Assessment of Readiness to Offer New Degree Program

MS in Network Technology (MSNT)

Overview:

This document addresses the readiness of the College of Technology and Computer Science to deliver the MS in network technology (MSNT). This request is unique since this degree is not a new program. It currently exists as a group of concentrations and related certificates under the MS in technology systems (MSTS).

The MS in technology systems currently is comprised of seven concentration areas serving roughly 240 graduate degree and certificate students. About 60 percent of the degree-seeking students are in the networking related concentrations that will be segmented into the proposed MSNT degree program. The establishment of this standalone degree recognizes the strength of the networking related concentrations, the importance of this professional field of study, and the necessity to continue to develop this program area to meet the graduate education needs of the state. Conversely, this evolution will allow the MSTS to concentrate on the areas of operational systems and consider development of state of the art concentrations in areas such as quality systems.

The strategic fit of this proposal into the long range plan of the College of Technology and Computer Science is an important factor. This plan included the establishment of an engineering department, the development of a master’s degree program in Software Engineering, the development of an Internet-based master’s degree program in Construction Managagement, and the development of the MSNT. The MSNT program is a necessary step in the development of specialized degree offerings and expertise in the areas of network and communication systems that parallels the operational systems focus of the MSTS. This program step will promote growth in both the distance education and on-campus graduate student populations for the MSNT and the MSTS.

Part One: Assessing the Need for the program

Program Need

The fact that the proposed program currently exists as a part of another degree and has a healthy enrollment demonstrates that the program is in demand. Currently, there are more than 100 degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in MSNT related areas at the time of writing this document. From a broad perspective, employment in networking related occupations is expected to increase during the 2006–2016 period between two and three times faster than most occupations. Table 1 summarizes the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts for a ten career fields with standard occupational classifications (SOC) related to the proposed degree that are among the fastest growing in the 2006-2016 period. The growth percentages range from 13 percent for computer specialists to over 53 percent for network system and data analysts. A significant element of Table 3 is the total job openings noted in the last column on the right. This substantiates not only high growth percentages but also large numbers of real openings in absolute numbers. Please note that these projections do not take into consideration academic employment in community colleges and other institutions served by this program.

Table 1: BLS Growth Projections (in thousands) for Networking and Related Occupations for 2006-2016

Occupational title / SOC Code / Employment, 2006 / Projected
employment,
2016 / Change, 2006-16
Number / Percent
Network systems and data communications analysts / 15-1081 / 262,000 / 402,000 / 140,000 / 53
Network and computer systems administrators / 15-1071 / 309,000 / 393,000 / 83,000 / 27
Computer and information systems managers / 11-3021 / 264,000 / 307,000 / 43,000 / 16
Computer support specialists / 15-1041 / 552,000 / 624,000 / 71,000 / 13
Computer specialists, all other / 15-1099 / 136,000 / 157,000 / 21,000 / 15

From a general perspective, several studies have recently highlighted the need for continuing professional development in science, engineering, and technology based fields. Recent attention to gradaute education by the federal government, and agencies like the National Science Foundation are right on point. At the state level, a recent report analyzed the need for various engineering professions in North Carolina and identified a general shortage of master’s-level continuing professional education in the workplace. The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) noted that “the country has not made a parallel investment in professionally oriented graduate education to support the development of an advanced engineering workforce in industry”. In its landmark report entitled ” Graduate Education: The Backbone of American Competitiveness and Innovation,” the Council on Graduate Schools called on business leaders, educational institutions, and policy makers to “unite together in making the investments necessary to enhance U.S. innovation and national security through stronger support for and attention to graduate education.” In another landmark report, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council called for a significant increase in the number of U.S. citizens pursuing graduate study in “areas of national need” in order for this country to remain competitive. To that end, organizations such as the Sloan Foundation and the National Science Foundation have targeted resources on this issue by supporting the professional practice graduate programs. This is further supported by the BLS job growth data detailed in Table 3.

Comparison to Similar Programs in Other Universities

The proposed program is not new since it currently exists as a series of concentrations under the MS TS. As was previously stated, the program has more than 100 degree-seeking graduate students already enrolled. Consequently, this proposal for a standalone degree does not present any issues related to duplication of similar degree programs anywhere in the state.

From a statewide perspective, a review of the inventory of related degree programs at the UNC website indicates the following degree titles in areas relatedto the proposed degree that are offered via distance education (as of 09/08/2009) (http://www.northcarolina.edu/content.php/apps/disted2/searchresults.php?inv_type=D&browse=cis).

1.  Disaster Management, 11.0802, UNC CH. Actual Title: Community Preparedness and Disaster Management (CPDM). This program does not emphasize content from the networking area and has a different CIP Code than the proposed program according to: http://www.sph.unc.edu/hpaa/cpdm_curriculum_789_1353.html

  1. Computer & Information Sciences; 11.0101, NCSU. Actual Title: Content is a blend of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science and has no conflict with the proposed program. (http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/academics/graduate/degrees/mcsdl.php). The program at NCSU is engineering-based, and provides theoretical depth with emphasis on design and programming of new devices and systems. The proposed MSNT is lab-based, providing hands-on practical learning experiences in an applied learning environment.
  2. Master of Information Science, 11.0401, NCCU. The actual degree is a joint program-- Joint Master of Business Administration/ Master of Information Science (M.B.A./M.I.S.) (http://web.nccu.edu/graduatestudies/programs.php), is non-technical, has limited number of networking courses (http://web.nccu.edu/business/graduate/cis_grd.htm), and does not conflict with the proposed program.
  3. Information Technology, 11.1001, NCAT (http://www.ncat.edu/academics/). This program was approved recently and has a different emphasis and CIP code than the proposed degree program.

