[Sigia-l] Information Architecture and Usability Curricula Revised andEnhanced in Kent State's Master's Degree in IAKM

[Thomas J. Froehlich]

In an effort to advance the evolution of the innovative Master's program in
Information Architecture and Knowledge Management (IAKM) at Kent State
University, new and updated courses and reduced credit hours have enhanced
this progressive degree.

In consultation with the Advisory Boards, which consists of leading pioneers
and practitioners in IAKM-related fields, the degree was reorganized to
streamline the program core and focus coursework in each of the
concentrations: information architecture, information use (usability), and
knowledge management.  The overall requirements for the degree have been
reduced to 42 credit hours from 48 in an effort to maintain a competitive
edge.

For a quick, graphic overview of the program revision see: 
http://iakm.kent.edu/curriculumoverview.pdf.

For more detailed information check the IAKM program site: 
http://iakm.kent.edu .  For those interested in pursuing a M.S. in IAKM, the
application deadline for Fall semester is June 16, 2006.

Facilities that support the enhanced program include a state-of-the-art
usability lab (see:  http://usability.slis.kent.edu/facilities.html ), fully
digital classrooms with the most current hardware and software,
state-of-the-art distance education tools, whether through interactive
television or web-based synchronous or asynchronous learning objects, and
instructional designer support.

This unique, interdisciplinary program was launched in 2001.  It is a
collaborative effort of the Department of Computer Science, the Graduate
School of Management, the School of Communication Studies, the School of
Journalism and Mass Communication, the School of Visual Communication
Design, and the School of Library and Information Science.