The University Record, August 16, 1999 By Jay Jackson
School of Information
The School of Information has added three dual degrees to its masters’ curriculum to help students meet their specific career interests.
Students can earn a master of science in information from the School of Information in conjunction with either the master of business administration from the Business School, the master of public policy from the School of Public Policy, or the J.D. from the Law School.
The credit requirements and the length of time required to earn the degrees will vary depending on the dual-degree combination. The programs require that students both qualify for admission and take courses in each school. The total number of credits required is significantly less than if both degrees were earned independently, and tuition is applied at a blended rate.
“The dual-degree programs are a natural development for the School of Information,” says Interim Dean Gary M. Olson. “Many faculty members who teach in SI also have appointments in the School of Public Policy and the Business School, for example, and have brought their expertise to SI classrooms. In addition, adjunct lecturers from the Law School have taught courses at SI that deal with information and law.”
In developing the dual degree with the Business School, SI faculty cited the demand for programs in electronic commerce, which include courses in information economics, information ethics and policy, systems analysis and design, management of technology resources, knowledge management, and development of complex Web sites.
Students pursuing the dual degree with the School of Public Policy will study information and information technologies and their policy and regulatory aspects in these areas. These new information professionals and policy analysts will have the tools to measure and manage complex issues and the ability to respond to high-level questions of efficiency and equality.
The dual degree with the Law School is one of only a few of its type offered anywhere. The degree will be particularly attractive to students who wish to develop their expertise in the field of intellectual property, especially as it relates to cyberspace and other technological advances. Students who complete the program will qualify for careers in such wide-ranging places as the U.S. Justice Department and “boutique” Internet-provider firms.
Additional information is available by calling (734) 763-2285 or by visiting the Web at www.si.umich.edu.
