University of Wisconsin-Stout will offer a new master's degree program beginning fall 2007 that will provide much-needed professionals to manage information in businesses, industries and other organizations.
"We believe the career outlook for these individuals will be exceptional," said UW-Stout Provost Julie Furst-Bowe.
"UW-Stout continues to be a leader in providing innovative, hands-on programs that meet the needs of employers and help grow the economy," UW-Stout Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen said after the UW System Board of Regents approved the program in December 2006.
The program is designed to be delivered through the university's distance learning capability. A planned group of 20 students will use online resources, as well as weekend classes at UW-Stout and other locations across the state. The program design includes 30 credits, along with a research component.
Graduates will be prepared for careers as information system managers, data communication managers, instructional designers and technologists, Web designers, and e-commerce managers.
Furst-Bowe cited Wisconsin Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that five of the six fastest growing occupations for employees who have a college degree relate to information and communication technologies. She also cited federal labor statistics showing that employments in fields such as Internet service providers, Web portals and data processing services will grow 35 percent through the year 2012.
Furst-Bowe stressed that the students will be taught using UW-Stout's mission-driven approach that combines theory, practice, involvement and experimentation. It also will complement UW-Stout's current program array, she said.