The Graduate Information Science and Technology Program has a faculty and student body from a wide variety of backgrounds.  As part of a research university, we value excellence in research, in teaching and in service. We strive to make current research relevant to students and visible in through numerous educational experiences within and outside of the classroom.

What we have in common is a passion to perform research on, to educate students about and to serve society with regard to technologically-based systems that extend people's capacity to respond to information and knowledge.  Our research takes the form of traditional, peer-reviewed research and industry-oriented projects.  We educate through traditional degree programs, certificate programs and occasional informal educational experiences.  Our community service takes numerous forms, including providing input on relevant issues to governmental bodies, consulting with private, public and not-for-profit organizations, serving as experts in legal proceedings.

After earning a Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS), you will be able to do the following:

Theory

• Explain the theoretical foundations of information science in a logically and mathematically rigorous way
• Analyze human activities, such as cognitive tasks and organizational functions, in complex problem solving situations

Skills

• Evaluate the structure and analyze the performance of existing information systems with respect to technical capabilities and organizational requirements
• Interpret new technological developments in information technology in terms of the theoretical constructs of information science
• Be proficient in skill areas such as:
  • The analysis and design of information systems
  • Software project management
  • Database and document storage
  • Telecommunications and networking systems
  • Quality assurance and quality control techniques
  • Software engineering

Application

• Be able to work effectively in teams, communicate well, and be aware of the necessity for professional and personal growth
• Design information systems that are
  • constructed with explicit consideration given to the cognitive and information processing capabilities of humans
  • based on the analysis of the information needs of users and organizations
• Construct and manage networked information systems using contemporary tools and technologies
• Select and use theory and skills to address research problems in the field