Harnessing the Internet Is Aim of New Degree Program

What skills will future workers need for an ever-changing career environment? Winthrop may have the answer with a new   interdisciplinary major in information design to launch this fall.  It will train students in marketing, e-commerce, graphic design, communication and Web-based software development and data management. Once the students graduate, they will be qualified to work as designers, content producers, online editors, web designers or database administrators. The U.S. Department of Labor has predicted that computer-related positions will be among the fastest growing occupations from now until 2014. In the Carolinas, the demand for jobs in computer information, management, marketing, sales and graphic design is high. The Commission of Higher Education approved the new Winthrop degree on Dec. 7.   “The new information design degree will offer students the opportunity to compete both locally or nationally in the rapidly expanding world of virtual communication and commerce,” said Tom Moore, vice president for academic affairs. “Industry leaders report that the demand for professionals who have a broad understanding of the capabilities of the Internet promises to continue into the next century.”  The Bachelor of Science in information design involves programs in the departments of  art and design, computer science, marketing, and mass communication. Students in the major will take core classes in all four areas but specialize in    computer digital commerce, interactive media, web application development or digital mass media.   While specializing in one of the areas, students also will collaborate on real world projects, said Stephen Dannelly, chair of the department of computer science.  Graduates of the program will have an appreciation of the complexity and requirements of designing information and delivery systems for electronic communication from a variety of perspectives, he said. The program is expected to initially enroll 20 students.  For more information, contact Dannelly at 803/323-4811 or check out the new Information Design Web site.   Return to Main Page -->