Knowledge management is a discipline that has been utilized in business education since 1993. Businesses use knowledge management professionals as analysts, database administrators, information security, and network administrators. Knowledge management is a discipline that approaches information in an organized and structured manner so that knowledge management specialists know how to create, research, organize, and share information. These specialists help businesses utilize information to learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and how to share useful information with clients and the community they serve. Additionally, knowledge managers utilize information from many other disciplines, and they often pull research from non-profit organizations, public health organizations, and other public institutions. 

Knowledge management is closely related to library and information science, in that, it focuses strongly on the organization of information. Both disciplines also promote open and available information useful for their respective communities and staff members. However, library science prepares students for working in a library setting and other aspects of librarianship, whereas knowledge management focuses on working for a business or other types of organizations. Knowledge management also focuses more on keeping up with records and data for specific organizations, so the company will not become confused regarding how the organization is being run and how well it is doing. 

Coursework master students can expect from a degree program in knowledge management includes learning about the history of knowledge management and the different techniques and tools used to organize, manage, and share knowledge. Students will also learn to use current information technology and how to analyze and learn new technologies. This way, students will be prepared to choose the best technology and information systems for their respective organizations. Students will also take courses in leadership and administration, global and local collaboration, and planning strategies in knowledge management. 

To learn about the specific courses offered by programs in knowledge management, keep reading. This article introduces the best master’s programs in knowledge management in the U.S. It covers what to expect from the program and university, the format in which the program is offered, and the qualifications and admissions process. 

MS-LS with a Concentration in Knowledge Management at the University of North Texas

The best quality of this degree program is that it is accredited by the American Library Association, which sets the standard in library and information science. Also, since this degree is an M.S. in Library Science it provides graduates with the credentials to become librarians, archivists, and digital catalogers. The concentration in knowledge management adds coursework to the degree that equips graduates with the skill set to manage information for businesses and other organizations rather than focusing mainly on information shared in the library setting. 

Students will take nine credit hours in core classes and 27 credit hours in electives toward the knowledge management concentration. Additionally, students must complete a three-credit-hour practicum course and a capstone project. The Practicum is a course with real hands-on experience customized for the various concentrations, including knowledge management, and the capstone is a portfolio of all the work completed during the program and other research and related experience completed. 

How to apply

Fill out and send the graduate program information form to see if you qualify for the program and for other admission requirement information. Then apply online and pay the non-refundable application fee. Additionally, submit transcripts to the graduate school office. 

Master of Science in Knowledge Management at Kent State University

This degree is fully online and can be completed in six semesters or two years. It is a 30-credit hour program and affordable for many. The program provides ample experience through internships, class projects, and research. The main goal is to provide students with the skills to better any business and organizations they work for or create their own organizations that are based on knowledge management. 

The careers graduates may go on to include computer information systems managers, postsecondary computer science teachers, and project management specialists. The demand for all of these careers is growing and pays well. Computer information systems manager is the best-paying career on this list and also has the highest growth percentage at 10.4%. Additionally, project management specialists have the most amount of job positions at 1,361,800, and they can pay around $70,000 a year.  

How to apply

To qualify for the graduate program at Kent State, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of a 2.75 GPA. If an applicant does not meet the GPA requirement, they can submit a letter to address the circumstances for the low GPA and the applicant’s plan for future improvement. Applicants also need to send in official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, three letters of recommendation, a goal statement, and a resume. Additionally, applicants must fill out the online application and pay the application fee. 

Master of Knowledge Management at California State University, Northridge

This degree is for working professionals and it gives students skills in managing the knowledge, data, and intellectual parts of their organization. Some common careers this degree is designed for include information officer, knowledge manager, data analyst, content manager, database manager, human resources manager, curator, information technologist, and community relations officer.  Additionally, the program is for those working for corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. It is fully online and designed to work around or within your work schedule, and it only takes two years to complete. 

This program focuses heavily on information technology changes and how to adapt to new data knowledge and technology. It provides graduates with skills in the transfer and development of knowledge in organizations, in the management of information and data, in identifying ways to improve the organization and its services, and in cultivating innovation in areas such as research, product design, and marketing. Regardless of the size and type of organization, this degree helps professionals solve problems and earn a competitive advantage.

How to apply

This degree is a constructed degree. Business employers may work with Tseng College and agree to sign up their employees in the program for a contracted price.  For more information, visit their program website page. If you are an employee, talk to your supervisor or administrator to see if this is an option for your organization. 

