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University of Michigan School of Information

Degree objectives: Master of Science in Information

Three teammates, all wearing red, smile and glance to the left. Each has a laptop on a table in front of them in a large academic room

The Master of Science in Information program prepares graduates to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of people, information and technology. You will go beyond theory to engage in real-world projects and collaborative problem-solving, building a portfolio that shows employers what you can do. UMSI graduates have the skills to design, implement and communicate solutions that serve organizations and advance social good — even, and especially, as technologies change. 

The MSI program will prepare you to: 

  1. Understand complex problems that involve people, information and technology, using evidence and context.
  2. Create and develop sociotechnical solutions to problems involving people, information, and technology.
  3. Evaluate the impact of solutions, services and strategies over time, including effects on human well-being, time, attention and autonomy.
  4. Communicate problems, solutions and solution rationale.
  5. Work effectively and equitably across contexts while navigating competing incentives, power dynamics and ethical tensions within groups and organizations

How are students evaluated?

Academic performance

We measure academic performance through your writing, research and critical thinking, as well as projects and presentations that apply theory to practice. You must maintain a minimum grade average of B (3.0 cumulative GPA). 

Professional skills

You’ll have the opportunity to develop professional skills — including interdisciplinary problem-solving, collaboration on teams and ethical decision-making — throughout the curriculum, including in the cohort-based introductory course SI 500: Problem-Solving with People, Information and Technology and in your capstone-style mastery course.  

Engaged learning

Project-based courses, community-based programs and internships provide opportunities for real-world learning. These experiences are evaluated by faculty, with input from clients or on-site supervisors. Assessment often includes reflective writing, supervisor or faculty evaluations and final project reports and presentations. You will be provided mentorship on portfolio-building through the Career Development Office and the Engaged Learning Office.

Mastery course

The MSI program culminates in a mastery course, where you will synthesize and apply what you have learned throughout the program. You will be evaluated at the mastery level by the faculty instructors of this course.