Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Information Technology, B.S.


The program’s description is noted below:

Requirements for the major in information technology, B.S. program


The program in Information Technology (IT) leading to a bachelor of science (BS) degree prepares students for a successful professional career in IT, and for graduate study in information technology. The program provides students with the technical foundation of information technology, problem solving skills, and hands-on practice.  This will help students create and improve IT solutions by integrating existing and emerging technologies. This program prepares students for graduate studies and lifelong learning by providing them with the theoretical foundations of information technology and exposing them to areas of current and future practices. The pillars of IT include programming, networking, human-computer interaction, databases, information management, and web systems, built on a foundation of knowledge of the fundamentals of IT. The program also includes a strong professional component to develop skills in technical communication, ethics, and team work. The BS in Information Technology program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

 

Program educational objectives

In the course of their careers, graduates of the Information Technology program will:

  • Work productively as problem solvers and providers of integrated IT solutions.
  • Remain current in their profession through lifelong learning, including graduate school.
  • Exhibit teamwork and leadership as well as exercise their profession with the highest level of ethics and social responsibility.

Course requirements (minimum of 128 total credits)

To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in information technology, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits and meet the following requirements:

General education


The General Education Requirements are comprised of three parts: Foundations, Explorations, and Integration. In addition, U.S. Diversity requirements must also be met. For details, refer to the General Education section of the catalog.  In order to satisfy both general education and other program requirements, in some of the general education areas students should select from the courses listed below.

Foundations:


Explorations: One course from each of the seven Explorations areas


  • Arts
  • Foreign Language and Culture
  • Global Perspective
  • Literature
  • Natural Science and Technology (Satisfied by approved science elective)
  • Social Science
  • Western Civilization (Must select PHL 1310 )*

Integration:


  • Knowledge Applications (Satisfied by APM 1663 )
  • Capstone (Satisfied by CSI 4999 )
  • Writing Intensive in the Major (Satisfied by CSI 4999 )
  • Writing Intensive in General Education (May be met by an approved course in the Explorations area)

U.S. Diversity:


  • May be met by an approved course in the Explorations area.

*Students are required to take PHL 1310   - Introduction to Ethics in Science and Engineering  to satisfy the general education requirement in Western Civilization.

In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an SECS Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Mathematics and sciences – 16 credits


Approved science electives


*Approved science electives for information technology majors are: BIO 1200 , BIO 1300 , CHM 1440  and CHM 1470 ENV 3080 , PHY 1510  and PHY 1100 .

Professional track – 8 credits


Choose coursework from only one of the following tracks:


Cybersecurity Track

Professional training – 2 credits


Management and communications – 8 credits


Professional Electives – 8 credits


Must select CSI 2320 , CSI 2340 , CSI 2350 , CSI 2360 , or any CSI courses at 3000 or higher level.

Major Standing


To enroll in 3000- or higher level courses and to become candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Information Technology, students must gain major standing.  An application for major standing should be submitted prior to intended enrollment in 3000- or higher level courses.  Forms may be obtained from the SECS Undergraduate Advising Office or from the SECS website.

To gain major standing Information Technology, students must:

A) have an average GPA of 2.0 in the following mathematics and science courses: Either MTH 1222  or MTH 1554 , STA 2221 , APM 1663 , and approved science elective.

B) have an average GPA of 2.0 in the following information technology core courses: CSI 1210 , CSI 1310 , CSI 2300 , CSI 2470 , CSI 2520 , and CSI 2999 .

C) have no more than two grades below C in the courses listed in A and B above.

D) have not attempted any course listed in A and B above more than three times. Students may petition to repeat a course a fourth time.

E) have not repeated more than three different courses listed in A and B. Courses in which a W (withdrawal) grade is recorded will not be counted.

Conditional major standing may be granted in the semester in which the student will complete requirements A and B above.

Performance requirements


Satisfactory completion of the program requires an average grade of at least 2.0 within each group: mathematics and sciences, information technology core, and professional courses (including required professional subjects, professional track, management and communications, and professional electives). Within professional courses at most two grades below C are permitted, at most two different courses may be repeated, and a total of three attempts per course is permitted.

Sample information technology schedule


Students entering the School of Engineering and Computer Science with the required background may follow a schedule such as the one indicated below. However, students will need additional time to complete the program if they do not have the required background upon entrance to the program.

Freshman year


Fall semester – 16 credits

Sophomore year


Junior year


Winter semester – 16 credits

Senior year


Fall semester – 14 credits

  • Professional training (2) 
  • General education (4)
  • Professional track (4)
  • Professional Elective (4)
Winter semester – 16 credits