Information Technology

About the Department

Information technology is the study, design, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems. It focuses on maintaining the system’s hardware, software, databases, and networks, with the end goal of communicating to users how to best utilize its functionality. An online IT degree equips students to think critically and innovatively solve business problems through technology, and it covers a breadth of disciplines, including computer software, cyber and data security, and project management.

Information systems refer to the management of an entire set of information, and it includes not only the technology components involved but the people and processes as well. Information systems degree coursework ranges from programming to communications, helping students learn both the tech planning and business management sides of the field, and how to implement these information systems to internally support companies and organizations.

Much like information technology, a career in information systems can encompass many areas. But since information systems focus on using technology to generate and obtain information, some typical areas where career seekers may work in our business, college, management, computer support, and computer systems analysis.

People who choose to pursue a degree in information systems might do coursework in computer science, numerical analysis, software and hardware, and even robotics. It will be helpful for those who choose to focus on this technology area to have mathematical and analytical skills, organization skills, and communication skills. Out in the work world, they will be faced with problem areas, so they must be creative with the ability to find and propose solutions.

Goal & Objectives

If you like technology and the way in which it can be used to work with and interpret information, or you enjoy working with hardware, and software, and finding or providing solutions, information technology or information systems are two areas you could learn more about if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Depending on your background and education, a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas can help you progress toward a career where your skills will always be in demand. If you already work in a technology-related field, a bachelor’s degree can help open doors to a better job and a higher salary.

Choosing one area over another might be a hard decision, but the good news is that both fields share many similarities and only have minor differences, so an incorrect choice isn’t possible. However, the degree you choose might prepare you for certain roles over others, and that will influence the salary you can make once you are out in the work world.

Career Opportunities

The kind of coursework one may encounter while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an information technology area can also vary, but some of the courses could be legal issues in Internet security, operating systems concepts, and scripting languages. Those who choose to pursue a career in information technology and are the most successful should have (in addition to advanced computer skills) analytical, creative, problem-solving, and multi-tasking abilities, as well as the desire and ability to learn from hands-on, real-world situations.

Learning Outcomes

Through completion of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technologies program, students will:

1. Apply knowledge of computing requirements and mathematics for technology solutions in business applications.

• Apply knowledge of application development.

• Develop scripts for information technology applications.

• Develop computer code for business applications.

• Create, install, and configure virtual machines.

2. Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements for the appropriate solutions.

• Plan, install, manage, and troubleshoot a computer network.

• Apply telecommunications principles to design and configure a network.

• Plan and implement security technology.

3. Design and use spreadsheets and database applications for business processes and tracking.

• Use spreadsheets for business applications and project tracking.

• Design a relational database using Microsoft Access.

• Construct a conceptual database model and write queries for relational databases.

4. Develop an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities. Explain ethical and legal issues impacting information technology.

5. Develop the ability to function effectively in teams to accomplish a common goal.

• Examine the project life cycle, and project teams, estimating project times, developing plans, identifying risks, and outsourcing.

• Apply project management techniques to IT projects.

6. Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.

• Develop information technology solutions by evaluating user requirements in the systems development environment.

• Develop an information technology solution to a real-world problem including design, implementation, and evaluation of the computer-based system.

7. Develop an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Develop written and oral presentations of information technology solutions appropriate for a wide range of audiences.