By Jason Gifford
The Marriott School of Management will offer a new major beginning Fall Semester 2002.
An information systems bachelor of science degree will replace the emphasis currently offered in the business-management program.
The new program will add 12 new systems credit hours – making it a 75 credit-hour program.
Students will be required to complete 30 credit hours in information systems and computer science.
Also, students will have to complete 45 credit hours in business-management courses, said Stephen Liddle, associate professor of information systems.
The program is designed to strengthen the students in their junior year. Students will take 18 of the 30 credits in a core format during their junior year, Liddle said.
“We recognized that our students needed more experience during their junior year so they would have the skills to get competitive internships between their junior and senior years,” Liddle said.
“The work experience gained through internships establishes a better foundation for the students as they graduate,” Liddle said.
Liddle said the new major will strengthen all levels of the program. Following the internship, students will take capstone classes in consulting and strategic management of information systems.
“The management classes are a significant part of the capstone classes,” Liddle said.
Spencer Wangsgard, 21, a junior from Kaysville, Davis Co., majoring in business, said the new program will allow him to dive deeper into the management of information systems.
“I will be able to focus better and be more competitive when I graduate,” Wangsgard said.
“This program will give our graduates the tools they need to succeed in one of the most competitive industries in business today,” said Marshall Romney, director of the information-systems management program.
Initially, 180 students will be accepted into the program. Students may begin applying on April 1, 2002.
