Board of Regents approves new academic programs for KSU
University to offer unique joint M.B.A. and master’s in information systems; new…
Georgia (Jan 13, 2010) — University to offer unique joint M.B.A. and master’s in information systems; new options now available for teachers and administrators seeking educational leadership doctorate
KENNESAW, Ga. (Jan. 13, 2010) — The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved at its Jan. 12
meeting a dual Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Master of Science in Information
Systems (M.S.I.S.) degree program for Kennesaw State University and new options for
graduate students pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.
The M.B.A./M.S.I.S. dual-degree program, to be launched in fall 2010, is the only
one of its kind among University System of Georgia institutions.
The changes approved by the Board of Regents for the Ed.D. (Doctor of Education in Leadership for Learning) will delineate more clearly
the leadership and teaching tracks in the doctoral program, reflecting recent legislation
that changed the rules governing the certification of teachers and administrators.
“Kennesaw State is once again taking the lead in shaping innovative, graduate-level
programs to help meet the needs of the state,” said KSU Provost Lendley Black. “The
university is committed to enhancing and expanding our academic programs. The new
dual master’s degree in business administration and information systems and the enhancements
to our doctoral program in educational leadership reflect that responsiveness.”
The new dual degree program is offered jointly by Kennesaw’s Coles College of Business,
whose Executive M.B.A. was ranked by CEO Magazine in fall 2009 as among the best in the country, and the Department of Computer Science
and Information Systems at KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics. As businesses
increasingly look for leaders and managers who can integrate sophisticated management
practices with strong technology skills, the new degree will allow students acquire
the skill sets of both master’s programs in a seamless manner.
“Technology is such a driving force in the business world that there is significant
demand for people who can speak the language of business while creating technology
solutions to meet the needs of employees and customers,” said Tim Blumentritt, director
of the M.B.A. program at the Coles College of Business. “This degree is a stepping
stone in the career path of a chief information officer (CIO) or technology entrepreneur.”
While other public universities in Georgia offer an M.B.A. or M.S.I.S. with a concentration
or several courses in technology or business, respectively, KSU is the only university
in the University System of Georgia offering a dual graduate-degree program in business
and technology.
“Companies in Atlanta have expressed the need for hiring people with both technical and business skills,” said Donald Amoroso, chairman of the Department of
Computer Science and Information Systems. “The nature of the CIO position necessitates
the need for skills gained in both programs.”
The M.S.I.S. program has been recently redesigned as a leadership program in information
systems for those students seeking executive positions. “The M.B.A. program matches well with the M.S.I.S. program to build the technology-business
bridge,” Amoroso said.
bridge,” Amoroso said.
Because the M.B.A. and M.S.I.S. programs are housed in separate colleges, and because
students take core courses in both fields of study, the dual degree creates opportunities
for much deeper study of both areas. The goal of the program is to prepare students
for competitive leadership and managerial positions in careers requiring extensive
understanding of, and interaction with, information technology.
The dual degree program is 51 credit-hours, compared to 72 credit-hours if both degrees
were pursued separately.
The Board of Regents also approved changes to KSU’s doctoral program in educational
leadership, providing clearer educational paths for teachers and administrators. While
the curriculum for the doctoral program remains the same, educational leaders (such
as principals and assistant principals) may receive an Ed.D. in educational leadership for learning degree, while teachers
may receive an Ed.D. in teacher leadership for learning degree.
The changes requested are related to concerns brought about by legislation (HB 455)
that impact the rules governing teacher and leader certification. Creating separate
degree titles for teachers and leaders from the existing concentrations and courses
should address these concerns, said Nita Paris, associate dean for graduate studies
at the Bagwell College of Education.
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Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia, offering more
than 70 graduate and undergraduate degrees, including new doctorates in education,
business and nursing. A member of the 35-unit University System of Georgia, Kennesaw
State is a comprehensive, residential institution with a growing student population
of more than 22,300 from 142 countries.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its nearly 43,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
