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:
- Client/Server Side Computing
- Project Management
- Multimedia
- Networks
- Database Systems
- System Analysis
- Information Security
- Network/ Cybersecurity
- Application Development
- E-Commerce Programming
IT graduates of the AAS degree program may continue their studies towards a bachelor's degree in a computer or information technology area or may obtain full-time employment as database specialist, help desk support, network technicians, web/digital designers, and in other closely related fields.
IT graduates of the BSAS degree program may obtain full-time employment as web & multimedia designers/developers, network administrators, computer programmers, application developers, database managers, computer systems analysts, cybersecurity specialist, and in other closely related fields.
Associate Degree Program
Graduates of the associate degree program can pursue careers in service and support of information systems, as well as continuing on to a bachelor's degree in information technology. This degree may be earned in four semesters if students average 15-16 hours per semester.
Students wishing to receive the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology must complete the following:
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS | ||
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar | 1-2 |
| or YSU 1500S | Youngstown State University Success Seminar | |
| or HONR 1500 | Intro to Honors | |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 | 3-4 |
| or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| MATH 1552 | Applied Business Calculus | 4 |
| Select 2 courses from 2 of the domains: AH, SS, or NS (one must include a lab) | 6-7 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CSIS 1525 | Survey of Modern Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSIS 1570 | Web Systems and Technologies | 3 |
| CSIS 1590 | Foundations of Information Systems & Technologies | 3 |
| CSIS 1595 & 1595L | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab | 3 |
| CSIS 2605 & 2605L | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 and Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab | 3 |
| CSIS 2620 | System Configuration and Maintenance | 3 |
| INFO 3704 | Business Communication | 3 |
| or ENGL 3743 | Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing | |
| CSIS 3722 | Development of Databases | 3 |
| CSIS 3731 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| CSIS 3755 | Information Assurance | 3 |
| CSIS 3782 | Cisco Networking Academy 1 | 3 |
| Additional Course Work to total 60 s.h. | ||
| Free Electives | 10 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 60-63 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | S.H. | |
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar or Youngstown State University Success Seminar or Intro to Honors | 1-2 |
| ENGL 1550 or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 or Writing 1 with Support | 3-4 |
| CSIS 1525 | Survey of Modern Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSIS 1590 | Foundations of Information Systems & Technologies | 3 |
| Free Elective i.e., prereq Math course for MATH 1552 | 4 | |
| Semester Hours | 14-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| MATH 1552 | Applied Business Calculus | 4 |
| CSIS 1570 | Web Systems and Technologies | 3 |
| CSIS 1595 | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 | 2 |
| CSIS 1595L | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab | 1 |
| CSIS 2620 | System Configuration and Maintenance | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSIS 3722 | Development of Databases | 3 |
| CSIS 2605 | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 | 2 |
| CSIS 2605L | Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab | 1 |
| CSIS 3755 | Information Assurance | 3 |
| General Education Course Natural Science, Arts and Humanities, or Social Science | 3-4 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| INFO 3704 or ENGL 3743 | Business Communication or Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing | 3 |
| CSIS 3731 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| CSIS 3782 | Cisco Networking Academy 1 | 3 |
| General Education Course Natural Science, Arts and Humanities, or Social Science | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 60-63 | |
Learning Outcomes
- The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in the implementation and troubleshooting of networks.
- The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in designing databases and extracting information using appropriate programs or applications.
- The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in assessing information management processes and procedures and the application of technologies.
- The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in developing interactive programs.