The School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University today announces a partnership with the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst University intended to attract more students to today’s high-demand information management fields.
Mercyhurst and Syracuse made the agreement official during a signing ceremony on Mercyhurst’s campus in Erie, Pennsylvania this morning.
The new relationship provides Mercyhurst’s undergraduates the opportunity for accelerated study toward one of two Master of Science degrees from the iSchool: Information Management, and Library and Information Science, including the Library and Information Science School Media Specialization; with acceptance in the iSchool’s “Fast Track” program.
Under the plan, Mercyhurst students would take two recommended graduate courses during the summer between their junior and senior years. As seniors, they would take online graduate courses, one in each of the fall and spring semesters. Upon graduation, Mercyhurst students would attend Syracuse and complete their master’s degree within one year of full-time study, rather than two. They also have the option of entering the workforce and taking courses part time or online to complete the degree.
“I’m so pleased that we are able to join forces with Mercyhurst on this program,” said iSchool Interim Dean Jeffrey M. Stanton. “I believe that Information Management is the perfect complement to the programs offered by the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences. I know that Mercyhurst graduates will bring fresh perspectives to their graduate classes here at the iSchool.”
“I definitely can see our intelligence studies and computer systems undergraduate students interested in this graduate program, but since the study of information facilitates advancement in so many fields, I anticipate students from all different majors would be interested,” said Dr. James Breckenridge, dean of the Ridge College, which recently restructured to house majors in communications and mathematics and computer systems, among others.
The iSchool aims to transform the information field through leadership in research and education. It boasts more than 50 faculty members instructing over 1,400 students participating in graduate and undergraduate programs in information policy, information behavior, information management, information systems, information technology, information services, library science, data science and information security
Mercyhurst’s intelligence studies program is the largest of its kind in academia. Its graduates enter careers in national security, law enforcement and business worldwide. It maintains a number of pioneering collaborations, including participation in an international security and intelligence program at Cambridge University.
“A partnership between these two institutions, known for being among the top schools in information science and intelligence studies in the country, is ripe with opportunities,” said Mercyhurst University President Michael Victor. “Both have a long tradition of leading innovation and change and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”