Master of Information Management (MIM)
The Master of Information Management (MIM) degree prepares you to be a leader in the use of information and technology in an 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 organizations' 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. There are many specializations available that will help you focus on your research and professional interests. These specializations include: Curation and Management of Digital Assets, User Interface/User Experience, Organization and Process Analysis, Data Analytics, Project Management, Strategic Management of Information, Technology Development and Deployment, and Information Management Research (or create and Individualized Program Plan specifically designed to meet your needs). For further information about our specializations, click here. You will work with faculty and colleagues from a variety of disciplines, industries, and cultures. The intellectual depth and diversity of the MIM program provides a rich platform for advancing your career in information management.
MIM program has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security to be eligible for the 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training for F-1 students (STEM Program). The full list of DHS STEM-designated degree programs can be found here and information about the 17-month STEM extension of OPT can be found on International Student & Scholar Services' website here.
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.
What makes the MIM program unique?
The MIM program offers:
A cross-disciplinary approach that combines theory and problem-based learning;
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 highly respected and involved faculty at top-ranked University of Maryland.
What is the structure of 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 to assessing users' information and system needs, identifying and addressing key information management issues in organizations, specifying and evaluating technology solutions, and managing information projects and personnel.
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 (a Capstone Project and internship) represent the zenith of this practice-oriented focus.
As a MIM student you will select one of the following specializations:
Community Analytics and Policy - the CAP specialization focuses on the nature of developing local data infrastructures designed to promote civic engagement at the community level, and the roles that libraries can play in supporting that engagement; the nature of open data and information; the ability of the public to be informed about local issues through open government and data; the ways in which information professionals can serve as key community-based intermediaries between governments, the public, and local issues; the curation and management of digital assets, particularly datasets; the ability to create and foster data-driven communities of practice; and the role of the political process and information policy in shaping the development of community data.
Archives and Digital Curation - The ADC specialization focuses on the role of archivists, data curation managers and specialists, and other information professionals in contemporary society; linkages between analog and digital assets and how to manage diverse holdings and collection; the records life cycle from pre-creation activities through creation, use, preservation, and access; the intersection of legal, ethical, policy, and political sensitivities in managing analog and/or digital assets.
User Interface/User Experience - The UI/UX specialization focuses on the design and implementation of user interfaces. It prepares you for positions such as: UI/UX designer, usability analyst, and website developer.
Organizational and Process Analysis - The OPA specialization focuses on developing your ability to diagnose and solve information management problems associated with critical organizational activities. It prepares you for positions such as: business analyst, systems analyst, and process consultant.
Data Analytics - The DA specialization focuses on the skills needed to manipulate and mobilize data in order to support decision-making and organizational goals in a variety of sectors. This specialization prepares you for a variety of positions, such as: data scientist, data analyst, or information analyst.
Project Management - The PM specialization focuses on skills to plan, lead, and execute projects in a variety of organizational settings. It prepares you for positions such as: project manager, program manager, and consulting lead.
Strategic Management of Information - The SMI specialization focuses on the managerial, administrative, and organizational aspects of information management.
Technology Development and Deployment – The TDD specialization focuses on the development, implementation, and maintenance of systems in support of information management.
Information Management Research - The IMR specialization focuses 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.
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.
Curation and Management of Digital Assets
Beginning in Fall 2015, the Curation and Management of Digital Assets specialization will be replaced with the newly formed Archives and Digital Curation specialization. If you have any questions, please email mimcoordinator@umd.edu.
The Curation and Management of Digital Assets specialization focuses 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.
How can the MIM program be completed?
Students can take classes during the day, in the evening. Some courses are offered online. Students can also take courses on either the College Park or Universities at Shady Grove campus. There is the flexibility to alternate between part-time and full-time status, as your circumstances may require.
*Course locations and times vary in order to accommodate the needs of our students; however, some courses are only offered at specific locations and times. Therefore, students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors and to consult our Two-Year Course Plan to ensure they can complete their desired program of study in their desired location and format.
MIM tuition and fees
Tuition is billed per credit hour and determined by a student's state of residence.
Estimated tuition and fees for one academic semester (Fall or Spring semesters):
In state Out of state
Credits per semester 9* 9*
CP tuition $5,418.00 $11,682.00
CP fees $414.43 $414.43
Total tuition & fees CP $5,832.43 $12,096.43
SG tuition $5,418.00 $11,682.00
SG fees $651.00 $651.00
Total tuition & fees SG $6,069.00 $12,333.00
* A full-time student has to be registered for at least 9 graduate level credits each acadmic semester
The MIM program consists of 36 credits. Full-time students complete 18 credits during their first academic year, 3 credits during a summer semester in between their first and second years, and the remaining credits in their second year.
Tuition: Based on $602.00 per credit hour for instate and $1,298.00 per credit hour for out of state.
CP Fees: Ba