COLUMBIA, October 16, 2017 — The colors of the leaves aren’t the only things changing at the MU School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT). On Friday, October 13, the department emailed its constituents to inform them about the launch of two new graduate certificates and name adjustments to two current degree titles.

Effective immediately, SISLT will offer two new emphasis areas of their graduate certificate programs: Digital Humanities and User Experience and Usability.

The MU Graduate Certificate in Digital Humanities (GCDH) is a 12-credit hour, interdisciplinary Master’s/Ph.D. certification. Courses are offered via online and hybrid delivery. Upon completion, students will be equipped with skills in interdisciplinary research using new digital technologies—skills that university researchers and public and private sector employers recognize as essential in the 21st century.

The 12-credit hour User Experience and Usability (UXU) Certificate, offered 100 percent online, prepares students to design and evaluate technology tools and information systems. The multi-faceted human-centered lens for design and evaluation is a systematic process supported by research and best practices. It is uniquely positioned in the area of usability because our Information Experience Laboratory (IE Lab) performs extensive usability and user experience research with internal and external clients. Upon completion, students will be prepared for jobs in an expanding field where UXU competencies are used in education, industry, healthcare, museums and other learning and performance settings.

Effective spring 2018, the following Information Science & Learning Technologies degrees will change:

• Current title: Master of Arts, Information Science & Learning Technologies
  • New title: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
• Current title: Master of Education, Information Science & Learning Technologies
  • New title: Master of Science (MS), Learning Technologies and Design
• Current title: Educational Specialist, Information Science & Learning Technologies
  • New Title: Educational Specialist (EdS), Learning Technologies and Design

Students will continue to add an emphasis area of Technology in Schools or Online Education to their Learning Technologies and Design degrees, as appropriate.

“We are excited to expand our graduate certificate programs and have already received positive responses from current and prospective students” said Joi Moore, Director of SISLT. “By changing degree names, our programs are more consistent and competitive, and provide employers with a better understanding of what our students are studying.”

Current students of both the MLIS and Learning Technologies and Design programs will have the option of adding the current or new degree title to their transcript and diploma.

For more information or to apply, visit sislt.missouri.edu or email SISLT@missouri.edu.

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