Kent State University Catalog 2011

University Catalog

Information Architecture and Knowledge Management - M.S.

COLLEGE:	College of Communication and Information
DEPARTMENT:	School of Library and Information Science Tel: 330-672-5240 E-mail: iakm@kent.edu Web: http://iakm.kent.edu

DESCRIPTION:	The Master of Science in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management consists of three concentrations: Health Informatics, Knowledge Management and User Experience Design. Health Informatics is the science of evaluating, implementing, and utilizing technology to manage all information related to the patient care delivery process: clinical, financial, technological and enterprise-wide. We describe the health informatics discipline by considering three major components. The Information Systems component focuses on such issues as information systems analysis, design, implementation, management and leadership. The Informatics component is concerned with the study of structure, function and transfer of information, socio-technical aspects of health computing, and human-computer interaction. Lastly, the Information Technology component focuses on computer networks, database and systems administration, security, and programming. The field draws contributions from computer science, health informatics, the clinical sciences, social and organizational influences and business practices. Health informatics professionals typically work in managerial, analytical, consultative and executive roles. The skills and tools required to manage a knowledge organization build upon, but are different from, those required to manage an industrial-era organization. These new skills and tools are found in the emerging domain of Knowledge Management (KM). KM organizations of all types, inall sectors of the economy, face a growing need for knowledge management professionals. In fact, knowledge organizations are created and sustained by KM professionals working side by side with corporate executives, business and subject matter experts. A knowledge organization works smarter at the organizational, the community and the individual level because KM professionals envision and strategically manage the organization's knowledge, design knowledge architectures and build technologies that enable the organization to work smarter, and facilitate KM on a daily basis. Kent State is taking a leadership role in developing standards and competencies that define the field. It offers the only courses that are part of an accredited program, and thus provides a depth and breadth not available elsewhere. students in KM at Kent State get a firm foundation from full-time faculty as well as KM experts currently implementing successful projects through online courses. They learn best practices from their fellow students, many of whom are also professionals working in KM. And through courses or internships, they get real-world, practical experience. User Experience Design embraces a variety of components: information architecture, interaction design, visual design and usability studies. Information architecture provides insight on such issues as the organization of information, navigation and labeling systems and project management for websites. Interaction design focuses on the facilitation of the dialog and engagement of the user with an information or communication technology system or interface. Visual design provides expertise on the organization and deployment of graphics and other visual components for efficient and effective communication. Usability studies analyze users and their needs and assess the actual effectiveness of specific systems and interfaces. The program orchestrates these components for a cohesive, coherent user experience in an information environment that has become increasingly richer and more sophisticated, with new forms of technologies (e.g. mobile devices) and with new interaction capabilities (e.g. multi-touch interfaces).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	Official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation, TOEFL for international students, goal statement and resume.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	A minimum of 42 credit hours in accordance with the program plan is required for the degree. A seven-course, 21-credit core is required of all students.
THESIS:	To complete the Master of Science, students must submit one of these: A Thesis (6 credits), Master’s Project (3 credits) or Capstone Experience (3 credits)
PROGRAM FEE:	None
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:	Information Society