Learning
Muskingum announces Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology degree
Muskingum College President Anne C. Steele has announced a new graduate degree program, the Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology (MISST).
MISST is a convenient two-year program, blending “any time, any place” on-line education with periodic face-to-face residencies. Students are able to maintain their full-time employment, and to incorporate their newly acquired knowledge and skills directly into their daily work. This adds immediate value and benefit to their organizations.
MISST prepares business and information technology professionals working in today’s highly competitive business environment to successfully integrate strategy and technology. The program focuses on the effective and innovative use of technology to strategically advance an organization.
"MISST addresses needs within the business community. A faculty team with significant industrial and academic experience developed the program in collaboration with an advisory group of business, technology, and academic professionals,” said Dr. Raymond Rataiczak, director of the MISST program. He also stated that “the program capitalizes on the strong Liberal Arts perspective of Muskingum College and concentrates on the interplay between business strategy and technology.”
MISST offers experiential learning. Students participate in a curriculum consisting of nine projects, of which two are designed to respond to the strategic goals of the participants’ own organizations. Working within teams, students are presented with authentic business challenges and interact with team members to identify and analyze problems, develop appropriate business strategies and align technology to support their strategies. MISST provides hands-on learning, preparing students to immediately apply their learning to their work.
"The MISST program at Muskingum College is relevant in the current fast-paced business environment. The program focuses on bridging business strategy and technology; requiring participants to think strategically, to work together in cross-functional teams and to effectively communicate to solve problems and achieve success. The new graduate-level MISST degree builds on the College’s rich tradition of mentoring and developing future leaders by incorporating an holistic and ethical approach to learning,” said Ruthann Fagan, dean of graduate and continuing studies at Muskingum.
She went on to explain that, “Through this innovative learning experience, students gain and apply knowledge ‘just-in-time’ through the completion of projects that reflect realistic business scenarios. The blended learning format of on-line and face-to-face residencies provides a learning environment that combines the convenience of e-learning with the benefits of a highly personal experience.”
The first MISST cohort is slated to begin in the fall of 2007. For further information, contact the office of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Muskingum College at 740-826-6128 or via email at misst@muskingum.edu.
