ISST is the acronym for Information Systems Science Technology a new and upcoming major that focuses on how to best manage and collect information. Data and databases are typical methods and students in this major learn how to manage large quantities of information, which can come in many different forms. Methods of data collection are very important and the study and development of means to best facilitate the best possible presentation and storage is a crucial area of study. Different methods can account for a difference in gigabytes, with regards to storage, or hours, with regards to data collection! However, ISST encompasses more than just the information, collection and storage, but how these different systems are developed and employed in different contexts. Studies also focus on human-computer interactions and a variety of social and economic applications of the technology. Students have the option to place emphasis on the human aspect and take courses on cognition, learning and the interface between humans and technology.

Core courses in ISST focus on economics, databases and design, web design and analysis and a variety of basic computer science courses. Additionally, the ISST student can choose between different tracks of study. The first option is to focus more on human interaction and analysis with courses in management and behavior. The alternative path places a greater focus on the technical aspect with more computation with several courses that parallel computer science.

Those who pursue a career path in ISST can go into several areas. One of the concentrations focuses on how to work with people and technology to quickly and efficiently collect and manage vast amounts of data. These types of jobs can be very technical in nature or can be theoretical, with application at lower levels. The management side is much more theoretical and focuses on a wide range of topics. Career paths in this direction lead to a variety of jobs which can be anything from a classical computer science job or an operations research consulting job. It is a highly diverse major that is suitable for anyone with interests in computer science, modeling, web development and mathematical theory.

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