Business Technologies (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Business Technologies is designed for individuals who are, or who are preparing to be, key players in guiding their organizations toward the effective application of information technology. It provides them with the academic foundation necessary to serve in positions requiring the ability to conceptualize, develop, re-engineer, or use state-of-the-art information technology. It focuses on the way that organizations in both the public and private sectors are using advanced information technologies, particularly those that are Web-based, in pursuit of strategic advantage. A technology-focused approach to learning is featured throughout this program, equipping the student with the practical experience and skills needed in modern, network-centric organizations.

Students completing the Business Technologies program should possess the following knowledge and related skills:

a working knowledge about how information technology is being used by successful businesses;
techniques for making good organizational and personal decisions;
a fundamental grounding in how information is collected, managed, and used as a strategic asset by modern organizations;
the capability to apply emerging technologies to business situations;
an understanding of the cultural issues involved in transforming organizations through the infusion of technology; and
an understanding of the ethical issues that result from the use of information and information technology in organizations.

Note: The School of Business Administration strongly recommends that candidates have at least two years of work experience before applying. Candidates for the M.S. in Business Technologies program must possess a suitable laptop computer loaded with Microsoft Office 97 or higher.

Degree Requirements

The Business Technologies degree requires a total of 36 semester credits consisting of 27 credits in required courses and 9 credits in elective courses. If a student can demonstrate a depth of prior experience and/or education in a required content area, electives may be substituted for required courses. All requirements for the degree must be completed within five years of initial registration. Graduate students may transfer up to 12 credits of similar graduate coursework from an accredited institution.

BT Core Requirements

IM 501 Information Technologies
IM 503 Conceptual Foundations of Information Management
IM 512 Information and Decision Making
IM 515 Telecommunications Management
BT 521 Electronic Commerce
BT 522 Strategic Uses of the World Wide Web
MGT 561 Ethics in the Information Age
IM 565 Information Resources Management
IM 599 Project

Technical Electives

Any two of the following courses totalling 6 credits must be completed:

IM 510 Database Management
IM 530 Management Support Systems
IM 535 Intelligent Decision Systems
BT 570 Intelligent Agents
BT 571 Systems Thinking, Modeling, and Simulation
BT 572 Information and Network Security

Open Elective

Any School of Business Administration 3-credit graduate course may be selected as an elective; however, an additional BT or IM course is strongly recommended.

The Project

The Project is a direct application of program material to the student's specific professional interest or area. Other means of satisfying the intent of the project may also be arranged, such as a large research paper or traditional graduate research project for those continuing to a doctoral program.