M.S. in Organization Development and Knowledge Management at George Mason University

The focus of this program is to promote positive change in complex organizations and businesses. It is fully online and is a 35-38 credit hour degree. Additionally, it is cohort-based and provides students with frequent opportunities for group work and with working alongside professors and other scholars. This format provides students with the skills they need to collaborate within various work environments to solve complex issues and conduct new research. 

The coursework in this program includes an introduction to knowledge management and organizational development, group dynamics and team learning, organization and social inquiry, creative learning organizations, foundations of coaching, coaching and organization development, leadership and social justice, and learning community. Additionally, each student will finish an internship for a real-life experience. 

How to apply

Contact their admissions department to see if you qualify for the program. Then apply online, pay the application fee, and send in official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a goal statement. 

Master of Information Studies with a Concentration in Knowledge Management at McGill University

The School of Information Studies from McGill University offers a Master of Information Studies and it is accredited by the American Library Association. The concentration track in knowledge management adds a more robust course load and prepares students for analysing information for various organizations and businesses. Students will also learn the basics of information management, data organization, library science, and research methodologies. 

How to apply

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, and be competent in computer usage. Then applicants must fill out the online application and pay the application fee. Additionally, applicants must send in transcripts, two recommendations, a resume, and a statement of 800 to 1000 words. 

Master of Information and Knowledge Strategy at Columbia University

This program is rooted in the knowledge management discipline and is the only degree of its kind offered at an Ivy League school. The program provides students with the foundations in information science, and organizational psychology, and provides students with the skills to change data and knowledge management to better serve the organization and those they serve. 

The degree is offered as a hybrid and students take online classes as well as in-person classes. In-person classes are offered on weeknights to allow for flexibility. Additionally, students will have the chance to work alongside world-class faculty within their coursework, and while conducting their own research. Classes also teach collaboration through group work and problem-solving. 

How to apply

Contact the graduate program for more information and qualifications. Then apply online, send in your official transcripts, and pay the application fee. Applicants may only apply to one program. 

Master of Business Administration in Information Systems and Knowledge Management at California Intercontinental University 

This program is offered online, is 36 credit hours in length, and is one of the more affordable degree programs in knowledge management. The format and course load is flexible for students who are working and have other responsibilities. However, the courses are rich in the study, and graduates of the program are prepared for careers as project managers, information security systems managers, knowledge management consultants, and knowledge management specialists. Additionally, all BA students take courses in accounting, economics, entrepreneurial finance management, information systems, organization development, leadership development, competitive globalization, and marketing. Students in information systems and knowledge management also take information systems in project management, knowledge management, knowledge management and e-learning, and management and information security. 

How to apply 

To qualify for graduate school and for the Master of Business Administration program, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university or a tangible equivalent. Additionally, applicants need to send in transcripts, a resume, and fill out an application online and pay the application fee. 

Master’s in Library and Information Science with a Certificate in Data and Knowledge Management at Dominican University

This is another master’s degree in library and information accredited by the American Library Association but with a certificate in data and knowledge management. This means graduates qualified as professional librarians and for careers in knowledge management. The program is a 36-credit hour degree offered online and as a hybrid. It is located in Chicago, which allows the hybrid program to enhance the coursework with hands-on experience through internships and practicums in a knowledge-rich environment. Additionally, the MLIS program also connects students and graduates with leaders in information through the alumni and faculty in Chicago and at Dominican University. 

To meet the qualifications for the certificate in data and knowledge management, students will add 15 credit hours and take the following courses: Information Storage and Retrieval, Knowledge Management, Big Data, and Competitive Intelligence, and two additional electives. These courses give graduates the knowledge to help businesses and organizations to create, manage, organize, and provide information. This helps businesses see their strengths and weaknesses and provide helpful information to their employees and customers. 

How to apply

To qualify for the program, applicants need to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and provide evidence of competency for graduate-level work through academic achievement or experience.  Then, apply online and pay the application fee. Applicants also need to submit a 500-word personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from undergraduate work and higher. 

Is A Master’s In Knowledge Management Right For Me?

If knowledge management is the route you want, then one of these master’s programs will work for you and your career goals. If you are unsure of committing to an entire degree program, you may also consider furthering your education through accredited training from APQC. Their main focus is helping businesses and individuals with knowledge management skills. Talk to your employer or prospective employer if education in knowledge management is something they would value and if it will help gain your preferred position.