Illinois Ag Connection - U of I Adds Technical Systems Management Grad Degree

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U of I Adds Technical Systems Management Grad Degree
Illinois Ag Connection - 07/30/2010

A new graduate degree program in technical systems management (TSM) will be offered by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois beginning in August 2011.

According to Joe Harper, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and the program's director, students can choose to earn a professional science master's (PSM) degree, for which they will complete an industry internship rather than a traditional research thesis.

"We place a heavy emphasis on internships and use input from industry to develop the program's curriculum," Harper said. "This fall, we are planning to create an industry advisory group to help direct the graduate curriculum and offer internships to PSM students."

The PSM in TSM curriculum combines coursework in business and technological fields with professional experience.

"Students will complete advanced coursework in technical systems management; business, business administration or economics; and research methodology," Harper said. "They will also have the option to concentrate their studies on agricultural technology, construction management or environmental technology."

The PSM program can be completed in a year and a half, with three semesters of coursework and a summer internship.

"This is an excellent addition to the U of I's current PSM programs in bioenergy, agricultural production, and food science and human nutrition," said Laurie Kramer, associate dean of academic programs in ACES. "With their strong backgrounds in both science and management, PSM graduates will make unparalleled contributions to industry and society as a whole."

Several people have already applied to the program. According to Harper, applicants should be interested in technical systems management, have at least a B-average in undergraduate work, and want a career in business or industry.

"This program has the potential to attract engineering students who are interested in business, as well as students in technical systems and construction management," Harper said.

While several other universities offer traditional graduate programs in technical systems management, U of I is the only school to offer a PSM program.

"It's a very unique approach," Harper said. "With industry support, we can give people with a technology background -- both recent graduates and those who have worked for several years -- an opportunity to get a master's degree."