MSU, IBM partner for specialized IT degree

The Bachelor of Science in information technology service manager degree program – the first of its kind in the country – is conferred through MSU’s computer information systems department in the College of Business Administration and is supported through a partnership with IBM, according to an MSU news release.

IBM will provide methodologies, course materials and other tools, such as a role-playing learning aid designed to teach students how technology addresses customer pains and business interests.

The new curriculum is in response to the growing services sector, which represents more than 75 percent of the U.S. economy, according to the release. In 2005, 83 percent of all U.S. employees were in service-providing jobs, and that sector is expected to cover 90 percent of all new jobs by 2012, according to the release.

“Our new ITSM program will give students employable skills that they can put to use in diverse business environments,” COBA Dean Ron Bottin said in the release. “In an increasingly global workplace, IT professionals are being called on to help businesses understand and use technology for competitive advantage all over the world.”

As part of the degree program, students will be required to complete courses in natural world, social science, creativity and vision, in addition to pre-required courses in computer information systems, business administration and IT services.[[In-content Ad]]