Penn State continues plans for technology college

By CHRIS BOND
Collegian Staff Writer

In an attempt to respond to the rapid advancement of information technology, plans for Penn State's School of Information Sciences and Technology continue at a frantic pace.

Since September 1997, 43 new courses have been designed as Penn State prepares to begin enrollment in the new school this summer.

"The curriculum has been developed taking into account a significant amount of information that was provided to us by industry executives," said George McMurtry, special assistant to the provost for IST.

Planners have met with executives from Lockheed Martin, AT&T, IBM and other companies to design a program that responds to the needs of corporate leaders. Also, government officials and state industry leaders have helped design the program.

McMurtry stressed, however, no company was given special treatment, and Penn State faculty designed the curriculum.

Plans for the school include continued close contact with industry. This contact is expected to exist with students through internship opportunities and mentoring programs, as well as with faculty planners.

The strong relationship with industry will allow faculty to respond quickly with new courses to changes in technology and industry requirements.

The use of extensive industry consultation and feedback, as well as a total "ground-up" custom design, make this program unique, said Chuck Craven, director of development for IST.

The program's curriculum teaches technological problem-solving skills and allows students to apply this knowledge to real working situations, he added.

"These are critical skills, and they're in short supply," Craven said. "This program is about preparing leaders and managers to excel in and prepare for the information age."

In addition to specific core classes, the program will require a final group project and an internship.

Final projects will be based on case studies provided by industry supporters.

Both the projects and the internships will train students for work in actual IST positions.

The relationship IST has forged with industry and government is a significant step in Penn State's attempt to remain competitive with other universities.

Similar programs have already been implemented at other universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Michigan and the University of Maryland at College Park.