The Master of Information Management (MIM) degree prepares you to be a leader in the use of information and technology in your organization. Drawing from management, computer science, information systems, and information science, the MIM program provides you with the skills and knowledge to successfully meet users’ information needs, lead efforts to develop organization information management capabilities, develop and deploy emerging technologies, and manage high-value information resources.

The MIM program gives you the opportunity to work with the University of Maryland iSchool’s world-class faculty, learning from their expertise and cutting edge research. Whether you choose the Strategic Management, Technology Development, Curation and Management of Digital Assets, or Information Management Research specializations (or create an Individualized Program Plan specifically designed to meet your needs), you will work with faculty and colleagues from a variety of disciplines, industries, and cultures. Together the intellectual depth and diversity of the MIM program provides a rich platform for advancing your career in information management.

What is the focus of the MIM program?

The MIM program integrates elements of management, computing, and information science to address critical social, economic, legal, and policy challenges associated with supporting information use by individuals and organizations. The MIM program has been offered at the College Park campus since Fall 2003 and at the Universities at Shady Grove campus since Fall 2011, graduating over 300 professionals.

The specific goals of the MIM program are to:

• Prepare professionals for leadership positions that bridge the gap between technology-oriented staff, functional personnel, and management.
• Address the growing need for skilled information professionals who can strategically manage information and technology assets to fulfill critical information needs in organizations.
• Provide leadership in the information management field through the study of ethical, political, social, and technical issues related to information management in modern society.
• Assist organizations in the formation of information policies, development and application of information systems and services, and the use of information management technologies and methods.

How is the MIM program different from similar programs?

The MIM program offers:

• A cross-disciplinary approach that combines theory and problem-based learning
• A flexible curriculum with convenient class scheduling
• An innovative curriculum that allows students to gain both technical and managerial knowledge that can be applied immediately on the job
• A diverse group of students who bring varied experiences and perspectives to the classroom and strong connections you can tap throughout your career
• A proven track record of research and educational excellence in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland
• A highly respected and involved faculty, and the superior resources available at top-ranked University of Maryland

What courses would I take in the MIM program?

The MIM curriculum involves 36 credits (12 courses) of graduate coursework in information management and related subjects, including a balanced mix of required and elective courses. It can be completed in 18 months if courses are taken full time, or in two to three years if taken part-time.

The MIM core courses provide you with foundational knowledge and skills related assessing users information and system needs, identifying and addressing key information management issues in organizations, specifying and evaluating technology solutions, and managing information management projects and personnel.

As a MIM student you will also select one of the following specializations:

• Strategic Management of Information-  The SMI specialization focuses you on the managerial, administrative, and organizational aspects of information management.

• Technology Development and Deployment – The TDD specialization focuses you on the development, implementation, and maintenance of systems in support of information management.

• Information Management Research – The MIM research specialization focuses you on conducting research which advances the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice in information technology and management. It prepares you for advanced study in information science doctoral programs and careers in cutting-edge corporate or entrepreneurial environments.

• Curation and Management of Digital Assets (CMDA) - The Curation and Management of Digital Assets specialization focuses you on skills to create, manage, and preserve access to digital assets in a variety of sectors of the economy. It prepares you for positions such as digital asset manager, digital content specialist, or director of digital curation services.

• Individualized Program Plan - An individualized program plan gives you the opportunity to combine technical and managerial coursework to create a program of study customized to your interests and needs.

The learning in the MIM program is not confined to the classroom. Most MIM courses involve substantial applied components in the form of individual and group projects, in-class exercises, and mini workshops. The two project courses (Team Experience and Capstone) represent the zenith of this practice-oriented focus.

Who are MIM students?

MIM students come from many backgrounds. Some have technical backgrounds such as information systems, computer science, computer and electrical engineering. Others have non-technical backgrounds such as management, social sciences, and humanities. This combination of backgrounds is a strength of the MIM program and reflects the goal of developing your ability to bridge technical, functional, and managerial communities.  

What opportunities are there with the degree?

MIM graduates are often hired by organizations located in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area – many in the I-270 corridor. MIM alumni work in a variety of positions for organizations such as: