ORONO – Managing information has long been key to success in business, health care, telecommunications and other fields, but the expansion of computer technologies has created a need for specialists who have the skills to design and implement the latest information systems.

The University of Maine now offers students and working professionals the opportunity to pursue graduate programs in this growing field.

The full Master of Science in Information Systems program is available to students who are able to take some or all of their graduate courses on campus, while the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems may be taken completely by distance education methods.

The distance education program uses the latest in Web cast technologies so that students may view “live” or “archived” class lectures on their desktops at home or at work.

Information is the lifeblood of modern enterprises, and information systems, by example, are allowing society to improve emergency response, diagnose and treat diseases, transact stock transfers and sell goods via the Internet.

The ability to create and share information has been one of the keys to U.S. economic growth over the last decade, said Scott Delcourt, coordinator of the new graduate programs and director of the UMaine Graduate School.

The master’s degree program requires completion of six core courses in business administration, computer science and spatial information science and engineering, plus four additional elective courses meeting the specific needs of the student.

The graduate certificate program requires completion of only the six core courses. The core courses are offered by the Department of Computer Science, the Maine Business School and the Department of Spatial Information Science and Engineering.

Students entering the program must satisfy prerequisites in computer science, calculus and statistics.

In order for students to take advantage of Web cast lectures and other course materials, they need to have access to a fast Internet connection, such as is available in Maine at local universities or offered by private cable services such as Adelphia or Roadrunner Pro.

Students who complete the new degree program will be proficient in organizing information for use by specific users. They will be able to evaluate information needs, design new systems to deliver accurate information in a timely way and understand relevant issues in law, economics, management and ethics.

More information about the program is available from the Graduate School at the University of Maine, 581-3217, www.umaine.edu/graduate/GPIS.htm.