to be entered. Your application will move forward to review once we have received two letters of recommendation. You should submit your application once it is complete and you have designated your references; you do not need to wait for your recommendation letters to be submitted.

Q: How do I request an application fee waiver?
A: The application fee is $90 USD, payable online by debit or credit card. Learn more about the Application Fee Waiver Policy on this page.

Q: I was not admitted in one of the earlier rounds for this year. Can I reapply to another round this year?

A: You should make sure that you submit the best application possible. We consider each applicant once per year. Applicants who are denied are not moved to a later round. 

Q: I was denied in one of the earlier rounds for my chosen entry term. Will my application be automatically reconsidered in a later round, or can I reapply during a later round?

A: You should make sure that you submit the best application possible. We consider each applicant once per entry term. Applicants who are denied are not moved to a later round. 

Q: I was waitlisted. Will I be in the next round or when will I know if I am accepted?

A: Yes, applicants on the waitlist will continue to be notified of their status at the end of each round.

International & Non-native English Speakers

Q: I am an international applicant, do I need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo?
A: All applicants who are non-native English speakers (regardless of citizenship) must fulfill the UW English language proficiency requirements, please refer to the program requirements. 

Q: What is the minimum English Language Proficiency test score required?
A: Please check the application materials page for the most up-to-date details on English Language Proficiency requirements. We accept MyBest TOEFL composite scores as a means of meeting this requirement.

Q: I am a non-native English speaker. Can I submit English test scores after I've been admitted to the program?
A: Test scores must be received by the application deadline. Make sure to request the scores be sent directly from the testing service to the University. 

Q: I am a non-native English speaker, but I have a degree from an accredited school in the United States. Do I still need to submit English Language proficiency test scores?
A: No. If you have earned a degree (bachelor's, master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited institution within the United States, you do not need to submit English Language proficiency test scores.

Q: I am a non-native English speaker, but I attended a school where all instruction was in English. Do I still need to submit TOEFL scores?
A: No. Attending an institution where the instruction for your undergraduate degree was entirely in English is one way to fulfill the language proficiency requirement. You’ll need to obtain documentation from your undergraduate institution that verifies this. This documentation should accompany your transcript in the program application.

Q: I am a non-native English speaker. Can I request that the English language proficiency requirement be waived?
A: No. The English language proficiency requirement is established and enforced by the UW Graduate School. The Information School is not able to provide an exemption from this requirement.

Q: Is the MSIM Program classified as a STEM discipline?
A: Yes, the MSIM program is classified as a STEM discipline. International students in the MSIM program may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension.

Q: I am a student from India with a 3-year bachelor’s degree, with some additional education after that. Does my education fulfill the UW Graduate School requirement for a “4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent”?
A: Since this is a requirement of the central UW Graduate School, it’s a good idea to confirm directly with them whether your education meets the requirement by emailing uwgrad@uw.edu. Traditionally, however, the Graduate School has issued the following guidelines for additional qualifications from India — to combine with a 3-year degree bachelor’s — which are deemed sufficient for graduate admission:

1. A 3-year bachelor degree plus CONFERRAL of an Indian master's degree. These two qualifications are sufficient for graduate admission. (One year completion of a master's program without conferral of the degree is NOT sufficient.)
2. A 3-year bachelor degree plus CONFERRAL of the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD 1-year minimum early-career), recognized by AIU (Association of Indian Universities) or AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education). These two qualifications are sufficient for graduate admission.

Q: My transcripts are not written in English. How is the process different for me?
A: Foreign transcripts should be submitted in the original language along with an English translation.

Q: Do international applicants have to provide financial ability documentation when they apply to the program?
A: International applicants may be required to show financial ability. However, those materials are not submitted during the admissions process. Applicants who are admitted to the program will be given instructions regarding financial ability requirements and documentation. Learn more about this process.

Careers

Q: What is the job placement rate for MSIM graduates?
A: Check out MSIM job data and salary information.

The Information School provides career counseling and assistance, including individual advising, education, and events with employers, but we do not provide automatic placement services for students or graduates.

Q: What types of jobs do MSIM graduates do?
A: A broad range of career opportunities in the information field is open to graduates of the MSIM program. Read more about career outcomes.