Study Overseas

Theoretical + Practical = Leadership

Dr. Mayhar Izadi is passionate about the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University. His role as Chair of the Department has given him the opportunity to see many changes in the field. "About ten years ago, we began to change our program to reflect the current practices of industry," explains Izadi. He was hearing from corporations that newly hired employees were fully competent in engineering and theoretical knowledge but lacked the practical knowledge of how to create and execute the theories.

More recently in the information age, technology employers similarly complained that new technology employees often lack the people skills that are demanded for successful leaders in business and industry. Consequently, Dr. Izadi began the ongoing process of merging technology and management into the academic program. Industrial technology was borne out of the need for application of knowledge and likewise, computer technology has grown to include the complementary leadership skills of management, group dynamics, and team work currently in place in the coursework at EIU.

Degrees + Certificates = Career Options

This shift to include the interpersonal skill development has created a unique program. Every student in technology takes classes in research methods, global technology, total quality management, and leadership. Of course, in addition, students enroll in traditional computer technology classes, such as networking, advanced database, multimedia, Web, data acquisition, simulation, computer integrated manufacturing and technology security. In addition to offering a masters of technology degree, the School of Technology also offers four certificate programs. Students and working professionals appreciate the fast track focused study available in just eighteen credit hours in the following areas:

• Computer Technology
• Quality Systems
• Technology Security
• Work Performance Improvement

Focused Study + Determination = Specialization

The current curriculum is suitable for students who desire to be part of effective management teams in industrial related organizations. The program offers the ideal blend of technical knowledge and management principles needed for effective leadership.

The Masters of Science in Technology requires a total of 32 credit hours of course work for the non-thesis option and 30 hours for the thesis option. Typical full time students complete their degree programs in three to four semesters.

Students may choose one of four focused areas of study: technology management, training and development, career and technical education, or computer technology.

Edward R. Murrow, the American journalist, said

"The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it."

At Eastern Illinois University www.eiu.edu , Dr. Mahyar Izadi is addressing Murrow's observation by blending the technology with the communication skills in a successful program that produces wholistic leadership.