To better serve businesses, industries and schools in central and southeastern Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University is offering its new master's degree program in applied computing at each of its three extended campus centers.

Anyone considering the program is urged to attend an informational meeting scheduled for each of the centers: Tuesday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tri-County Center in Corbin, Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Manchester Center and Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Danville Center.

"Many companies in the area have a need for computer professionals," said Dr. Jaleh Rezaie, chair of EKU's Department of Computer Science, "but it would be much easier for them to prepare people already there."

The interdisciplinary program includes options in software engineering, business computing and industrial computing, and is designed for working professionals, many of whom have a college degree in another field. Undergraduate classes will be offered to those needing additional preparation.

The program will be offered beginning this fall at all the centers. The Richmond campus has offered the program since Fall 2000 will continue to do so. For more information, contact Rezaie at 859-622-2398, the respective centers (Corbin, 606-528-0551; Manchester, 606-598-8122; Danville, 859-236-6866) or visit the program's Web site, www.cs.eku.edu/msprogram.html.

Computer teachers and lab managers in secondary schools also might benefit from the program, Rezaie said.

"Our master's program will improve an employee's job skills and make them more valuable to their employers," Rezaie said.

Classes will be scheduled in evenings and on weekends for the convenience of those who hold full-time jobs. Instruction will be offered via interactive television and the Internet. A Web-based course enables a student with home Internet access to proceed largely at times of their choosing; Internet-connected computers also are available at each center.

At least 90 percent of the program will be available through each Center, Rezaie noted, adding that some hands-on instruction on campus may be necessary.

Rezaie said the program will be designed so a part-time student (six credit hours per semester) can earn a master's degree in about three years, a full-time student in about two years.