Information Science &Technology at Mercer University

What is Information Science & Technology? New emerging academic discipline Closely associated with computer science in that it builds upon the theoretical foundations of CSC Provides a focus on some area such as computer networks, database development or administration, or Internet development Emphasizes state-of-the-art tools and technology Emphasizes integration of technology for end user

Signs that IST is Developing as a New Academic Discipline NSF has for the first time ever provided 90 million dollars for IT research Computer Science Accreditation Commission has just recently announced preliminary criteria for such a program IT Curriculum is being discussed at CSC Conferences such as ACM SIGCSE – Feb 21-25, 2001 “IT Curriculum Development” “Model Curricula for IT Schools”

Differences Between IST and CSC Computer scientist tends to build and extend underlying technology, while the information technologist tends to apply available technology to solve real-world problems IT identifies a need for technology, CSC then creates the technology, which then IT helps people to use effectively CSC involves more programming; IST involves more putting together of existing components with tools like Visual Basic Information Technologist helps decide what technology is appropriate and helps deploy it

Why Should We Offer an IST Major? Recognized as an academic discipline by various organizations (CSAC, NSF) Bring diverse academic disciplines together through technology Builds upon the strengths of current faculty Programming Web development Computer networks Potential for attracting new students to Mercer Lots of jobs available

Our Philosophy for IST Offered within the context of a strong liberal arts educational environment Interdisciplinary in nature Emphasize theoretical foundations, analysis & design throughout the program Prepare students to be able to adapt to changing technology vs. learning only current technology Should include equal coverage of: Skills Foundational concepts Intellectual capabilities

Distinctive Feature of IST Major Offered within context of strong liberal arts environment Housed within CSAC accredited computer science program Offered by very qualified faculty Designed around proposed standards for accreditation Goal is to make students critical thinkers that are able to cope with the change that is common to technology Emphasize theoretical foundations and design

Requirements for B.S. in IST Major 44 hours in IST and CSC 24 – 36 hours in IST 7 – 20 hours in CSC 6 hours in MAT 6 hours in TCO 3 hours in BUS CLA General Ed. (42 – 50 hours) Required minor: 15 hours General electives: 4 – 13 hours See www.cs.mercer.edu for course descriptions

Requirements for B.A. in IST Major 37 hours in IST and CSC 18 – 30 hours in IST 7 - 16 hours in CSC 6 hours in MAT 3 hours in TCO CLA General Ed. (42 – 50 hours) 32 – 40 hours available for 2nd major or minors

Requirements for Minor is IST Minimum of 17 hours to include: IST 126. Introduction to Information Science and Technology At least 6 hours of IST courses numbered 300 or above CSC 204, 205, and 206 may be used towards the 17 hours

How Students May Combine Another Academic Area with IST Minor in IST and major in another area Major in IST (B.A.) and major in another area Major in IST (B.S.) and Emphasis in another area

Emphasis component of IST Emphasis from other departments and schools encouraged Potential areas for emphasis in IST: Physics, Education, Art, Music, Math Example: Major (B.S.) in IST and emphasis in Graphic Art Major in IT: 35 hrs in IST & CSC courses Art Department: 9 hours of Graphic Art Minor in Art – 15 hrs in ART Senior Design Project in Graphic Art Internship position in Graphic Art

Schedule of Courses Develop courses gradually Fall, 2001 – IST 126 Spring, 2002 – IST 126 & IST 222 Groups of three courses offered on a rotational basis

Additional Resources New IST faculty position for fall, 2001 Second IST faculty position for fall, 2002 Networks Laboratory Additional Classroom space

What About the IT Professionals? Expand certification training for IT professionals Extend offerings to both fall and spring Non-credit courses Potential areas of training: System Administration (MCSE) Network Administration (CCNA) Database Administration (MCDBA) Software Development (MCSD)

Undergraduate Computer-Related Programs at Mercer Computer Science: B.S. and B.A. in CLA Information Science and Technology: B.S. and B.A. in CLA Computer Engineering: BSE in Engineering School Computer Information Systems: BBA in Business School