Audience Tools

Master of Science in Information Management

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MSIM Degree Options

You can tailor the iSchool’s Master of Science in Information Management to suit your goals. We offer three degree options: Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career.

Residential or Online

Students can apply as either a residential or online student in their selected degree option. Residential students take most or all of their classes on campus in Seattle, Washington, while online students complete the entire program remotely, from anywhere in the world.

MSIM Early-Career 

An Early-Career MSIM degree complements a bachelor’s degree in business, humanities, social sciences, arts or sciences by opening new doors to careers in information-related fields. Early-Career MSIM students explore a wide range of information management topics through instruction and hands-on experiences over 65 quarter credits, completing up to two specializations, a Capstone project, and often a full-time summer internship. 

Enrollment in the Early-Career MSIM program track is open to domestic and international applicants, and you do not need prior experience in the information field in order to apply. We welcome students from all disciplinary backgrounds.  Learn more about the Early-Career MSIM degree option.

Residential students take classes full-time over two years, often taking the summer between year one and two to complete a full-time internship. Residential classes are typically offered during the traditional daytime Monday through Friday schedule. Those interested in a part-time schedule or added flexibility should apply for the online Early-Career option.

MSIM Early-Career Accelerated

The Early-Career Accelerated MSIM option is well-suited for recent graduates who wish to augment their credentials with a master's degree in a high-demand field. Students in the Early-Career Accelerated degree option take 40 quarter credits, completing a set of foundational core classes and one specialization (or a mix of electives tailored to their goals and interests). The curriculum culminates with a practicum experience for which students can complete an industry-sponsored Capstone project, internship or faculty-directed research project. 

Enrollment in the Early-Career Accelerated MSIM program track is open to domestic and international applicants, and you do not need prior experience in the information field in order to apply. Learn more about the Early-Career Accelerated MSIM degree option.

Residential students take classes full-time over one year and classes are typically offered during the traditional daytime Monday through Friday schedule. Those interested in earning their degree part-time while working, or who need added flexibility should apply for the online Early-Career Accelerated option.

MSIM Mid-Career

The Mid-Career MSIM option is well-suited for working professionals that have five or more years of related professional experience. The program allows you to pursue your degree part-time, while also maintaining your current job. The Mid-Career MSIM recognizes your experience by waiving some credits required of Early-Career students. Students in the Mid-Career MSIM degree option take 36 quarter credits, completing a set of foundational core classes and one specialization in as little as one year. Students can extend their stay in the program if they wish to complete an additional specialization or prefer a slower pace to balance their other commitments. Learn more about the Mid-Career degree option.

Residential Mid-Career core courses and numerous electives required for the Business Intelligence, Data Science, Program/Product Management and Consulting, and Information and Cyber Security specializations are offered at night and on weekends. If you have flexibility in your schedule to take daytime courses, you can complete the User Experience or Information Architecture specializations as a Residential student. Those interested in Business Intelligence, Data Science or Program/Product Management and Consulting who are not local to Seattle or who need added flexibility while pursuing their degree should apply for the online Mid-Career option.

Which MSIM is right for you?

Program / Duration Program features

Early-Career
 
  • 65 credits, completed in as few as 6 quarters with most residential classes during the day on weekdays, or entirely online on your schedule. 
  • Complete up to 2 specializations and a Capstone project.
  • Opportunity to complete 1 or more internships or research projects. 
  • For international residential students: Up to 4 quarters of Curricular Practical Training available.*
  • Access to iSchool resources, including the Career Services team and iCareers database, for the full duration of their program - at least two years.
This MSIM is right for you if ...
You are a recent college graduate or have less than five years' professional experience, and you are looking for an opportunity to explore a wider range of topics and their real-world applications through class and sponsored projects. 

Early-Career Accelerated
  • 40 credits, completed in as few as 4 quarters with most residential classes during the day on weekdays, or entirely online on your schedule.
  • Option to complete 1 specialization, or use electives to customize your learning.
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a required practicum, which includes three options: internship, faculty-directed research project, or sponsored project.
  • For international residential students: Up to 1 quarter of Curricular Practical Training available.*
This MSIM is right for you if ...
You have focused academic goals. This program is designed to maximize learning across as little as one year and is suitable for recent college graduates or early-career professionals.

Mid-Career
  • 36 credits, completed in as few as four quarters either on-campus in Seattle or entirely online on your schedule.
  • Earn your degree part-time while working full-time. Residential courses are taught in the evenings or on Saturdays.
  • Option to complete 1 or more specializations. Additional specializations require added credits. 
This MSIM is right for you if ...
You are a working professional with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, and you'd like to earn your master's degree while working or balancing other commitments.
* Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa non-immigrant foreign students in the United States while enrolled in a college-level degree program. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis.

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