Leading Computer Trade Pub Names Robinson on "IT Schools to Watch" List; Notes Relevancy of Curriculum, Affordability and Variety of Programming As Key Assets

August 19, 2008 – (ATLANTA) – Computerworld, one of the computer industry's leading trade publications, rated Georgia State's J. Mack Robinson College of Business as one of the top 10 innovative programs on its list of "IT Schools to Watch," which appeared in the August 18 print and online editions. Other schools listed include Carnegie Mellon, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania. The Robinson College was the only program in Georgia to make the list.

Computerworld, in introducing the top 10 institutions, said, "These leading-edge graduate schools are moving at the pace of the workplace, delivering coursework that's relevant to today's IT professionals." The magazine based its results on hard data, along with surveys of corporate recruiters and MBA program representatives.

Dr. Ephraim McLean, Regents' Professor and the George E. Smith Eminent Scholar's Chair of Robinson's Computer Information Systems Department, called the listing "most gratifying, particularly since it recognizes how we are in step with what is happening in the fast-paced IT world and how well we are preparing the next generation of technology leaders."

In profiling the program, Computerworld pointed to the choices available within the curriculum. The college's offerings include a master's of science degree in information systems audit and control and a new one-year master's of science in managing information technology. The latter program provides participants with a master's of science in information systems (MSIS) degree with a concentration in managing information technology (MIT).

Also noted through student interviews was the affordability of the program ($8,000 for in-state students and $25,000 for out-of-state students) and the balance the program offers between "technical and business-focused materials."

This is the second time the college's CIS program has been recognized by Computerworld. In 2001, the program was named one of the top 25 "Techno MBAs" in the U.S.

In 2008, U.S. News & World Report ranked the CIS graduate program ninth in the nation and in 2007 listed the college's undergraduate program number 10.

Note:
On WXIA, Bill Liss's Tuesday Morning Money & Consumer Headlines talked about the ComputerWorld recognition. To see the segment, go here. It starts with an auto dealership commercial.

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