Information Science &Technology

at Mercer University

What is Information Science & Technology?

New emerging academic disciplineClosely associated with computer science in that it builds upon the theoretical foundations of CSCProvides a focus on some area such as computer networks, database development or administration, or Internet developmentEmphasizes state-of-the-art tools and technologyEmphasizes 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 researchComputer Science Accreditation Commission has just recently announced preliminary criteria for such a programIT 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 problemsIT identifies a need for technology, CSC then creates the technology, which then IT helps people to use effectivelyCSC involves more programming; IST involves more putting together of existing components with tools like Visual BasicInformation 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 MercerLots of jobs available

Our Philosophy for ISTOffered within the context of a strong liberal arts educational environmentInterdisciplinary in natureEmphasize theoretical foundations, analysis & design throughout the programPrepare students to be able to adapt to changing technology vs. learning only current technologyShould include equal coverage of: Skills Foundational concepts Intellectual capabilities

Distinctive Feature of IST Major

Offered within context of strong liberal arts environmentHoused within CSAC accredited computer science programOffered by very qualified facultyDesigned around proposed standards for accreditationGoal is to make students critical thinkers that are able to cope with the change that is common to technologyEmphasize 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 hoursGeneral electives: 4 – 13 hoursSee 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 TechnologyAt least 6 hours of IST courses numbered

300 or aboveCSC 204, 205, and 206 may be used

towards the 17 hours

How Students May Combine Another

Academic Area with ISTMinor 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 encouragedPotential areas for emphasis in IST: Physics, Education, Art, Music, MathExample: 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 CoursesDevelop courses gradually

Fall, 2001 – IST 126

Spring, 2002 – IST 126 & IST 222

Groups of three courses offered on a rotational basis Fall 2001 Spring 2002 Fall 2002 Spring 2003 Fall 2003 Spring 2004 Fall 2004 Spring 2005

CSC 204 204 204 204 205 205 205 TCO 285 285 285 341 341 341 BUS 349 349 INT 126 126 126 126 126 126 126 126 222 220 221 222 220 221 222 276 277 316 276 277 318 313 311 318 313 350 351 352 350 351 463 461 462 463 470 471 470 471

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 professionalsExtend offerings to both fall and springNon-credit coursesPotential areas of training: System Administration (MCSE) Network Administration (CCNA) Database Administration (MCDBA) Software Development (MCSD)

Undergraduate Computer-Related Programs at

MercerComputer Science: B.S. and B.A. in CLAInformation Science and Technology: B.S. and B.A. in CLAComputer Engineering: BSE in Engineering SchoolComputer Information Systems: BBA in Business School