Explore MSIM tracks aligned with your experience and goals
Compare the different learning journeys offered by the three MSIM degree tracks.
Your experience. Your path.
The MSIM program meets students where they are in their professional lives, with flexible full- and part-time options that fit your schedule. All three 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.
Early-Career track (65 credits)
Early-Career Accelerated track (40 credits)
Mid-Career track (36 credits)
Choose your track
The right track for you depends on your background, goals and readiness for different learning experiences. This overview highlights each track’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 track’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.
Track comparison
| Early-Career | Early-Career Accelerated | Mid-Career | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Degree commitment (if enrolled full-time): | 6 quarters | 4 quarters | 3-4 quarters |
| Intended experience level: | Entry level to early career |
| Typical background: | Recent graduates or career changers without direct information field experience |
| Learning emphasis: | Broadly focused across multiple areas of specialization, supported by foundational courses and applied learning experiences |
| Typical credit allocations: | 65 credits required
|
| Applied experience requirement: | One or more internships and a Capstone project sponsored by an outside organization or faculty researcher |
| Degree commitment (if enrolled full-time): | 6 quarters |
| Intended experience level: | Entry level to early career |
| Typical background: | Recent graduates or early-career professionals with clear and specific academic goals within the information field |
| Learning emphasis: | Strong focus on foundational courses and applied learning, supplemented by some elective coursework |
| Typical credit allocations: | 40 credits required
|
| Applied experience requirement: | Practicum of three options: internship, faculty-directed research project or sponsored project |
| Degree commitment (if enrolled full-time): | 4 quarters |
| Intended experience level: | Experienced |
| Typical background: | Professionals with five-plus years of relevant experience |
| Learning emphasis: | Balanced focus between foundational courses and customized applied skill development |
| Typical credit allocations: | 36 credits required
|
| Applied experience requirement: | Optional applied experiences |
| Degree commitment (if enrolled full-time): | 3-4 quarters |
Find your fit
Not sure which track is right for you? Take our quiz to explore which pathway best aligns with your experience, goals and desired learning experience.
TAKE THE QUIZTrack schedules
The MSIM program follows a quarter-term schedule: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Each term is 10 weeks long, with one week for exams, finals or final projects.
| Term | EARLY-CAREER COURSE PLAN* |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | IMT 500 (4) IMT 580 (4) |
| Term 2 | IMT 550 (4) Optional: Bridge course or Specialization #1 (4) |
| Term 3 | IMT 570 (4) Specialization #1 (4) |
| Term 4 | Specialization #1 (4) Elective (4) |
| Term 5 | Specialization #1 or Elective (4) Internship (4) |
| Term 6 | Optional: Bridge course or Specialization #2 (4) Internship (4) |
| Term 7 | Specialization #2 (4) Elective (4) Capstone I (1) |
| Term 8 | Specialization #2 (4) Capstone II (2) |
| Term 9 | Specialization #2 (4) Capstone III (2) |
| Total | ~18 courses (65 credits) |
* Students can complete the program in as few as six terms if enrolled full time and taking three courses per term.
| Term | EARLY-CAREER ACCELERATED COURSE PLAN** |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | IMT 500 (4) IMT 580 (4) |
| Term 2 | IMT 550 (4) Optional: Bridge course or Specialization (4) |
| Term 3 | IMT 570 (4) Specialization (4) |
| Term 4 | Specialization (4) Practicum (6) |
| Term 5 | Specialization or Elective (4) |
| Total | ~10 courses (40 credits) |
** Students can complete the program in as few as four terms if enrolled full time and taking three courses per term.
| Term | MID-CAREER COURSE PLAN*** |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | IMT 500 (4) Optional: Bridge course (4) or Specialization (4) |
| Term 2 | IMT 580 (4) Specialization (4) |
| Term 3 | IMT 570 (4) Specialization (4) |
| Term 4 | IMT 550 (4) Specialization (4) |
| Term 5 | Elective (4) |
| Total | ~9 courses (36 credits) |
*** Students can complete the program in as few as three terms if enrolled full time and taking three courses per term. For students wishing to broaden their MSIM degree, it is possible to extend your time at the iSchool to complete a second specialization or additional experiential learning projects.
Admissions information
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Our enrollment coaches can help you determine if MSIM is right for you. Your coach can also support you as you apply and enroll.
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