Master of Science in Information curriculum

In just two years, the Master of Science in Information curriculum gives you the expertise you need to join our highly successful graduates in the workforce or in academia.

Hey there, current MSI students: Your curriculum might look a little different, because degree requirements vary by cohort. You can find your cohort’s degree requirements, course planning sheets and other helpful tips on the MSI Academic Advising Resource site.

Degree structure

The MSI degree program consists of 48 credits of graduate-level coursework with a minimum of 39 credits required from School of Information courses. The majority of students complete the program in two years, but you may elect to complete it part time over three to four years.

You will choose one of five pathways to shape your curriculum:

Required courses

Core courses

You will take these courses during your first semester of the MSI program:

SI 500: Problem-Solving with People, Information and Technology
SI 506: Programming I

Mastery prerequisite courses

You will take a set of prerequisite courses to prepare you to enroll in the mastery course for your pathway of choice.

Mastery course

The mastery course (SI 699) serves as the culminating course for the MSI degree. This project-based course requires a high level of independence and allows you to synthesize and apply what you have learned throughout the program.

Selective requirements

You will choose selective requirement courses from a list that is relevant to your pathway. These are UMSI courses that complement, and allow further exploration in, your area of study.

Electives

You will take nine credits of graduate courses of your choice — including courses from other U-M schools and colleges or UMSI internship courses — to round out your MSI degree.

UMSI internship courses

MSI students are eligible to receive up to nine credits for approved internships through the UMSI internship program. Internships are typically completed in the summer between your first and second year in the program.

SI 681: Internship/Field Experience (most common option for summer internships)
SI 690: Internship/Field Experience (most common for fall or winter internships)
SI 688: Immersive Applied Projects in the Social Sector

To see examples of MSI internships, explore internship outcomes.

UMSI study abroad

MSI students have the option to study abroad for a semester, a relatively rare offering among graduate schools. Explore study abroad opportunities.