Artificial Intelligence Electives & Specialization FAQ
Q: How can I learn about artificial intelligence within the MSIM program?
All core courses taught to online and residential MSIM students include modules and learning outcomes connected to artificial intelligence. Whether it relates to the ethics of using AI individually or in an organization, analyzing the risk and rewards of implementing AI in an organization, or the use of AI to answer research questions in a robust manner, all MSIM graduates will have a solid foundation in AI.
Additionally, we are expanding our elective courses to include AI-focused classes. Residential students can take any three AI-focused electives to complete a specialization in artificial intelligence. We also launched a new online elective, Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, in Fall 2025. We anticipate expanding our AI course offerings for online students in the coming years.
Q: Why is the MSIM program adding specialized coursework 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. Enabling students to focus their elective coursework on AI systems and implementations is one step toward providing this education.
In Fall 2024, the iSchool formalized an AI Specialization, cementing our commitment to offer a minimum of three AI-focused electives each year. However, as we are not yet able to meet this teaching commitment for online classes, the AI Specialization is currently only available to MSIM students enrolled in our residential degree tracks.
Q: I'm a residential MSIM student interested in the AI specialization. What classes are being offered this year?
Courses included in the specialization in the 2025-26 academic year are listed below. These courses may change in future years 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 | 3 credits | Winter
- IMT 598 Implementing & Managing AI Systems | 4 credits | Winter
- IMT 526 Building and Applying Large Language Models (LLMs) | 4 credits | Spring (IMT 574 is prerequisite)
- IMT 598 Responsible AI | 3 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?
Residential MSIM students will need to complete three of the five courses offered to complete the specialization. We are offering five courses over the 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: I'm a prospective MSIM student; what do I need to know?
Prospective MSIM students opting for the residential modality can select Artificial Intelligence as one of their choices in specialization during admissions.
Prospective online MSIM students can still select the three specializations we offer online, but will have multiple opportunities per year to enroll in the Foundations of AI elective moving forward. For Academic Year 2025-26, Foundations of Artificial Intelligence will be offered in Fall 2025 and Winter 2026. Additional electives and specializations may become available in future years as we continue to develop our online curriculum.
Q: Other than the AI specialization or AI-focused electives, how can I learn more about how AI is transforming information management?
The MSIM program offers significant opportunities for motivated students to pursue their interests. Online and residential students who are curious about AI are encouraged to integrate this interest into class assignments and projects, as it makes sense within the specific course requirements. Students are also able to seek out or create Capstone projects, practicums, internships or independent studies that allow them to explore these interests with the support of Information School faculty and industry partners.