Master of Science in Information Science

Important Announcement: Program Name Change

Please note that the Master of Science in Information Management program will be undergoing a name change in 2024. The program will now be known as the Master of Science in Information Science.

Information Science is a broader term that encompasses various specialty areas, including information management. This name change reflects our commitment to providing a comprehensive education in the field. The MSIS degree focuses on key areas including information management and policy, data analytics and user-experience. The specific areas of concentrations will also be updated to reflect our strengths and ensure students can target their program to a specific area of interest.

This name change applies ONLY to the MSIS (formerly MSIM). There are no changes to the accredited MLIS degree nor is the school shifting its primary focus from its long-held mission to educate future professional librarians.

While this change is already reflected on some university platforms, we are in the process of updating our website to ensure consistency.

The diploma will reflect the title "Master of Science in Information Science" for all MSIM/MSIS students graduating in 2024 or later.

For applicants pursuing the MSIS degree, please select Information Science - Master of Science (on-line) as your program of interest. We appreciate your understanding during this transition.

For questions, please contact MSIM/MSIS Program Coordinator Xiangmin Zhang at ae9101@wayne.edu.

Decorative image Are you interested in the intersection of people, data and technology? Today, information is a crucial resource for employees in all industries.

The Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) at the Wayne State University School of Information Sciences will prepare students to be successful in data-intensive and user-centric environments in the information technology industry.

"There isn't an organization today that doesn't depend on information as an important strategic resource. And that is only going to increase as we move into the future, so the more information literate you are, the more marketable you will be for organizations throughout your entire career." Professor Stephen Bajjaly

We prepare students to support data-driven problem solving and decision making in diverse fields.

In the growing field of Information Management, there is a need for professionals who understand complex social and organizational issues. Information managers work in all industries at the intersection of people, technology, processes and data that enable our data-driven society to function.

"I would recommend a career in information management because it represents the foundation of our modern economy. Wherever you look, information is something that is key to everything that we do now." Alumnus Daren Hubbard, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at Princeton University

Requirements & Practicum

The 30-credit MSIS degree includes four required courses and a variety of elective courses that are organized into specializations. Students are free to combine elective courses from the various specializations to craft a customized Plan of Work that satisfies the student's particular interests and professional goals.

While it's not required, students who lack experience in the field should consider completing a practicum a 3-credit class that integrates students' classroom learning with real-world work experience. The MSIS practicum coordinator places students with a relevant host institution under the direction of an information management professional.

Our program is offered completely online and is ideal for working professionals.

Specializations

Web-based Information Services Explore a variety of tools and online solutions that bring people and information together.
Heath Informatics and Data Management Contribute to and support teams in healthcare, teaching, research, policy development, management and scientific transformation.
Data Analytics Work with large data sets to uncover insights that drive decision making.
User Experience Understand users of online communities and digital media to design or improve online services for their organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Through core classes and a variety of specializations, students will develop the skills necessary to assess, adopt and utilize information technologies to obtain insights and develop positive user experiences.

Our students learn how to:

Use and evaluate information technologies for organizational and social benefit.
Develop and assess databases and datasets to uncover and present insights that support decision-making.
Apply principles and methods for assessing and designing information services and products for better user experiences.
Evaluate how policies, ethical and legal considerations impact data use and information management in organizations.
Communicate information technology concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Work collaboratively as part of cross-functional and diverse teams.

Career Paths

Information managers use leading-edge technology solutions, oversee people and processes, and manage large datasets to support decorative image data-driven decision making in all types of businesses, including government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Information managers act as data stewards to ensure that information is accurate, current, complete and secure.

Potential Jobs:

Want More Information?

Thank you for your interest in the School of Information Sciences. We would like to provide you with a Prospective Student Packet that contains useful information about our academic programs and career opportunities in the information profession.

Please complete this form to receive an information packet by mail as well as a link to download the digital version.

Attend one of our virtual information sessions or contact the School of Information Sciences at asksis@wayne.edu if you have additional questions about the program.