New Master's Degree will train Future Leaders

Four-year graduates wanting to better understand how information technology influences and shapes organizations, institutions and societies have a new degree option – a master of science in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) to be offered at University Park starting this fall. 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. "The office of the associate dean for research and graduate programs in IST typically has received five inquiries a day about master’s programs in our school," said James B. Thomas, IST dean. "This program answers that demand as well as the need for professionals who not only understand technology but can apply and integrate it into any system." Between five and 10 students will be admitted each fall. 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. Of the required 32 credits, 27 must be earned at University Park.

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. In addition to general Graduate School requirements, candidates for the M.S. program must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examinations or the Graduate Management Admissions Test; three letters of reference; and a one-page statement of relevant experience and goals. Because of the program's interdisciplinary framework, students with undergraduate or graduate degrees from almost any discipline may be accepted into the program. IST offers a Ph.D. program, also at University Park. For information on the M.S. program, visit http://ist.psu.edu/academics/GraduateList.cfm.

*mh*