Information Technology, B.S.

Program Coordinator: Alice Fischer, Ph.D.

The goals of the bachelor's degree program in information technology (IT) are to inform, challenge, and train our diverse student body for a constantly changing world of technology. At graduation, every student should be able to demonstrate the following qualities and attributes:

• Knowledge and understanding of current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies
• Ability to design effective and usable IT-based solutions and integrate them into a user's environment, both individually and as part of a team
• Ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with clients, users, and peers, both orally and in writing
• Independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge and understanding of computer hardware and software
• Sensitivity to human/computer interface design issues
• Awareness of the legal and ethical issues that confront the field of computing
• Knowledge of the rights and obligations of the practicing computing professional
• Readiness for lifelong learning in the field

The program consists of a common core that exposes students to a wide range of computing and technology topics, including the study of databases, hardware, networks, programming, and human/computer interaction. Advanced courses are selected from one of two tracks: web and database development or network administration and security. A student also must complete a specialization in another discipline. Suggested specializations include criminal justice, management, marketing, international business, art, and multimedia.

Areas of application include web page design and development, database administration and maintenance, and network development and administration. Typical initial job titles might be web developer, network technician, applications developer, and network security technician. With several years of experience, job titles might be website administrator, network administrator, database administrator, and security manager.

Internship Requirement

The internship program is intended to enrich the academic experience of our undergraduate students, providing exposure to and participation in a working computing environment. Each internship is a partnership between the student, a faculty adviser, and an employer/organization that provides each student intern with an optimal experience. Although the internship carries no formal credit for the degree, a minimum of 100 hours performing relevant computer-oriented duties is required prior to graduation. Students must complete 60 credits toward the bachelor's degree before an internship is attempted.

The requirement may be satisfied through a co-op position, summer or part-time employment, community service or some other activity that is approved by the student's supervisor and by the department/internship coordinator as relevant to the goals of the degree program. A waiver (or substitution) of the internship requirement may be granted for students who are employed in the field, subject to a formal review by the department/internship coordinator. The student's request for such a waiver must be initiated one year prior to the anticipated graduation date.