CLIS Home > Academic Programs > Master of Information Management (MIM)

MIM - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This is a list of the questions most often asked about a MIM degree. Just click on the question and it will take you to the answer. If you have further thoughts or questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

For more information, attend one of our Information Sessions or contactl: lbscgrad@deans.umd.edu or by telephone at 301-405-1260.

What is the Master of Information Management degree all about?
What is special or different about the MIM degree at the College of Information Studies?
Is the MIM degree accredited?
When do I need to apply for admission?
Is there any undergraduate major that is preferred for MIM studies?
Must students demonstrate that they have had previous relevant work experience before they apply?
Will I be able to work while I pursue my MIM studies?
How long will it take to complete the degree?
What courses are required?
Who will be teaching the courses?

Q: What is the Master of Information Management degree all about?
A: The degree is a management degree that focuses on connecting information consumers and creators with the information content that they need. It looks upon technology as the conduit for providing information content at the time and in the format that is most effective and efficient to meet the organization's needs.


Q: What is special or different about the MIM degree at the College of Information Studies?
A: The course of study that the College of Information Studies has designed is a highly practical and applied learning educational experience. It enables students to learn from each other, to solve real problems, and to engage in a degree plan that meets their own particular needs and interests.

The College is part of a major, public research university and students can take advantage of all the resources that such an intellectually rich parent can provide.

Finally, the geographic region in which the MIM degree is situated affords opportunities to learn about state of the art developments in information management.

Q:Is the MIM degree accredited?
A: The degree has the full endorsement of the University of Maryland and the Board of Regents of the State of Maryland.


Q: When do I need to apply for admission?
A: Apply as early as possible and make sure that you follow the admissions requirements established by the Graduate School AND the College of Information Studies. Completed applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and students may begin studies in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.


Q: Is there any undergraduate major that is preferred for MIM studies?
A: No, the strength of the degree is that it will draw upon students' academic backgrounds in a variety of disciplines from English to Engineering.


Q: Must students demonstrate that they have had previous relevant work experience before they apply?
A: No, there is no previous relevant work requirement to be considered for admission.


Q: Will I be able to work while I pursue my MIM studies?
A: Yes. The MIM courses are offered to accommodate the needs of both full-time and part-time students. All of the courses will be offered in the evenings (one evening a week per course) and on Saturday mornings.


Q: How long will it take to complete the degree?
A: Full-time students should be able to complete the degree in four semesters and those going part-time can complete the degree in as little as six semesters. However, all students must finish the degree within five years of beginning their studies.


Q: What courses are required?
A: There are three core courses required at the beginning of the program, (INFM 600, INFM 603, INFM 605), two courses required in management, (INFM612 and INFM 620) , and one in advanced information technology. These courses are all classroom based. Additionally, there are two required courses (INFM 736 and 737) that carry six hours of credit. These two courses pose real world problems for students who serve as "junior consultants" to various organizations, aiding them in working toward solutions.

Q: Who will be teaching the courses?
A: CLIS is actively recruiting new full-time faculty in the areas of information management, knowledge management, information technology, access and use, and in other areas relating to the degree. A number of the current CLIS faculty with strengths and teaching experience in these areas teach in the MIM program. Finally, we will draw upon the rich experience of practitioners in our immediate geographic vicinity who serve as adjuncts.