Nicholls State Integrates IBM Curriculum into IT Program

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 08/18/09

Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA is implementing curriculum from IBM in its information systems program to provide a focus on skills required for jobs in emerging fields such as electronic medical records, intelligent transportation systems, and smart energy grids.

Beginning with fall 2009 courses, the institution's Bachelor of Science in IS with a specialization in IT service management will use material from IBM's IT Services Curriculum.

"Nicholls is committed to building tomorrow's experts in IT today," said professor Neset Hikmet. "Working with IBM to incorporate IT Service Management principles throughout our undergraduate, MBA and e MBA programs better prepare our graduates to help organizations use technology to intelligently respond to the global trends and disruptions affecting businesses, while also achieving a sustainable competitive advantage."

The course revamp retires what the university calls "outdated courses" and adds 14 new courses to its catalog, covering integrated product management, system analysis and design, information resource management, and IT service management. Four new classes involve four consecutive semesters of practicum involving work in IT service management, an apprenticeship, lab, and simulation. In addition to undergraduate offerings, Nicholls is offering these courses as electives to MBA students who want to specialize in IT service management and receive an accompanying certificate. The IT Service Management Certificate will also be offered online as post baccalaureate course work.

IBM's course material is provided to members of the company's Academic Initiative program, which is available free to faculty members, research professionals, and members of standards organizations.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

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