The program in the Center for Information and Communications (CICS) offers educational and laboratory experiences for persons who wish to develop, design, and manage practical, creative, and cost-effective solutions to information and or communication problems in the "information age."  Although students will be expected to acquire a solid background in appropriate technologies, they will primarily prepare to become problem solvers who know how to put together and manage the technologies that will benefit users.

Graduates will be prepared to:

• apply their knowledge of human information and communication problems.
• work with voice, data, and video and imaging technologies in the business, government, health-care, and education sectors of society.
• be involved in pursuits such as developing integrated information systems, and designing networks.
• solve problems that range from delivering entertainment to the home, to automating libraries, to finding new ways to manage voice, data, and imaging problems in large organizations.

The 38 credit-hour program includes 24 hours in core courses, plus the research method­ology course, one directed elective, and at least one noncore course in the planning, development and design option, and one in the management option.  Program plans stress flexibility, depending on the student's experience and statement of goals, and will be developed in cooperation with faculty members.

Degrees Offered

• Master of Science (M.S.)

Application/Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the department.

• Admission criteria is based on a minimum GPA of 2.75.
• Each student must write a one to two page goals statement that helps determine the student's ability to focus, understanding of this area of study, writing skills.
• As a result of the rapid rate of change in information and communication sciences, a broad range of undergraduate backgrounds is appropriate.
• It is recommended that all students expecting to graduate in three semesters start the program in the Fall semester.  A limited number of part time students may start in the Spring semester.  No students will be admitted for the Summer terms.

International students must apply through the Rinker Center for International Programs.

Graduate Assistantships

Fourteen graduate assistantships are awarded, based on academic performance, to students within the program.  Assistantships provide tuition remission and a stipend. (Students are responsible for dedicated fees.) Students are required to work within the department.

Contact Information

Center for Information and
Communication Sciences (BC 221)
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
(765)285-1889

www.bsu.edu/cics