Which UW MSIM Track Is the Right Fit for You?

As businesses increasingly seek capable professionals to manage and leverage the vast amounts of data generated daily, the demand for information management specialists soars. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for computer and information systems managers should grow by 17 percent over the next decade, creating almost 55,000 job openings each year. 

Whether you’re an information manager looking to accelerate your career or someone hoping to pivot into the field, earning an advanced degree can help you acquire the skills, knowledge and credentials to qualify for in-demand roles. The University of Washington (UW)’s Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) program offers students from various backgrounds and experience levels the opportunity to earn a master’s degree. The UW MSIM program is delivered 100 percent online or residentially on the Seattle campus. 

Continue reading about the UW MSIM program tracks to discover how to customize your learning experience based on your academic and career history and future goals. 

Tailor Your Track: How to Customize Your Master of Science in Information Management 

The UW’s MSIM program offers three tracks: Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career. Choose the track that best aligns with your experience and goals to get the most out of your MSIM journey. All tracks are offered in both online and residential modalities. 

Early-Career Track

The Early-Career MSIM track is intended for recent graduates and career changers with limited information management or tech experience. This 65-credit-hour track, which full-time students can complete in six terms, allows students to gain broad skills across several information management focus areas as well as complete multiple hands-on learning experiences to enhance their resumes.  

Early-Career Track students generally complete two specializations, a comprehensive Capstone project in which they synthesize their learning and demonstrate their skills to potential employers, and one or more internship(s). Online students can complete the program part time or full time; residential students are expected to attend full time. It is not recommended to study full time while also working full time. 

Early-Career Accelerated Track

For early-career professionals who wish to gain specialized skills to qualify for leadership and strategic oversight roles, the Early-Career Accelerated Track may be more appropriate. Requiring 40 credit hours, the program is designed for full-time students to complete in one year. 

The Early-Career Accelerated Track track is most suitable for those with focused academic and career goals, as students may choose only one specialization area and have limited time to engage in hands-on experiences. All Early-Career Accelerated students complete real-world projects as part of their curriculum, as well as a 10-week hands-on Practicum, selecting their choice of an internship, a faculty-directed research project or a sponsored project. Online students can complete the program part time or full time; residential students are expected to attend full time.

Mid-Career Track

Students  with at least five years of relevant professional experience can enroll in the Mid-Career Track. Most Mid-Career students complete their studies while working, and the program is tailored to meet the needs of busy professionals (it is not recommended to study full time while also working full time). Residential Mid-Career students receive priority registration for evening and weekend class sections and benefit from a unique learning cohort of experienced professionals. Online students enjoy added flexibility in program start dates and asynchronous learning opportunities.

Mid-Career students can complete the 36-credit track in as little as one year if they are enrolled full time and pursue no more than one specialization; multiple specializations require additional credit hours that extend the program duration.

Specializations

The UW MSIM program offers the following specializations to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals: 

• Artificial Intelligence builds mastery of generative AI deployment, ethics, governance and organizational integration.
• Business Intelligence develops the analytical, managerial and technical skills required to turn data into business insights. 
• Data Science trains students to analyze data and transform results into useful insights that drive decision-making. 
• Information Architecture develops professionals skilled in evaluating existing information structures and creating new systems to organize information effectively.
• Information & Cyber Security focuses on preparing students to manage and protect information effectively; many students pair this specialization with a second specialization such as PPCM or Data Science.
• Program/Product Management & Consulting (PPCM) (hones skills across various consulting and PPCM practices, including problem-solving, strategic thinking, negotiation and communication.
• User Experience prepares students to develop a UX strategy and to incorporate a user-centered perspective into the design, prototyping and evaluation of interactive information interfaces, systems and experiences. 

Not all specializations are available online; learn more about specialization options and availability prior to completing your application.

Next Steps: Apply to the MSIM Program at the University of Washington 

At the UW, you can earn your information management master’s degree regardless of your academic and professional background. All degree tracks offer specialization options and practical experience to help you advance your career and stand out in a competitive job market. 

If you’ve identified the best track option for your career goals and schedule, start your application today. Alternatively, schedule a one-on-one session to get more information and personalized advice — Online or Residential.