Topic Synopsis: Moving beyond the BS
I.T. education for the innovation economy needs to move beyond the traditional Bachelor of Science (BS). It is not just knowledge, but teamwork and innovation that will drive continued IT growth in the USA. This presentation summarizes a novel approach to multi-disciplinary engineering and introduces the Bachelor of InnovationT (BI) family of programs. We briefly examine the motivation and need for a radical new approach, not a new major or a new course, but a new common core and new family of degrees. The BI is a unique multi-disciplinary undergraduate program supported by the College of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) and College of Business (COB). The Bachelor of InnovationT (BI) is a family structure, much like a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA), in which particular majors are defined. The BI degrees have been designed, where appropriate, to be consistent with ABET and AACSB accreditation guidelines. Included in the initial offering are (in alphabetical order) BI in Business Administration, BI in Computer Science, BI in Computer Security, BI in Electrical Engineering, and the BI in Game Design and Development Each member of the family is composed of an emphasis/major, an innovation core, a cross-discipline core, and the general education requirements. The presentation summarizes the unique aspects of the program and the rational behind them, from the 3-year multi-disciplinary team experience to study of IP protection and even seeking to trademark the family name.