The School of Information
Studies (iSchool)
has launched a part-time executive doctoral program for highly qualified
middle level managers looking to boost their careers. The Doctorate of Professional
Studies in Information Management
is a three-year program with fall, spring and summer terms that is offered
in a limited residency, distance learning format. The 51-credit-hour
program involves 16 courses on methods, research and practice topics
(36 credits total), plus 15 credits for thesis work.
"The program's applied
approach complements the research focus of the iSchool's existing
residential Ph.D. in information science and technology," says Associate
Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies Jeffrey Stanton. "The program also fits with Syracuse
University's commitment to life-long learning and meeting the evolving
needs of students at various stages of their professional careers.
"We heard from working
professionals that there is a real need for an advanced degree that
combines doctoral level research, an applied focus, and an understanding
of the role of information in the knowledge economy in both the private
and public sectors," he says.
This anecdotal evidence is
supported by studies that report the need for a larger, better-trained
executive work force in information-related fields. For example, in
2007, the Society for Information Management published a report providing
evidence that as early as 2010 there will be a severe shortage in the
United States of individuals qualified to fill these senior leadership
jobs in business, government and elsewhere. The iSchool professional
doctorate program has been designed to alleviate such a shortage.
Developed for mid-career
professionals who are already employed, the diverse curriculum will
prepare students to advance within their organizations and help their
employers keep pace with the rapidly changing information field.
The program received formal
approval this spring by SU's Board of Trustees and the New York State
Office of College and University Evaluation, and has begun accepting
applications for the Fall 2008 class. A successful candidate will have
completed a master's degree and have at least five years of experience
in the information professions. See the program pages on the iSchool's web
site for more
details.
The new professional doctorate
program joins a growing list of executive
education programs
in the iSchool, including the Executive M.S.
in Information Management
and certificates of advanced study.
For more information, e-mail ischool@syr.edu or call (315) 443-2911.
