MIMS Admissions

Next start date:
August 2025

Application Deadline:
January 7, 2025, 8:59 pm PST

Apply Now

The I School’s Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program welcomes students from a diverse set of backgrounds, nations, cultures, and experiences. Our community includes students from technical and nontechnical backgrounds, students with disabilities, students of color, student parents, veterans, first-generation college graduates, and those seeking a career change. Our goal each year is to bring in a talented class of about 50–70 students from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Applications are evaluated holistically based on a combination of academic aptitude, work experience, leadership potential, essays, letters of recommendation, and fit. The admissions team considers achievements in the context of the opportunities available to an applicant. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Are you considering applying to our MIMS program, but not quite sure where to begin? Check out our Getting Started page for some helpful tips!

Application Requirements

(1) Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose should describe your relevant academic and professional experience and accomplishments, your future professional goals once the degree is acquired, and why you are drawn to the MIMS program and believe it would be a good fit for you and your goals.

Learn more about what we look for in your Statement of Purpose.

(2) Personal History Essay

The Personal History essay provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you better on a personal level.

Learn more about what we look for in your Personal History Essay.

(3) Short Answer Essay

The Short Answer Essay should answer the following question in 300 words or less:

What is the most interesting information problem you have ever solved? Explain why it was interesting and how you solved it.

Learn more about what we look for in your Short Answer Essay.

(4) Three Professional Letters of Recommendation

We prefer that letters come from a current or former recent employer. Select individuals with whom you have had considerable professional interaction who can attest to your value as an employee, your professional accomplishments, and your personal qualities and interpersonal skills in an organizational context.

Learn more about what we look for in your letters of recommendation.

(5) Current Resume

Please upload a current resume, reflecting your work experience, education, and any other relevant information.

Learn more about how we review your professional experience.

(6) College Transcripts

As part of the online application, upload copies of official transcripts and degree conferral certificates (if applicable) for all university-level studies you have completed abroad and at U.S. institutions. Be sure to include a current transcript from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

Learn more about how we review your past academic performance.

(7) TOEFL or IELTS Scores

Applicants who received their degrees in countries other than the U.S., U.K., Australia, or English-speaking Canada are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System).

Learn more about the English-language proficiency test requirement.

(8) Programming Proficiency Form

Each applicant must submit a Programming Proficiency Form as part of the application. Applicants will list their programming language(s), select their level of proficiency, and include a brief description of how they acquired their knowledge of object-oriented programming.

Learn more about the programming proficiency form.

(9) Application Fee

(submitted with the online application)

• Fee for domestic applicants: $135.
• Fee for international applicants: $155.

Application Fee Waiver: UC Berkeley Graduate Division and the I School are pleased to offer application fee waivers to eligible MIMS applicants. Prior to submitting your application, please complete our Application Fee Waiver request form.

(10) Interview

Some of our MIMS applicants will be invited to interview as part of the application review process. Interviews are by invitation only, and may be requested if the admissions committee has follow-up questions or concerns that an interview could help address or clarify. If you are invited to interview, we recommend that you prepare as you would for a professional business interview. Be ready to discuss your background and your goals. An interview invitation has no reflection on your chances of admission.

Pursuant to UC Berkeley policy, application essays must be written by the candidate. For admitted students, application materials must comply with the Code of Student Conduct.

Do you have other admissions questions that were not answered in our application pages? Check out our MIMS Admissions FAQ.