Working professionals don’t have a minute to spare‚ especially those in computing and information technology. But how can they obtain a higher degree when they’re pressed for time?

That’s where Kennesaw State University’s Master of Science in Applied Computer Science program comes in with classes as close and convenient as an iPod.

The only program of its kind in Georgia‚ the degree program allows students to elect to attend lectures using distance technology‚ said Ken Hoganson‚ director of the MSACS program in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems.

“A notable feature where the MSACS is truly out in front of other programs is in our use of mobile devices — iPods‚ PDAs‚ smart phones — for lectures‚” Hoganson said.

All lectures‚ which are recorded‚ are converted into a format that allows students to download to their mobile devices. When the new Apple iPhone comes out this summer‚ the lectures will be viewable on it‚ too‚ Hoganson said.

The 36−hour graduate degree program covers different and growing areas of technology. New topics include the science behind popular Web search engines like Google and Yahoo!‚ as well as computer security.

Other areas include artificial intelligence‚ robotics‚ bioinformatics‚ biomedical devices and digital game design‚ as well as software architecture‚ computing systems and databases.

The premium−priced program includes conference travel‚ laptops‚ books‚ parking and an optional feature that pays for professional certifications for students as part of their graduate degrees.

Students in the five−semester‚ part−time program learn together as a cohort‚ taking classes in a step−by−step manner.

“It’s a learning community where everyone knows each other‚” Hoganson said.

For more information on the program‚ visit http://msacs.kennesaw.edu.

For further information‚ or to schedule an interview‚ please contact the writer.