Discover the University of Washington iSchool
Advancing education, research and community impact through the UW iSchool
What is an iSchool?
Information schools explore the dynamic relationships between information, technology and people. They examine how information is used, who uses it and the technologies that facilitate its access and application. Graduates of information schools use their expertise to advance science, business, education and culture.
With a strong focus on the organizational and social aspects of information, these schools explore how people create, store, find, manipulate and share knowledge. Graduates of information schools are adept at designing, refining and building information systems while also understanding the increasingly complex social and organizational environments in which people seek and use information. They serve as ambassadors for the transformative power of information in an ever-evolving digital world.
Rigorous study of the users and uses of information at the UW iSchool helps answer questions such as:
- How can we connect people with the right information at the right time?
- How can we use information to help people achieve their potential?
- How can we harness information’s capacity as an agent for positive change?
Message from the dean
Dear Friends,
The University of Washington Information School — the “iSchool” — is home to leaders, innovators and changemakers. Our community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners is dedicated to making information work, with the full understanding that information is vital in all aspects of life and has the power to make a better world.
Organizations of all types and sizes need people with the savvy to solve information challenges and the skills to manage sophisticated systems. The UW iSchool’s Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) degree is a world-class graduate program that develops ethically-minded leaders equipped with the analytical and management skills to turn information resources, people and technologies into sources of change, growth and innovation.
By offering multiple degree options, all of which are available online, we are able to increase access to this transformative educational experience across the country and around the world. No prerequisite coursework or technology experience is necessary to apply. Whether you earn your MSIM online or on campus in Seattle, Washington, you will be part of a community of socially conscious, data-driven information leaders working in interesting and impactful careers across the globe.
I hope that you will explore our website for more information about MSIM and the iSchool, and please reach out to us with any questions or to attend an information session. I’m confident that we can help you unlock your boundless potential and advance your career!
Thank you for your interest in the UW Information School.
Anind K. Dey
Dean and Professor
University of Washington
Information School
MSIM graduate named Presidential Management Fellow
Adrian Lavergne, MSIM ’24, was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF), a highly competitive federal leadership program. With a background in military service and a passion for AI research, Lavergne chose to join Seattle-based AI startup Adora as an AI operations specialist. Read his story highlighting the diverse paths available to iSchool graduates — whether in public service or the private sector.
READ ADRIAN’S STORY
The UW’s rankings and recognition
The University of Washington consistently ranks among the top public universities globally and is No. 7 in the world of universities powering global innovation as ranked by Clarivate in 2025.
The UW receives more federal research dollars than any other U.S. public university and has been home to 8 Nobel Prize winners; 17 MacArthur Fellows; 189 members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and 193 fellows in the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
IMPACT OF RESEARCH AT THE UWOn-demand content
At the UW, we host a variety of events for prospective and current students covering topics such as application strategy, program information, and financial aid and scholarship guidance. Our on-demand content is instantly available, so you can watch at your convenience.
Duration: 14 minutes
Duration: 15 minutes
Scheduled events
Check back soon for upcoming events.
A home for innovators and leaders
At the iSchool, we share a dedication to our vision and mission. Our inclusive community fosters an environment that furthers our goals and enables us to take on active roles in both local and global conversations.
We are an open, ethical, highly engaged and collaborative community based on trust, transparency and mutual respect. We believe in the importance of the quality of life, embracing diversity, making a difference and having fun.
Our passion
We are inspired by information. We want everyone to know how vital information is in all aspects of life.
Our vision
We envision a world where more effective use of information helps everyone discover, learn, innovate, solve problems and have fun. We envision a world free of existential problems. Information changes lives.
Our mission
We make information work. We prepare information leaders. We research the problems and opportunities of information. We design solutions to information challenges.