SU School of Information Studies offers new executive degree program for information professionals

SU School of Information Studies offers new executive degree program for information professionalsApril 02, 2007Margaret Costello Spillettmcostell@syr.edu

Over the past several decades, information technologies have become more integral to conducting core business functions. In response, companies across the country began to create high-level positions that focus on how information is used and on the technologies that enable information exchange. Today, more than 327,000 top-tier executives hold such titles as chief information officer (CIO), chief technical officer (CTO) and vice president of information systems. These powerful and versatile executives have combined expertise in information technology and business management. These complimentary areas of knowledge allow them to envision and implement information architectures that support key business processes and achieve strategic goals, often on a global basis.

The School of Information Studies (iSchool) has recognized the growing need for this new type of information-savvy leader, and has established an executive version of the master of science in information management (M.S.I.M.) degree. Mid-level managers hoping to step up their careers can now enroll in the executive master’s degree in information management program at the iSchool for classes that begin this fall. The program allows students with six or more years of appropriate full-time professional experience to earn the M.S.I.M. in 30 credit hours.

“This is the `Age of Information,’ and many key functions in public- and private-sector organizations rely on information technology to be successful,” says Scott Bernard, an alumnus of the school’s program in information management and the current deputy chief information officer of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration. “Nearly every Fortune 1,000 company, federal agency and state government, as well as many smaller businesses, local governments, cities, universities, hospitals and nonprofit groups, has a top executive who is in charge of how information is used in that organization.”

“This program is really intended for mid-career information managers who want to fill knowledge gaps or develop a specialty that will put them on the fast-track for advancement within their organization,” says professor and M.S.I.M. program director Robert Heckman. “They’re looking to add to their resumes a degree from the No. 1-ranked program in information systems in the country. We’re very excited to be able to offer this program in flexible format to help these busy professionals incorporate graduate courses into their schedules.”

Students accepted into the executive program can complete the degree completely online, take classes on campus or combine the two learning formats. They take classes from the same accomplished faculty who teach in the original M.S.I.M. program, and they can access all of the University’s academic resources and the same high-quality faculty advising and support that is offered to other students.

“The career outlook for people with an information management degree is very good,” says Bernard, who is also a professor at the iSchool and director of its well-known Washington, D.C., program. “Our M.S.I.M. graduates will continue to be in high demand for the foreseeable future because they understand how to deal with the growth and importance of information technology as a key business and government service enabler.”

For more information, contact program director Robert Heckman at (315) 443-2911, ischool@syr.edu, or visit http://ischool.syr.edu/academics/graduate/execim/index.asp.