The department has offered coursework in the area of information & communication technology for quite some time and now offers specializations in both Information Technology (IT) and Information & Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D).

IT-oriented research includes understanding the adoption and use of IT by organizations as well as the role of ICTs for economic development.

Several years ago, with the help of some internal investment from the Provost at Michigan State University, our department joined with the College of Engineering and the Honors College to find ways to bring the benefits of information and communication technologies to people in the world's poorest and least developed regions. We have ongoing projects providing access to advanced ICT in such places as Tanzania, research projects examining how ICTs are used by individuals and micro-enterprises in developing regions, and our ICT4D specialization that prepares students to work in this challenging field. The program culminates in an innovative field experience that we call the ICT4D Global Corps, a sort of peace corps for students wanting to work with technology in developing regions. It's a life-changing experience for students, and we hope we are making a positive difference in the lives of the people in the areas where we work.