The School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) earlier this month introduced its doctoral program to admit its first class of candidates for the fall of 2001.

Charles DuBois, director of communications for IST, said, "Our mission at IST is to build leaders for the digital global economy. Our doctorate program is here to produce the next generation of professors and researchers in the field of IST."

DuBois said about 60 people have inquired about a doctorate program for IST and the school believed there was a need for it.

IST anticipates admitting five to ten doctoral candidates to its program per year, opening the door for graduate students to research an array of subjects.

Within IST, there are 43 new courses. DuBois said it is a whole new curriculum.

Frank Ritter, associate professor of IST, said IST is about how people, information and technology are related and can work together.

"I think IST is about 'How do people process information using technology?'" Ritter said.

Ritter said IST is not a major for training technicians.

"It's (training technicians) not the point of Penn State; it's not the point of IST," he added.

Others emphasized the growing necessity of the IST program.

"I think there's a real need for the IST program and IST is offering one of the best new programs in that area," said C. Lee Giles, professor of computer science and engineering.

DuBois said IST teaches students how to apply technology in a number of subjects and helps to fill gaps within some professions that could use IST degree holders.

Building leaders with solid technological backgrounds is a priority, DuBois said, as is having people that can apply their education to different situations and different settings -- not just for corporations, but for all sectors of the economy. IST teaches students how to be leaders and develop solutions for problems, he added.

DuBois said the IST program has experienced tremendous growth since its birth in the fall of 1999. At the beginning there were 400 students; now, there are more than 1,300 bachelor and associate degree students across the commonwealth.

DuBois said the IST program is very excited about how well students have taken to IST and the positive feedback the program has received from the government and educators.

Regarding the construction plans for the new IST building in West Campus, DuBois said, "This (the building) will provide a single focal point for students to interact, a place for faculty offices and a place to hold conferences."

The building, which will span North Atherton Street and cost about $58.5 million to construct, will house the growing IST program, now located in Rider Building on South Burrowes Street.

DuBois said IST needs a facility that can do research, teach and share expertise.

"We're trying to be innovative. We're thinking outside the box," DuBois said. "This major is all about leadership."