MSIM Degree Options
Compare the different learning journeys offered by the Information School’s Master of Science in Information Management. We offer three degree tracks: Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career, all of which are available to residential and online applicants.
Your experience. Your path.
The MSIM program meets you where you are in your professional life, with flexible options to study online or in-person as well as full- or part-time. All three degree tracks are designed to help you build skills and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re new to the field, building your skillset or stepping into leadership, there’s a path for you.
Choose your track
The right degree track for you depends on your background, goals and readiness for different learning experiences. This overview highlights each option’s merits so you can quickly identify the path that fits you best. For full details on requirements, schedules and specializations, follow the links to each option’s page.
As part of your application, you will have to select a degree track and mode of delivery (online vs. residential coursework). We encourage you to review each option carefully and connect with an enrollment advisor if you have questions before finalizing your application.
Degree Tracks
We offer three degree tracks: Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career.
Early-Career track
Designed for students beginning their career or transitioning into the information field, seeking broad exposure and the chance to explore multiple specializations and hands-on learning experiences.
Early-Career Accelerated track
Built for recent graduates who wish to augment their credentials with a master's degree in a high-demand field through a focused experience that emphasizes a single specialization.
Mid-Career track
Tailored for professionals seeking leadership advancement, in-depth skill development or a strategic career pivot, with opportunities to deepen expertise through targeted specializations.
Comparison of degree tracks
| Early-Career | Early-Career Accelerated | Mid-Career | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Residential and online applicants | Residential and online applicants | Residential and online applicants |
| Intended experience level | Entry level to early career | Entry level to early career | Experienced |
| Typical background | Recent graduates or career changers without direct information field experience | Recent graduates or early-career professionals with clear and specific academic goals within the information field | Professionals with five-plus years of relevant experience |
| Learning emphasis | Broadly focused across multiple areas of specialization, supported by foundational courses and applied learning experiences | Strong focus on foundational courses and applied learning, supplemented by some elective coursework | Balanced focus between foundational courses and customized applied skill development |
| Typical credit allocations | 65 credits required
| 40 credits required
| 36 credits required
|
| Applied experience requirement | One or more internships and a Capstone project sponsored by an outside organization or faculty researcher | Practicum of three options: internship, faculty-directed research project or sponsored project | Optional applied experiences |
| Part-time availability | Residential students are strongly encouraged to enroll full-time; online students can go at their own pace | Residential students are strongly encouraged to enroll full-time; online students can go at their own pace | Part- and full-time study available as preferred |
| Degree commitment (if enrolled full-time) | 6 quarters | 4 quarters | 3-4 quarters |
| STEM-designated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| F-1 visa eligibility | F-1 visas provided to residential students only | F-1 visas provided to residential students only | F-1 visas provided to residential students only |