On Feb. 12, 2026, the UMass Amherst Information Technology (IT) Program celebrated its 25th anniversary with an event highlighting a quarter-century of fostering interdisciplinary tech literacy. 

Founded in 2001, the program has grown into a campuswide hub where students from over 35 academic departments can complement their primary majors with essential digital skills. 

The anniversary event, led by program director Charlie Schweik and assistant director Ben Conrick, reflected on the program’s evolution from a turn-of-the-century task force into a robust educational suite of programs. To date, more than 2,300 students have graduated with an IT minor or certificate, drawing from courses across 10 different schools and colleges. 

“We are committed to creating learning environments that are inclusive, welcoming, supportive and empowering for all students,” said Director Charlie Schweik. 

The program currently offers four distinct pathways: an information technology minor, undergraduate and graduate certificates in public interest technology, a graduate drone piloting certificate and a computer competency certification course. 

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A featured alumni panel demonstrated the program’s success in preparing students for diverse careers. Graduates shared how the IT minor allowed them to act as “translators” between technical and non-technical teams. 

Chris Shores ’12, a journalism major, used his IT background to transition into a career as a technical product owner. Mallory Laferriere ’13, ’15, a registered nurse, credited the program with helping her navigate the healthcare industry’s transition to electronic medical records. Stephanie Rouillard ’03, a communications major, now serves as a senior technical writer, using her IT foundation to collaborate effectively with engineers. Nick Woods ’17, a math major, serves as an operations strategy manager. He recently earned his MBA and has spent much of his career as an IT product owner. 

“Whatever career you’re going into is a tech field,” noted Assistant Director Ben Conrick to gathered students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing the program’s philosophy that students should pursue their passions while supplementing them with technical expertise. 

The alumni panelists emphasized that in an increasingly tech-driven workplace, this interdisciplinary background provides the essential confidence to ask informed questions and navigate digital shifts regardless of their specific field of study. 

The event also looked forward with a panel titled “Being a Professional in an AI-Powered World,” moderated by Fran Berman, director of the Public Interest Technology (PIT) Initiative. Panelists discussed the necessity of “computational thinking” and the need for the university to cultivate individuals with deep domain knowledge who can also work across disciplines using technology like AI. 

Panelists included Scott Davidson (UWW), Emily Nutwell (CICS), Carolina Rossini (SPP, SBS), Michelle Trim (CICS), and Ethan Zuckerman (CICS, SPP, SBS). These experts emphasized that while AI is becoming ubiquitous in the workplace, human-driven decision-making remains vital. 

UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes addressed the faculty panel and audience by highlighting the critical need for interdisciplinary AI literacy, regardless of a student’s primary field of study. He emphasized that technology now impacts every professional domain, stating, “You may be a marketing major, you may be a biologist, and now you need to also understand how AI is a technology that permeates your life across beyond your own discipline.” 

For the panel and the chancellor alike, the message was clear: in the modern professional landscape, domain expertise and tech literacy are inextricably linked. 

As it enters its next chapter, the IT Program continues to expand its reach through innovative offerings like the computer competency certification—a two-credit online course designed to boost digital skills for both UMass and non-UMass students, including in area high schools under the Commonwealth Collegiate Academy. 

For more information about the Information Technology Program and its certificates, visit www.umass.edu/itprogram.