INF Ph.D. Student Meg Fryling

Meg Fryling, originally from Schenectady, N.Y., chose the Department of Informatics to earn her Ph.D. in Information Science because its interdisciplinary nature was a good fit with her background — one that includes a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s in business administration.

“UAlbany is extraordinarily lucky to have several faculty members such as George Richardson and David Andersen who are experts in system dynamics,” she said. “We have a wonderfully diverse student population with a strong sense of community.”

Fryling’s dissertation will explore the dynamic causal feedback relationships involved in the planning, implementation and maintenance of enterprise-wide information systems. After receiving her degree, she plans to teach, consult and do research.

Advanced Studies in the Information Age

CCI’s graduate degrees are excellent preparation for careers in top corporations or university research centers.  Recent graduates have gone on to rewarding and challenging positions in such leading corporations as Microsoft, Google and Yahoo!

Computer Science: The M.S. degree provides a solid foundation in computer science theory and practice, fully preparing students for a career in computing or for further study leading to a doctorate.  The M.S. requires a minimum of 32 credits (at least 26 at UAlbany) and usually takes two years.  Computer Science graduates can look forward to careers in programming, systems analysis, network administration, database development, security analysis, IT, software engineering, and more.

The Ph.D. prepares students for productive careers as computer science research scholars in universities, or as computer science researchers in industrial research and development or government agencies. Students must have a baccalaureate degree to apply and must submit relevant scores from the Graduate Record Examination.  The course of study, over three-four years, involves completion of 60 credits and one additional year of research leading to an accepted dissertation.

Informatics: Informatics offers the Ph.D. in Information Science, an interdisciplinary program that encompasses research, teaching, and the application of research to practice. Graduates can look forward to excellent job opportunities, whether directly in the field of computing and information science, or by applying their expertise in information science to positions within the business, government, education or nonprofit sectors.

Information Studies: The M.S. in Information Science prepares students for jobs where the generation, management, and use of information is the dominant or essential requisite. It involves successful completion of 42 credits and provides five areas of concentration: Archives/Records Administration; Library and Information Services; Library and Information Services/School Library Media Specialist; Information Management and Policy; and Information Systems and Technology. Two programs combine the M.S.I.S. and the M.A. in either English or History. The Department of Information Studies also offers a Certificate of Advanced Study, a post-master’s degree that allows students to pursue individualized programs related to information.

A CCI degree in information science is excellent preparation for individuals seeking careers as information professionals, archivists, librarians or media specialists. Other students may combine an information science major with an appropriate minor, which can lead to careers in information-dependent areas of business, government or education.