MSIM Academics
All MSIM students take a set of foundational core courses that cover key areas: strategic leadership, information management, professionalism, information technology, ethics and policy, and system thinking and problem-solving. These foundational courses set the framework of what makes the MSIM graduate stand out in the job market from other candidates with similar skills.
In addition, you can shape your studies with electives that fit your personal or professional goals. You can choose to specialize in a preapproved subject area, or you can select an array of courses that interest you. These courses build management, analytical and foundational technical skills as well as develop depth in focused areas of specialization.
While all MSIM students study the same foundational material, your degree requirements vary depending on whether you choose the Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated or Mid-Career program option.
Curriculum for Students Entering in 2019 or Later
Credit Requirements
- Early-Career: 65 credits.
- Early-Career Accelerated: 40 credits
- Mid-Career: 36 credits
Foundational Core Courses
- IMT 580: Management and Strategic Leadership
- Residential students in all program tracks take this in autumn of their first year.
- Online students: Consult the online course sequences.
- IMT 550: Policy and Ethics in Information Management
- Residential students in the Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated tracks take this in winter of their first year; those in the Mid-Career track take it in spring of their first year.
- Online students: Consult the online course sequences.
- IMT 570: Analytic Methods for Information Professionals
- Residential students in the Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated tracks take this in spring of their first year; those in the Mid-Career track take it in winter of their first year.
- Online students: Consult the online course sequences.
- IMT 500: Foundations of Information Management
- Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated residential students take this in autumn of their first year
- Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated online students: Consult the online course sequences.
- Mid-Career students: IMT 500 is not required.
No "waivers" will be approved for foundational core courses.
Specializations
MSIM Early-Career students can complete up to two 3-course specializations; Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career students typically complete one. For the residential tracks, all specializations follow a fall-winter-spring schedule and students begin taking specialization courses autumn quarter of their first year. For the online tracks, consult the online course sequences.
Learn more about the six specializations offered in the MSIM program.
Practicum Requirement
The curriculum includes practica — required and optional applied learning experiences you can customize to meet your personal and professional goals. Practica can take the form of a sponsored applied project, an internship or a research project sponsored by an iSchool faculty member.
Early-Career students must complete a Capstone project and typically are able to complete one or more internships or research projects. Early-Career Accelerated students must choose one of the options to complete a practica. For Mid-Career students, all practica are optional.
Summer Quarter
Residential students in the Early-Career Accelerated track will be expected to complete their practicum requirement during summer quarter to complete the program in one calendar year. Students in the traditional Early-Career track may take optional electives or internships during summer if they wish.
Degree Planning
The MSIM program offers flexibility so you can complete your degree at your pace. See our detailed degree plans that map typical paths to earning the MSIM.
Curriculum for Students Entering 2018 or Earlier
Below is our core curriculum, reflecting entry beginning in Autumn 2016, 2017 or 2018. Students who entered prior to Autumn 2016 fall under requirements which existed at the time of their matriculation.
Credit Requirements
- Early-Career: 65 credits.
- Mid-Career: 47 credits
Foundational Core Courses
- IMT 500* Foundations: Information, Communication, Teamwork (autumn, 1st year)
- IMT 550* Policy and Ethics in Information Management (winter, 1st year)
- IMT 570* Analytic Methods for Information Professionals (Early-Career: autumn, 1st year; Mid-Career: spring, 1st year)
- IMT 580* Management of Information Organizations (autumn, 1st year)
Specializations
Students can complete one or two 3-course specializations. While all specializations are available to all students, the Data Science and Business Intelligence specializations are offered on schedules designed to be optimal for Mid-Career students. All specializations follow a fall-winter-spring schedule. Learn more about the six specializations offered in the MSIM program.
Integrating Courses
- IMT 590 Fieldwork in Information Management (Internship) (summer after 1st year and later)
- IMT 596* Capstone I : Project Planning (winter, 2nd year)
- IMT 597* Capstone II : Project Implementation (spring, 2nd year)
(Note that Capstone is optional for Mid-Career students.)
* No "waivers" will be approved for Foundational Core courses (all MSIM), or for Capstone (Early-Career program).