Ohio State University: New program helps IT professionals keep pace with ever-changing industry
Advances in technology are continual, accelerating and impacting business like never before, and The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business is offering a new program to meet those demands.
To help professionals working in the information technology (IT) industry keep pace, the Fisher College of Business is launching the graduate certificate in IT business strategy that will commence classes this fall.
The program is a new, fully online certification that is designed to help working adults acquire credentials that will advance their careers while balancing busy schedules and personal commitments, said Anil K. Makhija, Fisher’s dean and John W. Berry Sr. Chair in Business.
“The graduate certificate in IT business strategy is a continuation of Fisher’s mission to continuously innovate in how we’re meeting the needs of business professionals and the marketplace,” Makhija said. “This certificate is a unique opportunity for IT professionals and leaders to expand their knowledge and scope within their organizations to not just occupy a seat at the leadership table, but to also have a voice at it.”
Students in the 10-month certificate program will earn credit hours through eight courses:
Critical thinking
Data analysis for managers
Strategy formulation and implementation
Technology and innovation strategy
IT discipline fundamentals
Professional development
Accounting for decision-making
Finance
The online classes will be offered with a combination of recorded content that students can access when schedules permit, and live discussions held on evenings or weekends. During autumn and spring semesters, students will have online class meetings two evenings a week. During summer semester, students will have one online class meeting per week.
In addition, participants will work with a coach to complete a capstone project. The project will address a specific challenge or innovation facing the participants’ employers.
As more organizations explore hybrid workplace options in which employees divide their time between in-person work and telecommuting, IT professionals’ contributions are increasingly valuable to organizations as they continue to evolve, said Meredith Conder, executive director of executive education at Fisher.
“Because the pandemic showed us the game-changing power of technology, senior IT leaders are being recognized as transformational pacesetters within their organizations,” Conder said. “Now IT leaders are strategic advisers who proactively identify new revenue-building opportunities and help line of business leaders bring them to fruition. Having a strong educational foundation in business is essential to their evolving roles.”