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:

  • 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.

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.  

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

  • Database Engineering
  • Networking
  • Security
  • Multimedia/Web
  • Software Development

This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.

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

COURSE TITLE S.H.
FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS
YSU 1500Success Seminar1-2
or SS 1500 Strong Start Success Seminar
or HONR 1500 Intro to Honors
General Education Requirements
ENGL 1550Writing 13-4
or ENGL 1549 Writing 1 with Support
ENGL 1551Writing 23
CMST 1545Communication Foundations3
Mathematics Requirement Included in Support Courses
Arts and Humanities (6 s.h.)
PHIL 2625Introduction to Professional Ethics3
One additional Arts and Humanities course3
Natural Sciences (Select 2 courses, 1 with lab) (6-7 s.h.)7
Social Science (Select 2 courses 6 s.h.)6
Social and Personal Awareness (Select 2 courses 6 s.h.)6
Major Requirements
CSIS 1525Survey of Modern Operating Systems3
CSIS 1570Web Systems and Technologies3
CSIS 1590Survey of Computer Science and Information Systems3
CSIS 1595Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 12
CSIS 1595LFundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab1
CSIS 2605Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 22
CSIS 2605LFundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab1
CSIS 2620System Configuration and Maintenance3
CSIS 3722Development of Databases3
CSIS 3731Human-Computer Interaction3
CSIS 3755Information Assurance3
CSIS 3782Cisco Networking Academy 13
INFO 4880Information Technology Analysis and Design3
Concentration area (min 6 hours within the same area)6
Data Engineering Concentration
Visual/Object-Oriented Programming
Database Applications
Electronic Commerce Programming
Data Science and Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Cloud Computing and Big Data
Multimedia & Web Concentration
Digital Image Processing
Digital Multimedia Design & Creation
Client-Side Scripting Techniques
Digital Audio & Video Production
Advanced Multimedia Authoring
Mobile Application Development
Networking Concentration
Cisco Networking Academy 2
Cisco Networking Academy 3
Data Communications Networking
Remote Access and Multilayer Switched Networks
Building Scalable Networks and Advanced Internetwork Troubleshooting
Security Concentration
Security Design
Computer Forensics
Computer Network Security
Encoding and Encryption
Software Development Concentration
Data Structures and Objects
Data Structures and Objects Lab
Advanced Object-oriented Programming
Visual/Object-Oriented Programming
Electronic Commerce Programming
Mobile Application Development
Server-Side Web Development and Programming
Software Engineering
Departmental Upper-Division Electives
Select at least 9 additional semester hours of upper division Information Technology or CSIS courses. CSCI or CIS courses numbered 3000 and above may also be used as electives with advisor approval. Additionally, up to 3 semester hours of STEM 4890 may also be used toward the 9 upper-division hours. 9
Support Courses
STAT 2601Introductory Statistics3
MATH 1552Applied Mathematics for Management4
INFO 3704Business Communication3
or ENGL 3743 Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing
Minor
Select at least 12 s.h. from an unspecified minor.12
Free Electives Any courses to meet 120 total hours15
Total Semester Hours120-122
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallS.H.
YSU 1500
Success Seminar
or Strong Start Success Seminar
or Intro to Honors
1-2
ENGL 1550
Writing 1
or Writing 1 with Support
3-4
CSIS 1590 Survey of Computer Science and Information Systems 3
CSIS 1595 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 2
CSIS 1595L Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab 1
GER Natural Science + Lab 4
 Semester Hours14-16
Spring
ENGL 1551 Writing 2 3
CSIS 1525 Survey of Modern Operating Systems 3
CSIS 2605 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 2
CSIS 2605L Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab 1
MATH 1552 Applied Mathematics for Management 4
CMST 1545 Communication Foundations 3
 Semester Hours16
Year 2
Fall
CSIS 1570 Web Systems and Technologies 3
CSIS 3722 Development of Databases 3
CSIS 2620 System Configuration and Maintenance 3
STAT 2601 Introductory Statistics 3
GER Arts & Humanities 3
 Semester Hours15
Spring
CSIS 3731 Human-Computer Interaction 3
CSIS 3782 Cisco Networking Academy 1 3
INFO 3704
Business Communication
or Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing
3
Minor Course 3
GER Social Science 3
 Semester Hours15
Year 3
Fall
CSIS 3755 Information Assurance 3
Departmental upper division elective 3
Minor Course 3
GER Social & Personal Awareness 3
GER Arts & Humanities 3
 Semester Hours15
Spring
IT Concentration 3
PHIL 2625 Introduction to Professional Ethics 3
Free elective 3
Minor Course 3
GER Social Science 3
Request a Graduation Evaluation after completing 80-85 s.h. from the STEM Advising Center, 2325 Moser Hall, (330) 941-2512.
 Semester Hours15
Year 4
Fall
IT Concentration 3
Departmental upper division elective 3
Minor Course 3
GER NS 3
Free Elective 3
 Semester Hours15
Spring
INFO 4880 Information Technology Analysis and Design 3
Departmental upper division elective 3
Minor Course 3
Minor Course 3
GER SPA 3
 Semester Hours15
 Total Semester Hours120-122

Learning Outcomes:

The Bachelor program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables students:

  1. to analyze computing technology related problems, identify and define computing technology requirements to address these problems
  2. to design, implement, and evaluate computing technologies to meet the needs of organizations or individuals using current techniques, skills, and tools
  3. to communicate with clients effectively while understanding their needs and identifying appropriate solutions
  4. to work collaboratively within a team environment to achieve its goal(s)
  5. to understand the need and importance of continuous professional development
  6. to recognize the technical and legal issues involved with technologies and concepts used in information technology
  7. to offer solutions and perform required tasks in networking design, implementation, and administration; information assurance and security; database design, development, and administration; interactive program design and development; e-commerce design, development, and implementation; and report and document preparation.

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.