Information Technology, BS
The Information Technology (IT) major involves more creativity than you might think. Students prepare for careers as technology design and management professionals, learning to integrate hardware, software, network components, and other technology into information systems.
The program offers a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills, as well as an appreciation for the social implications of computing. They graduate with an ability to devise creative IT solutions that empower scientists, artists, inventors, and organizations.
Learning Outcomes for Information Technology Program
The learning outcomes are based on the ABET program outcomes for computer science.
By graduation, students are expected to:
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a.
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Be able to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
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b.
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Be able to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
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c.
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Be able to design, implement, and evaluate a computer‐based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
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d.
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Be able to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
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e.
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Understand professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities
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f.
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Be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
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g.
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Be able to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
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h.
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Recognize the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
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i.
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Be able to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
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IT-j.
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Be able to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies
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IT-k.
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Be able to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer‐based systems
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IT-l.
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Be able to effectively integrate IT‐based solutions into the user environment
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IT-m.
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Understand best practices and standards and their application
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IT-n.
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Be able to assist in the creation of an effective project plan
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Professional Prep
IT majors gain hands-on experience with installation, configuration, maintenance, and security. They can use up to 12 credit hours on industry-approved certification courses that improve their marketability. The program prepares students to become effective, confident professionals with outstanding problem-solving skills and an ability to work well within diverse groups.
Faculty
The department maintains a very low student to faculty ratio (about 10 to 1), so students enjoy a lot of direct interaction with their professors. Faculty come from many academic backgrounds — not only computing but also areas such as applied physics and mathematics. Some of the current areas of research include networking with application to virtual machine migration; data mining with application in both information and homeland security; development of methods to use image-based biomarkers to assess breast cancer risks; digital compression with application in video transmission over low-bandwidth media; and specialized domains in scientific computing.
Research and Experience
IT majors have excellent opportunities to engage in internships and get research training in many different fields. Recent students have interned with developers in the commercial sector, federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the National Science Foundation, and scientific institutions such as NASA and Oak Ridge National Labs. Students also have opportunities to secure cooperative work-study arrangements that last a year or run through the summer and fall semesters.