Information Architecture and Knowledge Management - M.S. Download to print

The Master of Science in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management consists of three concentrations: Health  Informatics,  Knowledge Management and User Experience Design.

Health Informatics is the science of evaluating, implementing, and utilizing technology to manage all information related to the patient care delivery process: clinical, financial, technological and enterprise-wide. We describe the health informatics discipline by considering three major components. The Information Systems component focuses on such issues as information systems analysis, design, implementation, management and leadership. The Informatics component is concerned with the study of structure, function and transfer of information, socio-technical aspects of health computing, and human-computer interaction. Lastly, the Information Technology component focuses on computer networks, database and systems administration, security, and programming. The field draws contributions from computer science, health informatics, the clinical sciences, social and organizational influences and business practices. Health informatics professionals typically work in managerial, analytical, consultative and executive roles.

The skills and tools required to manage a knowledge organization build upon, but are different from, those required to manage an industrial-era organization. These new skills and tools are found in the emerging domain of Knowledge Management (KM). KM organizations of all types, in all sectors of the economy, face a growing need for knowledge management professionals. In fact, knowledge organizations are created and sustained by KM professionals working side by side with corporate executives, business and subject matter experts. A knowledge organization works smarter at the organizational, the community and the individual level because KM professionals envision and strategically manage the organization's knowledge, design knowledge architectures and build technologies that enable the organization to work smarter, and facilitate KM on a daily basis. Kent State is taking a leadership role in developing standards and competencies that define the field. It offers the only courses that are part of an accredited program, and thus provides a depth and breadth not available elsewhere. students in KM at Kent State get a firm foundation from full-time faculty as well as KM experts currently implementing successful projects through online courses. They learn best practices from their fellow students, many of whom are also professionals working in KM. And through courses or internships, they get real-world, practical experience.

User Experience Designers engage in a variety of design activities that help produce interfaces users enjoy and also help organizations meet business goals. UXD addresses the structural, information psychological and emotional aspects of what makes a successful user interface, whether it's Web, mobile, tablet or any other device. At Kent State University User Experience Design, is thought of as a process where students learn, understand, imagine, evaluate and inform. The design team begins by gathering data/information about users, clients, the organizational culture, common tasks and work environments. After sufficient data/information is gathered, the team seeks to understand the context in which the project will be undertaken. This phase is the bridge between data collection and design. Design in the imagine phase involves brainstorming, iterative prototyping and critiquing. The design team needs to constantly evaluate their designs to see if they work in the real world. This may involve usability testing at Kent State's usability lab, eye tracking studies, paper prototyping or heuristic evaluations. The results of design must be communicated to appropriate audiences. This informing process involves giving presentations to clients and stakeholders, report writing and other forms of communication.
 

Official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation, TOEFL for international students, goal statement and resume.

A minimum of 36 credit hours is required for the Health Informatics and User Experience Design concentrations. A minimum of 42 credit hours is required for the Knowledge Management concentration. Program plans must be approved by faculty advisors. A three-course, 9-credit core is required of all students. Students in each concentration are encouraged to select elective courses from the other two concentrations.

Students choosing the MLIS/MS dual degree program must complete a minimum of 57 credit hours. A maximum of 24 credit hours count toward both degree programs.
 

To complete the Master of Science, students must submit one of these:  A Thesis (6 credits), Master’s Project (3 credits), Capstone Experience (3 credits) or Individual Investigation (3 credits). To be approved, an  Individual Investigation must provide a synthesis of the student's coursework.
 

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