Master of Information (MI) degree

Information for students who entered the MI program in September 2012 or before is available here.

Information on this page:

About changes to the MI program as of November 2012

The information on this page incorporates changes to the program made in November 2012.  Changes will apply to students entering the program in September 2013.  Students who entered the program in September 2012, or before:  please refer to program information as it existed prior to November 2012 here.
 

About the MI program

The Master of Information (MI) program is accredited by the American Library Association. The most recent accreditation review was completed in 2010.  

There are six main student learning outcomes (SLO) for the MI degree program.

Key program characteristics

  • Broad-based and inclusive, with information-focused fields from different disciplinary and professional viewpoints
  • Flexible curriculum, customizable to each individual student's interests and needs
  • Students may choose a particular focus, or take a broad range of courses – including non-iSchool courses – or participate in a collaborative program with other U of T graduate departments
  • Students may choose a thesis option
  • The program may be taken on a part-time basis

Foundational beliefs

  • Information penetrates all aspects of our digitally-mediated society
  • Information professionals need to understand the political, technological, and epistemological consequences of rapidly changing information practices
  • Education of information professionals must therefore address issues of leadership and critical thinking, and engage in studies of fundamental concepts, theories, and practices
  • Thorough explorations of technology and resources for information institutions, services, and professionals are essential
     

Concurrent Registration Option:  MI & MMSt

Students accepted into both participating programs may register concurrently in the Master of Museum Studies (MMSt) and the Master of Information (MI) programs. Permission of each graduate coordinator is required.

The minimum period of registration required to complete both degrees in the Concurrent Registration Option is three years.

     Read the details on the Concurrent Registration Option degree requirements:

Degree requirements & concentrations

The Faculty of Information offers two pathways to complete the Master of Information program:

  • Concentration Pathway (students choose one or two of seven concentrations)
  • General Program Pathway, including coursework only or thesis option

MI students must complete 16 half-courses (8.0 FCE), regardless of pathway or option chosen. All students must successfully complete all degree requirements as outlined for either the concentration pathway or for the general program pathway.

Concentrations

The Faculty of Information offers seven concentrations leading to the MI degree:

Pre-approved concentrations: 
The iSchool has established seven pre-approved concentrations that highlight its core research strengths, and allow students to explore aspects of information within particular professions or research traditions.

Each concentration requires the completion of the following:

  • Two core quarter courses: INF1005H and INF1006H Information Workshops (0.5 FCE)
  • Five required half courses (2.5 FCEs) specific to each concentration
  • Ten additional elective half courses (5.0 FCEs)

The concentrations are:

  1. Archives & Records Management (ARM)
  2. Critical Information Studies (CIS)
  3. Culture & Technology (C&T)
  4. Information Systems & Design (ISD)
  5. Knowledge Management & Information Management (KMIM)
  6. Knowledge Media Design (KMD) 
  7. Library & Information Science (LIS) 
      

General Program  

The General Program Pathway includes two options: coursework only or a thesis option. Students opting for the General Program must complete the following core courses: 

Four core courses (2.0 FCEs):

The remaining courses come from one of the following programs of study. Each MI student's program of study must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. Faculty approval is required to enter the thesis option.

Coursework option only

Students choosing the coursework option must have their program of study approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

  1. General Program Option
    Students create their own program of study in collaboration with their academic advisor. This option is suited to students who are interested in areas cutting across several paths.
     
  2. Specialization in Identity, Privacy & Security
    This specialization is offered jointly by the Faculty of Information and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Please note individual specialization requirements in addition to the Master of Information degree requirements.

  3. Collaborative programs
    These programs provide an opportunity for students to pursue specialized subject interests by taking courses in more than one faculty or department at the University. The iSchool participates in eight collaborative programs for MI students. Please note individual collaborative program requirements in addition to the Master of Information degree requirements.

Thesis option

Students gain experience in developing and executing a research project from beginning to end. The final product is a work of 80-100 pages. This option is designed for students who have a clearly defined topic, can find a supervisor, and can meet tight deadlines. Thesis option work counts as six half courses (3.0) FCE