The proposed MSNT degree program that is being proposed by ECU is unique in the sense that it has been operating as concentrations under another degree program for several years. With more than 100 students already in the various degree concentrations in the networking areas, the issue of competition does not even arise. This program is being repackaged into a standalone status to better serve our clients and constituents. The proposed program is unique in itself due its heavy application orientation, uses a different CIP code (11.1099), and is offered on campus and online. The decision to use an inclusive CIP code stems from the fact that the proposed degree has four concentrations that span multiple CIP codes. Election of any one of the four CIP codes un the Compter/Information Technology Administration an Management categories will exclude some of the concentrations as shown in Table 2.

Table 2: CIP Codes (11.10xx) for Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management

Source: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/cip2000/ciplist.asp?CIP2=11

Code / Description / Relevance to Proposed Degree
11.10 / Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. (NEW) Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 11.1001-11.1099.
----- / Customer Service Management. (Report under 52.0207)
----- / Management Information Systems , General. (Report under 52.1201)
----- / Information Resources Management/CIO Training. (Report under 52.1206)
11.1001 / System Administration/Administrator. (NEW) A program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software and applications; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networking; principles of information systems security; disk space and traffic load monitoring; data backup; resource allocation; and setup and takedown procedures. (Occupational Crosswalk) / MSNT: Digital Communications
11.1002 / System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. (NEW) A program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite users. Includes instruction in performance balancing; redundancy; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) network management; system migration and upgrading; outage control; problem diagnosis and troubleshooting; and system maintenance budgeting and management. (Occupational Crosswalk) / MSNT: Computer Network Management
11.1003 / Computer and Information Systems Security. (NEW) A program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting. (Occupational Crosswalk) / MSNT: Information Security
11.1004 / Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster. (NEW) A program that prepares individuals to develop and maintain web servers and the hosted web pages at one or a group of web sites, and to function as designated webmasters. Includes instruction in computer systems and networks; server installation and maintenance; web page design and editing; information resources management; web policy and procedures; Internet applications of information systems security; user interfacing and usability research; and relevant management and communications skills. (Occupational Crosswalk) / MSNT: Web Application Development
11.1099 / Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. (NEW) Any instructional program in computer/information technology services administration and management not listed above. (Occupational Crosswalk) / MSNT Overall

It is important to point out that the proposed program already has faculty and resources (including laboratory facilities) in place and does not require any additional implementation costs. Furthermore, the proposed program has earned a national recognition due to its designation as one of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) by the National Security Agency. As a result of the CAEIAE designation, ECU now has an NSA-funded Information Assurance Research laboratory that supports both research and instruction in the proposed program and provides NSA scholarship opportunities for our students. To that end, both the university and the NSA have significant investments in both teaching and research infrastructure that support current programs.

Impact on other Unit Programs

Enrollment patterns for the MSTS master’s degree programs (excluding graduate certificate programs) are summarized in Table 3 below and demonstrate strong and sustained student interest in this program. This should continue based on the job and employment patterns previously noted.

Table 3: MS in Technology Systems Performance Information

2004-05* / 2005-06* / 2006-07 / 2007-08 / 2008-09
Declared majors - MS in technology systems / 135 / 141 / 149 / 154 / 162
Degrees-Awarded / 36 / 45 / 45 / 47

* Program was called MSIT, after a name change, it became MS in Technology Systems beginning Fall 2006.

The primary impact of this proposal on current program productivity involves the revised core courses planned for the MSNT (documented in the proposal to plan). Previously the existing core courses have been shared by all the concentrations in the current degree program. The basic question is whether there will be adequate enrollment if the students in the networking related concentrations of the MSTS become MSNT students and take a revised set of core courses. The simple answer to that is yes, since there is adequate number of students in all of the core courses and the current size of the program already supports multiple sections of the current core courses. Additionally, efforts are already unerway to revise and boost enrollemnt via active recruitment and marketing of the remaining areas within the MSTS.

Accreditation Standards

There are no standard accrediting bodies for graduate programs in Network Technology. The undergraduate programs in information and computer technology are currently accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) . In 2008, ATMAE conducted its first accreditation visit for a graduate program at the University of Central Missouri. This may be something the ECU may consider for the proposed program. Additionally, our faculty are exploring other accrediatation standards that may be suitable to the proposed degree.

Part Two: Readiness of Current Faculty

The following faculty members are currently teaching the courses that will be involved in the initial introduction of the MSNT. Complete faculty vita are included in Attachment B.

·  Phillip J. Lunsford, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-328-9670,

·  Tijjani Mohammed, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-328-9668,

·  Erol Ozan, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-328-9667,

·  ChengCheng Li, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-328-9671,

·  Peng Li, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-328-9669,

·  Charles Lesko, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-737-1907,

·  Te-Shun Chou, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-737-1037,

·  J. Barry DuVall, PhD, Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-737-1265, .

·  Christine Russell, J.D., Visting Assistant Professor, Department of Technology Systems, 252-737-1470, .

Part Three: Adequacy of Instructional / Research Facilities and Personnel
to Support the Program

Instructional and Research Facilities and Personnel

Implementation of the proposed degree program will not require additional space beyond the facilities employed by the networking related concentrations within the MSTS degree program. Any future growth or expansion will be funded based on university and UOP models as is currently the case. Present facilities are described in the following paragraphs.