MSIM Courses
The MSIM curriculum features four required core courses in information management covering foundational topics in policy and ethics, analytic methods, and strategic leadership.
All courses use case studies and project-based learning to explore new ideas and incorporate real-world examples that enhance your learning experience. Starting in 2024-25, all core courses contain modules on artificial intelligence as it relates to information management as a discipline.
Core coursework
IMT 500 Foundations of Information Management (4 credits)
Examines the role and function of information and information management in individual, organizational, community, and social contexts.
IMT 580 Management and Strategic Leadership (4 credits)
Examines key topics drawn from organizational theory and behavior, including planning and decision-making, organizational structure, leadership, and diversity and equity.
IMT 550 Policy & Ethics in Information Management (4 credits)
Explores a range of information issues in the social and organizational context of information professionals, including professional ethics, privacy, freedom of expression, and intellectual property.
IMT 570 Data-Driven Organizational Problem-Solving for IM Professionals (4 credits)
Using an applied project, students are introduced to problem solving methods and a variety of data gathering and analysis techniques, culminating in the development of effective, data driven, recommendations specific to information management, systems, and product development.
"One of my most rewarding and useful experiences was my other fall quarter intro class, Management and Strategic Leadership, taught by Hala Annabi. As someone who is changing over from the arts into enterprise information systems, and as someone who loves doing school, I don’t think there was a better way to dive in with both feet. Every minute of that class was carefully prepared, and I’ve been recognizing concepts I learned in that class everywhere I go."
– Alex Osuch, ‘20
Elective coursework
Starting in your first term, you will be able to take electives alongside your core courses to tailor your studies to your interests and goals.
Elective courses are segmented into areas of specialization. You can take courses across specialization areas for a broader introduction to Information Management or concentrate your electives in one or two specialization areas of particular interest.
As generative artificial intelligence tools change the landscape of Information Management, the iSchool and MSIM faculty commit to educating students on developing, using, and managing generative artificial intelligence tools ethically. Our faculty are integrating learning objectives and educational activities related to the skillful and critical use of AI-based tools in our classes. Additionally, our faculty are designing and leading courses on Building & Applying Large Language Models, Epistemological Foundations of AI, Generative AI Ethics, and Implementing & Managing Artificial Intelligence Systems to prepare students for the evolving world.
Students are also able to enroll in elective courses focused on special topics in Information Management, such as People Analytics, Cloud Computing, Foundations of Entrepreneurship, and more. Please note that not all electives are available to students in the online modality.
Find a complete list of our upcoming course schedules and all courses we offer in our course catalog.
Current students seeking complete curriculum and track information for advising purposes should visit the online and residential handbooks respectively.
Internships
The benefits of experiential learning outside of the classroom cannot be overstated, which is why MSIM students often pursue internships for course credit during their academic journey. The process of seeking out opportunities, making the case for how they can add value to their organization, and then demonstrating to their new colleagues that value all the while making connections in the Seattle area mirrors the process students will encounter as they leave graduate school. MSIM students receive support and mentorship from their internship instructor who helps them connect their classroom learning to their internship experience.