Dual Master Degree of Information Management and Community Planning (CPIM)

Curriculum:

The dual master’s degree program enables graduate students interested in community planning and information management to complete these complementary degrees in 60 credits (18 credits less than earning the degrees separately) over as few as 3 academic years:

• 14 Core Courses (42 Credits) that teach our students Management of Information Services, Data Science, IoT Analytics, Land Use Planning, Community Planning, Microeconomics, Poloicy, and more
• 4 Elective Courses (12 Credits) where students can choose to focus on topics such as Land Use, Transportation, Technology, or Real Estate Development
• 1 Capstone Community Planning Studio Courses (6 Credits) that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life, current community planning and policy situations

Learn more about the CPIM curriculum and course planning.

Create a schedule that works for you:

We offer both in-person and online classes, daytime and evening, allowing you the flexibility to create a hybrid schedule that works for you. We do not offer this program fully online.

As a student in the program, you can choose to participate full-time and earn your degree in as little as three years – or take your time and set your own pace.

• Distinguised faculty, including Associate Professor Vanessa Frias-Martinez (work), Associate Professor Eun Kyoung Choe (work), Associate Research Professor Charles Harry (work), and Associate Professor Tamara Clegg (work), and more
• Renowned research centers, labs, and groups creates more hands-on learning opportunities for students – such as the Organizational Teams and Technology Research Society (OTTRS), Social Data Science Center (SoDa), and Sociotechnical Cybersecurity (STC) Interest Group.
• 1st in the USA – As the 1st MIM degree in the USA, we continue to lead in innovation (learn more)
• #3 in USA – UMD as a Public University (The Princeton Review)
• #7 in USA – UMD as a University for Entrepreneurship (The Princeton Review)
• #10 in USA – UMD as a Public Institution for Research Spending (NSF Survey)

At the INFO College, we believe one of the best ways to learn—is to do. The innovative CPIM curriculum blends theory, practical skills, and hands-on learning with industry professionals, preparing our graduates to apply their skills directly and immediately in their careers. Immersive capstone experiences allow graduates to walk away with a portfolio demonstrating real-life application of the skills they learned in the program.

Our students also have opportunities for hands-on learning at the INFO College’s world-renowned research centers and labs.

With a history of activism, the UMD INFO College continues today to champion accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and democratization of information. Our faculty, staff, and 2500+ students, who come to us from over 63 countries (30% from underrepresented groups and 45% female), create a welcoming and encouraging environment. Diversity and inclusion is central to the mission of the college and is seen across courses, research, scholarship, events, and community development.

UMD is known for its bustling, social culture. Over 40% of our students are involved in student organizations at the college or at the university. Click here to learn more about student life at UMD.

UMD is also committed to a shared vision for the entire campus community, known as TerrapinSTRONG — a shared understanding and set of values from which we work to improve the sense of community, connection, and inclusion on our campus. Learn more about TerrapinSTRONG.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Virtual Information Sessions

Tuition

• In-State (Maryland resident) tuition and fees will amount to approximately $57,000 to complete 60 credit hours.
• Out-of-State tuition and fees will amount to approximately $115,500 to complete 60 credit hours.

View our detailed breakdown of tuition & fees.

Financial Aid

The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students may also reduce their tuition costs by serving as a TA or GA at UMD, but please note that these positions are competitive. There are also additional sources of financial aid offered by the University and by outside sources. Learn more about financial aid.

Application Deadline:

The deadline to apply to the Information Management and Community Planning (CPIM) dual-degree program is in early February each year for admission to the following Fall (August) semester. A new cohort starts each Fall. We do not have Spring semester admissions for the CPIM program.

Application Requirements:

• Must have earned a 4-year baccalaureate degree
• 3.0 GPA on prior undergraduate or graduate work
• GRE or GMAT scores are optional, they are not required
• A TOEFL,  IELTS, or PTE score is required for international applicants (more information below)
• Complete the UMD Graduate School application
• Complete the supplemental CPIM application of five questions (max 150 word responses each)
• $75 application fee

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English speaking countries. Please check on the list of English speaking countries and options for providing evidence of English proficiency here.

• Note: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE is required.
• See the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for instructions on submitting scores. The University of Maryland’s TOEFL Institution Code is 5814.
• You can find English language proficiency requirements here. Please note that your English proficiency scores (including listening, writing, reading, and speaking sub-scores) must satisfy the criteria for full enrollment to be accepted to the HCIM program. HCIM is a very rigorous program that requires an excellent command of the English language. Therefore, Bridge and Intensive English programs are not an option for applicants to the HCIM program. Please see the minimum English Proficiency Scores Requirements for full HCIM admission:
  • iBT TOEFL: Total 96 (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
  • IELTS: Overall 7 (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)
  • PTE: Total: 68 (Writing 68)

For international students: The Information Management and Community Planning (CPIM) Program is a STEM-OPT certified program. This meets F1 Visa STEM requirements.

More About CPIM Admissions