As more and more businesses rely on information technology, Missouri Western’s master of applied science degree in information technology management will become more and more important, according to Dr. Baoqiang Yan, assistant professor of computer science, who teaches courses in the graduate program.
Unlike traditional master’s programs, Baoqiang said, Missouri Western’s provides core courses in both information technology, such as network administration, and software implementation and integration; and courses in business, communication, marketing economics, statistics and management. So the program is for managers who want a stronger background in information technology, or for those who have a computer science background and want to move into management.
“There are a lot of companies in the area looking for people who have better backgrounds in both management and software application,” said Deborah Becker, assistant professor of computer science and a faculty member in the master’s degree program.
The program is geared for those with some background in computer science, Deborah said, but if a student doesn’t have that, they start with a couple computer science courses.
Some of the current students in the program include a network administrator from the state library system and computer programmers from area businesses. Five of the students are international students.
“Students like the program because of the hands-on approach,” Deborah said. As part of the program, they build their own network, learning how to build security, develop groups and group policies and more. Students work in teams, conducting research and working to solve real problems and issues.
Current projects include working on a social network application; a database-driven application that pulls in information from an online database and puts it in a web application; and building an interface between two systems.
In order to accommodate students who are working full-time, courses are held in the afternoons and evenings and some are online.
For more information, contact Baoqiang at byan@missouriwestern.edu