Designed to meet the growing demand for information professionals, the MSIM will prepare you to become an expert in managing and analyzing information. Our School's reputation for excellence has earned us the #1 ranking in library and information studies by U.S. News & World Report, and within this ranking, #1 in information systems.
Our MSIM program is designed to train the next generation of information professionals with advanced and diverse skill sets. Through our flexible curriculum, these students will not only be exposed to state-of-the-art technology (e.g., AI, machine learning, information consulting) but also gain a deep understanding of the organizational and social challenges around such technology.
Jingrui He, Professor and MSIM Program Director
*The data reported consists of responses to an Illini Success survey for those students who graduated during the 2020-2021 academic year.
Through our flexible curriculum—which emphasizes the intersection of people, information, and technology—you will develop advanced skills that can be applied in a broad range of employment settings.
Kameron Wells (MSIM '18) was recently promoted to the position of senior data engineer and team lead of Baseball Systems for the Boston Red Sox.
The MSIM offers course groupings in specific career pathways, and electives are available in a variety of areas—allowing students to customize their degree. Graduates work in a variety of careers, including:
The wide range of electives in the MSIM degree program offers me the flexibility to choose courses that align with my interest. The curriculum covers my intended areas of interest—text mining, information modeling, and business intelligence—in great depth. Also, courses like Applied Business Research provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-life clients and projects.
Niharika Surange (MSIM '23), Data Scientist at Walmart Global Tech
The MSIM requires 40 credit hours of coursework and can be completed on campus in 18-24 months. With only three required courses—Information Modeling (IS 515), Data, Statistical Models, and Information (IS 507), and Sociotechnical Information Systems (IS 504)—and a programming course if needed, our curriculum is very flexible. Create a tailor-made degree or follow one of our highly sought-after professional pathways:
The MSIM is a STEM-designated program.
The MSIM program has truly allowed me the space to transition careers smoothly: with plenty of research opportunities in a multitude of areas, frequent networking events, and a variety of engaging classes, this program has empowered me to confidently step into technology and my future.
Sophie Nikolov, current student
Information management is much more than coding: it's about communication. That's why our MSIM program delivers both. As an iSchool student, you'll be immersed in a rich learning environment that provides a strong academic foundation as well as opportunities to explore your interests through extracurricular and networking activities, internships and other professional field experience, and interaction with expert faculty.
Get connected with the iSchool Ambassadors
These dedicated students promote the iSchool's mission and vision. They work with Recruitment & Admissions and Student Affairs, serving as liaisons for prospective and incoming students. They also are valuable resources for sharing the iSchool experience and connecting students who have similar interests.
I pursued an MS in information management because of my desire to have a strong understanding of technology, information, and business. I could see myself addressing key organizational and societal challenges by utilizing growing information/data resources. This could only have been possible through the advanced knowledge that I gained from the MSIM.
Mayank Vijaywargia (MSIM '19), AVP-Senior Associate, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
