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
Starting in 2021, 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
If you’re a working professional with five or more years of related experience, the Mid-Career MSIM lets you maintain your current job while you pursue the graduate degree you need to advance or change your career. 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.
All Mid-Career students, both residential and online, pursue their studies part-time, many while working full-time. Learn more about the Mid-Career degree option. Please note that the residential Mid-Career MSIM does not support F-1 (student) visas due to its part-time structure. Learn more about visa limitations associated with part-time study on the International Student Services website.
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
|
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 |
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 |
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. | |