Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A new certificate program, offered by Mississippi State University for graduate students, aims to enhance their prospects for career opportunities by broadening their knowledge in the applications of information technology.
A non-degree graduate certificate program, the graduate certificate in information systems (GCIS) is designed to augment master's and doctoral degree students' academic preparation for diverse careers in which computer information systems will be a major component of the work activity.
Merrill Warkentin, professor of information systems, said employment prospects in information technology-related fields remain strong, and employability can be greatly improved by having a working knowledge of IT-related issues.
"The job outlook for information technology-related jobs in the U.S. is strong," said Warkentin. "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, many of the top 10 fastest-growing job descriptions require knowledge of information technology."
He added, "Employers will need project managers, network managers, website designers, and other new employees with knowledge of IT systems and the ability to work with budgets, people, systems, and deadlines to help them achieve their goals. Our graduate certificate of information systems is designed to prepare tomorrow's leaders for one of these positions."
The GCIS program primarily is a managerial course-study and will prepare students to pursue career paths in public service, the sciences, business, and other areas in which IT knowledge is beneficial. Beginning with the fall 2010 semester, students also can complete the courses online through Mississippi State's distance education program.
Warkentin said the flexibility of the certificate program will facilitate greater opportunities for completion of programs requirements, regardless of the student's schedule in their primary areas of study.
Certificate students may come from disciplines in the College of Business as well as from a variety of other colleges and departments, including public administration, forestry, computer science, engineering, biology, and education.
To be awarded a GCIS certificate, students must successfully complete 12 hours of approved coursework with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 [out of 4.0], of which 9 hours must be taken in approved business information system courses at MSU.
All courses taken for the GCIS may also serve as courses to complete the master's of science in information systems (MSIS.)
Warkentin may be reached at 325-1955 for more information; or visit http://business.msstate.edu/gsb/masters programs.php.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.