MSIM degree tracks
Choose the track that aligns with your career and life.
Tracks overview
You can tailor the MSIM program to suit your experience level and professional goals through our three degree tracks offered in both the online and residential modalities.
Your time to degree will depend upon your degree track and whether you choose to pursue your studies part time or full time.
Early-Career track (65 credits)
Early-Career Accelerated track (40 credits)
Mid-Career track (36 credits)
Choose your path
Before choosing a mode of study or specializations, MSIM applicants identify the degree track best suited to their level of experience, career goals and desired timeframe. The MSIM program meets you where you are in your career, whether you’re looking for your first job in information management, a promotion or a career change.
Track comparison
Early-Career track
The Early-Career MSIM track is designed for recent college graduates, career pivoters and those who wish to develop their expertise and position themselves for advancement to leadership and strategic oversight roles in the future. Through this track, you’ll learn work-relevant skills and have a significant opportunity to apply and showcase your skills to potential employers through your Capstone project and other hands-on learning experiences. Early-Career students have the opportunity to select two specializations to deepen their knowledge and skills in high-demand areas, making it a greater return on investment in career and salary potential.
REQUIREMENTS
- 65-credit program.
- Four core courses.
- Complete up to two specializations or use electives to customize your learning.
- Complete one or more internships or applied experiences, including faculty-directed research.
- Complete an industry-sponsored Capstone project to synthesize your learning and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
- Finish in as few as six terms if enrolled full time.
Early-Career Accelerated track
The Early-Career Accelerated MSIM track suits students who have focused academic and professional goals. This program is designed to maximize learning across a minimum of four terms and is suitable for recent college graduates or early-career professionals.
REQUIREMENTS
- 40-credit program.
- Four core courses.
- Complete one specialization or take electives to customize your learning. Additional specializations require added credits.
- Synthesize your knowledge and gain hands-on experience through a required Practicum, which includes three options: internship, faculty-directed research project or sponsored project.
- Complete the program in one year if enrolled full time.
Mid-Career track
The Mid-Career MSIM track is designed for mid-career professionals with at least five years of professional experience. Students aiming to change industries are able to supplement the curriculum with applied experiences or additional coursework as needed to support their career goals.
REQUIREMENTS
- 36-credit program.
- Four core courses.
- At least five years of relevant employment experience in an information management related field.
- Complete one or more specializations or take electives to customize your learning. Additional specializations require added credits.
- Complete the program in under one year if enrolled full time.
Find your fit
Deciding between Early-Career and Early-Career Accelerated? Not sure if you qualify for Mid-Career? Take our short quiz to uncover which degree track best meets your needs.
TAKE A 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. See the full 2023-2024 Academic Calendar for more information.
| 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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