Knowledge Management Degree

The process of efficiently handling information and resources is known as knowledge management. Organizations all over the globe are applying knowledge management practices to process data, accelerate progress, and achieve organizational goals. With availability of information, sifting through data could be a difficult process. Managers must be able to facilitate the easy flow of data, stimulate change, and gear a company towards innovation and success. As consumer tastes are changing, economy shifting, and technological advancements taking place, not staying up-to-date with market trends can slow down innovation and halt growth.
Knowledge management has become an important business process that is recognized and utilized in various departments ranging from human resource to communications. This field offers many career opportunities in different industries.

Knowledge management can be studied as a stand-alone discipline or can be merged with another field of study. There are many accredited business schools offering knowledge management programs. You can also go for non-degree programs in KM, designed to boost career opportunities and build skills for an existing job role.
When selecting a knowledge management course, check the accreditation status of the school, program costs, student reviews, and ranking. Such factors can help you choose a school that best fits your academic goals, budget, and schedule.

A masters degree in this field is designed to prepare students for careers in a competitive corporate environment, where they can take on roles as knowledge managers, HR coordinators, etc. The program takes around 2 years to complete and follows an advanced curriculum format. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and share data using different techniques. Alongside theoretical learning, students will be required to cover practical courses and gain hands on experience.
Practical learning will enable students to develop the skills needed to conduct research in the field of knowledge management. The curriculum will entail general courses, electives, and concentration courses that familiarize students with the methodologies, principles, and strategies used in KM. Although the curriculum may vary with colleges, some of the courses covered are:

• Data mining

This course is designed to cover data mining techniques and applications. Students will learn about the fundamentals of data mining, strategies and approaches, and data minimum models.

• Fundamentals of knowledge management

This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of KM. The course will highlight practices used in organizations today. Some of the topics covered in this course include knowledge sharing techniques, communities of practice, and knowledge models.

• Business communications

This course will equip students with an understanding of business communication and sharing of information. Students will learn about different communication channels employed by organizations.

• Knowledge acquisition and modeling

This course will introduce students to the concepts and methodologies used for knowledge representation. Students will learn about unified modeling language and knowledge acquisition unified framework.

• Computer based instructional systems

In this course, students will learn how to use graphics for multimedia instructional techniques. Topics such as design structures, computer-managed instruction, and networking are covered.

The first few semesters will include the study of fundamental courses and subjects. Students will progress towards more advanced subjects. Some schools may include research studies and projects as a knowledge management masters degree requirement.

This is a professional certificate program designed to help individuals excel in their career, acquire advanced skills, and gain in-depth knowledge of KM. The program generally takes 6-8 months to complete, depending on the university. Due to its short time frame, students are introduced to career-oriented subjects and core study areas. Students will learn about the basic principles of knowledge management, its application in real-world organizations, and the dynamics of KM. The curriculum of the program may vary from place to place. Students will typically cover important courses such as the following:

• Risk management and decision analysis

This course will help students learn about the changing dynamics of risks in corporate environments. Students will learn how to analyze and respond to risks through a systematic approach.

• Organizational and management innovation

This course will cover the concepts of strategy development, organizational behavior, and organizational effectiveness. Students will cover a range of topics that include organizational culture, structure and design, and leadership.

• Information and networking security

In this course, students will develop a strong understanding of information systems and IT security. Topics covered include data security, WAN, LAN, network management, disaster response, and cryptography.

In a knowledge management degree, students will learn about the:

• Basic foundations of fundamental concepts of KM
• Dynamics of the field in corporate firms
• Techniques used for effective knowledge management
• Frameworks for analysis and innovation used by organizations
• Skills needed to succeed as a KM manager

• Communication skills
• Analysis skills
• Business management skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Decision-making skills

Students must have a high school diploma or GED, and a bachelor degree transcript to enroll in a knowledge management masters degree. Other requirements may include a minimum CGPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Getting your bachelor degree in a relevant field can be helpful. Remember the admission requirements may vary from school to school.

You don’t have to go to college to get a knowledge management degree. Now students can simply enroll online and earn a knowledge management online degree. The coursework is the same as on-campus programs. Students can study at any time of the day without having to compromise their job or other commitments.

Certification can help you gain a competitive edge in the market place. Employers look for applicants who have professional certifications along with a college education. The KM Institute is a global leader in knowledge management certification and is dedicated to promoting knowledge management as a profession. KMI offers the following professional certifications:

• Certified knowledge practitioner – CKP
• Certified Knowledge Manager – CKM
• Certified Knowledge Specialist – CKS

The requirements will vary for each certification. Students need to pass certification exam, complete training, and acquire work experience to be certified.