IU Kokomo crafts academic programs to meet regional needs
August 31, 2006
KOKOMO, Ind.—Since 2000, Indiana University Kokomo has introduced 10 new degree programs, including 2 graduate programs, each corresponding to specific workforce needs of north central Indiana. The campus has also added three certificate programs, designed to offer professional development in a concentrated curriculum.
“The mission of IU Kokomo, to provide knowledge that works in north central Indiana, has been at the heart of each new academic program proposed under my tenure here,” said Chancellor Ruth J. Person. “We have successfully initiated programs that prepare our graduates to step into leadership roles in local health care, education, business, public management, and information technology.
“IU Kokomo’s faculty and staff continue to work on additional degree proposals and expanded curricula that will deliver cutting-edge knowledge and true career potential to our students,” Chancellor Person added. As an example, she noted the campus’ recent decision to focus the School of Nursing’s energies on bachelor and master’s degree offerings, and to suspend its associate degree program. “Hospitals and other health care facilities throughout the region, and across the country, are setting their sights on achieving the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) ‘Magnet Recognition,’ ” Person said. “The ANCC has advised us that it might soon consider setting a minimum number of staff nurses with B.S.N. degrees for a facility as a criterion of Magnet Recognition.
“We anticipate that as more and more emphasis is placed on the desire to employ nurses who have bachelor’s degrees, many of students will decide complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at IU Kokomo,” said Chancellor Person.
Degree and certificate programs introduced at IU Kokomo in the 21st century include the following:
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies provides students with the opportunity to take an individualized program of graduate courses and interdisciplinary core seminars in a variety of disciplines in the arts and sciences. The degree enables students who have an undergraduate degree to broaden their knowledge and skills at the graduate level and to enhance their careers with a graduate credential.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing, offered in collaboration with the IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis, focuses on community health nursing. Graduates with this master’s degree are expected to provide effective leadership in improving nursing practice and health care outcomes.
Graduate Certificate in Public Management
The Graduate Certificate in Public Management is a 15–credit hour curriculum that meets the needs of pre-career and in-service employees of public agencies, especially those changing from professional or technical roles to managerial roles. Graduates of the program who wish to continue their studies can transfer certificate credits into the Master of Public Affairs degree program within the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education focuses on learning in the first eight years of life. Taught in distinct “clusters” corresponding to three developmental levels—infant/toddler, preschool, and kindergarten–grade 3, course work covers child development, curriculum development, and teaching.
Bachelor of Science in Business, e-Business Concentration
The e-business concentration in business prepares students to understand, analyze, implement, evaluate, and integrate information technology (IT) integral to current business practices. The curriculum enables students to fulfill career objectives in manufacturing, service, government, and other sectors of the economy.
Bachelor of Arts in Health and Aging
The Bachelor of Arts in Health and Aging is an interdisciplinary, applied program of course work in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, nursing, and business. Students have opportunities to do applied work in these areas through internship experiences in agencies that provide products, services, or other resources to the elderly.
Graduates are prepared to take entry-level, management, or supervisory positions in community agencies and businesses that provide health care for the elderly.
Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science
The Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science program fosters an understanding of local, national, and international historical and contemporary events and issues, and develops students’ skills in interpretative analysis, critical thinking, research, and writing. Students explore both history and political science, choosing an emphasis on either track. A third track is offered for students planning to obtain social studies certification under IU Kokomo’s secondary teacher education program.
Graduates are prepared for a broad array of employment opportunities including teaching, government service, public administration, public history, museum work, politics and public service, business, journalism, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations. The degree also provides undergraduate preparation for graduate studies in law, history, public history, political science/government, public administration, and library science.
Bachelor of Science in Informatics
The Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree program responds to a recent information technology trend. Sophisticated computer systems have become standard tools for most businesses, industries, and public service agencies. These organizations need informatics professionals who can use information technology to find, organize, analyze, and present data in a meaningful fashion for their firms’ particular operations
An informatics degree prepares graduates for a range of work, such as database and software development, bio- or chemical technology management, multimedia communications, human-computer interface design, technical writing, and system/network administration.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology
Open to those already certified as radiologic technologists, the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology qualifies these professionals to provide advanced levels of patient service in vascular and intervention procedures, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Medical imaging technologists function as members of the health care team, performing diagnostic imaging procedures in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings. They can also assist during surgical procedures performed during an examination.
Bachelor of Arts in New Media Communication
The Bachelor of Arts degree in New Media Communication features an innovative curriculum in communication arts and English to improve oral, organizational, and written communication skills. Course work includes topics such as technical writing, visual communication, Web site design, journalism, public relations, and video production. Graduates with degrees in New Media Communication often pursue careers in technical writing, information design, Web site development, corporate communications, and publishing. Students are also prepared for graduate study.
Associate of Science in Radiography
The two-year Associate of Science in Radiography degree prepares students for entry-level positions in the medical imaging field. Radiographers perform X-ray examinations of patients and assist in fluoroscopic examinations and special radiographic procedures. Students take their clinical training in numerous hospitals and other health care settings in north central Indiana, giving future employers a chance to get to know the students and students an opportunity to consider employment opportunities in the area. A student who earns the Associate of Science in Radiography degree is eligible to take the certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, qualifying them for work as a registered radiographer.
Undergraduate Certificate in Contemporary Entrepreneurship
The Certificate in Contemporary Entrepreneurship is designed specifically for those with the entrepreneurial spirit, wanting to establish a new business or enhance an existing one. The eight-week long courses are offered exclusively in the IU Kokomo ACCELerated Evening College. The program is administered by the Division of Continuing Studies with administrative oversight by the School of Business.
Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security/Emergency Management
The Certificate in Homeland Security/Emergency Management is a 15–credit hour undergraduate program of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Students take courses in homeland security and emergency management topics that focus on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Students assess the impact of recent public policy initiatives on combating domestic and international terrorism and analyze the response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to recent natural disasters. The certificate program is a direct response to the state of Indiana’s identified need for higher education programming in the area of homeland security/emergency management.
For more information on these or any of IU Kokomo’s close to 40 academic majors, visit http://www.iuk.edu .
