Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Information Technology

Information technology provides systematic foundations that include methodologies and models for conceptualizing the complex dynamics of the Information Technology environment as it applies to information systems design and implementation.

IT professionals possess the right combination of knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise to take care of both an organization’s information technology infrastructure and the people who use it. They assume responsibility for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization. They integrate those products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and install, customize and maintain those applications, thereby providing a secure and effective environment that supports the activities of the organization’s computer users. In IT, programming often involves writing short programs that typically connect existing components (scripting).

Planning and managing an organization’s IT infrastructure is a difficult and complex job that requires a solid foundation in applied computing as well as management and people skills. Those in the IT discipline require special skills – in understanding, for example, how networked systems are composed and structured, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. There are important software systems concerns such as reliability, security, usability, and effectiveness and efficiency for their intended purpose; all of these concerns are vital. These topics are difficult and intellectually demanding.

The program supports work processes and employee performance enhancements; is designed to improve overall workgroup and individual productivity; and addresses the creation, distribution, storage, and use of information in all its states. Business processes are incorporated as an integral part of all course content. Information Technology encompasses:

• End-User Computing
• Information Centers
• Computer-Supported Work
• Performance Support
• Project Management
• Multimedia
• Networks
• Database Systems
• System Analysis
• Information Security

IT graduates of the AAS degree program will continue their studies towards a bachelor's degree in a computer or information technology area or will obtain full-time employment as web technicians, help desk support, network technicians, and in other closely related fields.

IT graduates of the BSAS degree program will obtain full-time employment as web designers, network administrators, multimedia specialists, and in other closely related fields.

Bachelor's Degree Program

The information technology professional will develop his or her ability to conceptualize, design, and implement high-quality information systems based upon computer systems ranging from single-user systems to complex, interactive, and multi-user distributed systems.  This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.

IT majors will choose to follow one of several concentration areas:

• database
• e-commerce programming
• multimedia/web design
• networking
• security

Students wishing to receive the Bachelor of Applied Science in information technology must complete the following:

Learning Outcomes

1. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to perform network design, implementation, and administration.
2. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to perform information assurance and security.
3. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to design, implement, and administer databases.
4. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to design and implement reports and documents required by the organization through extraction of information using appropriate programs and applications.
5. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to demonstrate information management skills in project management and system analysis, design, implementation, testing and monitoring.
6. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to write and produce or assist in developing interactive programs.
7. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to recognize technical and legal issues involved with technologies and concepts used in information technology.