Master’s degree program in technology approved for introduction Fall 2008

Purdue University Calumet will introduce a graduate degree program this fall (2008) that combines cutting edge technical knowledge with management/supervisory expertise.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, at its meeting today (3/14), approved a Master of Science in Technology. The Purdue University Board of Trustees previously approved the program. Offered through the Purdue Graduate School, it will model a program available at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.

“This is a very flexible, interdisciplinary program that is ideal for individuals who work as managers or supervisors within a technical environment,” Dean of Purdue Calumet’s Office of the Graduate School Niaz Latif said. “It can also serve employers as a cohort program for employees. Either way, it is a program that can enhance one’s professional value.”

The 33-credit hour, non-thesis program allows students to specialize in an area of current technology that may be applicable to their work environment or interest area from the following disciplines: computer graphics technology, computer information technology, construction management & engineering technologies; electrical & computer engineering technology; industrial engineering technologies; manufacturing engineering technologies; and organizational leadership & supervision.

Also distinctive to the program, each student must complete a directed project that can relate to a job or employer-related need.

“That will be one of the strengths of this program, which is designed to enable students to develop the specialized skills they need to be leaders within their field of technology,” Purdue Calumet Interim Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, School of Technology Joy Colwell said.

Latif added that the program is intended for students from technical and non-technical backgrounds.

“The M.S. in Technology is for professionals who have a strong technical background, but desire to build their management or supervisory skills, as well as those who have a strong management background, but want to increase their technical knowledge,” he said.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Professor Colwell at 219/989-3117; 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 3117; or colwell@calumet.purdue.edu; or by visiting on line: http://webs.calumet.purdue.edu/techgrad/ .

News Release Date: March 14, 2008