New Master's Degree Will Train Future Leaders in Information Technology and Its Impact on Society
April 3, 2003
University Park, Pa. - Professionals who want to better understand how information technology influences and shapes organizations, institutions and societies have a new graduate degree option - a master of science in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) from Penn State.
Through coursework and research, students in the interdisciplinary program will examine the interrelationships among people, information, and technology. Trained in theory, behavioral foundations and applications, M.S. graduates will be prepared for leadership careers in business, education and government.
James B. Thomas, dean of Penn State's School of Information Sciences and Technology, said, "Based on constant queries to IST, this program answers a demand for graduates who not only understand technology but also who can apply and integrate it into any system."
The program includes coursework in research design and assessment as well as in the theoretical and methodological frameworks of IST's three critical constructs-people, information and technology. Topics of study range from human-computer interaction and applications such as bio-informatics to societal issues like the digital divide and information systems design, development and implementation.
To further enrich their knowledge of the field, M.S. students also will identify a support area, taking courses in related areas such as psychology, engineering or computer science. A thesis, exploring in detail a particular area of interest, is required. Of the required 32 credits, 27 must be earned at the University Park campus. IST also offers a Ph.D. program at University Park.
For information on the M.S. program, visit http://ist.psu.edu/academics/GraduateList.cfm.
**mah**