Artificial Intelligence Specialization FAQ
Q: Why is the MSIM program adding a specialization in artificial intelligence?
In the coming decade, the Information School expects organizational leaders, engineers and designers of all kinds to ask a twofold question: How might AI be used to advance an organization's goals, and how, if at all, should it be used? To train the next generation of socially conscious, data-driven information leaders, we will create opportunities for students to learn how to answer those questions. A specialization on AI is one step toward providing this education.
The specialization cements the iSchool’s commitment to offering a minimum of three classes specifically related to artificial intelligence each year to our graduate students.
Q: What classes are included in the specialization?
Courses included in the specialization in the 2024-25 academic year are listed below. These courses may change as the fast-changing needs of organizations shift and faculty expertise develops.
- MT 598 Generative Artificial Intelligence Ethics | 4 credits | Autumn
- IMT 598 Epistemological Foundations of AI | 4 credits | Winter
- IMT 598 Implementing & Managing AI Systems | 4 credits | Winter
- IMT 526 Large Language Models | 4 credits | Spring (IMT 574 is prerequisite)
- IMT 598 Responsible AI | 4 credits | Spring
Q: How many classes do I need to take to complete the specialization? Do I need to take all the offered AI courses?
Students will need to complete three of the courses offered to complete the specialization. We are offering five courses next year and hope that students will pick the three courses that will support their academic and career goals. You are not required to take all the AI classes to complete the specialization. We urge you to complete no more than three courses, to preserve room for your peers.
Q: How technical is the AI specialization?
Each class in the specialization will require a different level of technical expertise to succeed. Our class on Large Language Models is the most technical and requires students to complete IMT 574: Machine Learning before taking the class. The remainder of the classes do not have prerequisites.
Q: Is there any background knowledge I need to have to take the AI specialization?
There is no background knowledge required for the AI courses beyond any prerequisites listed in the time schedule.
Q: How does this impact current graduate students?
Current graduate students in the MSIM program in the residential modality can complete the specialization by taking these electives. Our returning students, incoming Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career students will not need to change their specialization and can take these classes as electives. Incoming Early-Career students who graduate in 2026 and are interested in completing the AI specialization should request to change their specialization.
Current graduate students in the MSIM program offered online will have access to the online course we plan to create this academic year. We plan to launch our first online course on artificial intelligence by spring 2025.
Q: How does this impact prospective MSIM students?
Prospective MSIM students opting for the residential modality can select Artificial Intelligence as one of their choices in specialization during admissions. Prospective online students can still select the three specializations we offer online. This may change as we continue to develop our online curriculum.
Q: Who has priority in registering for AI courses?
In the 2024-25 academic year, MSIM students will have priority in registering for these classes. No other prioritization among MSIM students will happen this year. MSIM students will be able to register for these classes as regular electives. Other iSchool students will have the opportunity to request an add code to join these classes in advance of the final registration period. Non-MSIM students will be able to join these classes during the final registration period, as they can with all other specialization classes.
During the 2025-26 academic year, we will run our normal registration process for specialization classes.
Q: If I cannot join the AI specialization, will I still be able to learn about how AI is transforming information management?
Yes! We are integrating modules related to artificial intelligence into all four of our core classes in both our online and residential modalities. Additionally, faculty across all of our courses are adding modules related to how artificial intelligence is being used in their specific field to prepare students for the workplace.