The central goal of the Information Technology B.S. degree program in the College of Professional Studies is to provide students the opportunity to obtain an excellent information technology education.? Recognizing that computer systems and software technology are now integral to organizations of virtually any size, the degree program in information technology is designed to provide the student with broad knowledge and skills in existing information technologies, in new and emerging technologies (and the application and integration of these technologies), and in the administrative practices used in the effective management of these technologies. The program is designed to be broad enough that students will be prepared to pursue careers in technical project management and consulting, as well as in computer and information systems administration and management.

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the functions and processes of computer systems, communications systems, and applications software.

• Discuss the logical and theoretical foundations of information technology and the way these foundations are applied in practice.
• Demonstrate a broad-based knowledge of basic concepts and principles relating to computer science, communications technology, and applications software.
• Demonstrate knowledge of system development life cycle methodologies and the fundamentals of project planning and control.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad, integrative approach to the functional and technological needs of organizations.

Apply information systems principles and practices to solve a variety of technical problems.

• Assist people across disciplines to address their information technology related problems by demonstrating an understanding of the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer based systems.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills required in a technical environment.
• Identify and analyze criteria and specifications appropriate to given technical problems and plan strategies for their solution.
• Integrate and apply appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer-based systems to solve technical problems.
• Work individually, or in teams, and communicate effectively on technical issues.

Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge, experience, and values needed to become lifelong learners, and be prepared, upon graduation, either to enter the job market or to continue on to further study in the field of information technology.

• Demonstrate the skills needed to obtain employment in technical areas requiring the ability to analyze computer and communications problems, and the ability to integrate and utilize computer applications and communications systems effectively.
• Develop sufficient background so that those students who wish to continue their studies at the graduate level may do so.

Demonstrate proficiency in a second, complementary area of academic strength by mastering an information technology-related option within the main program. (Not required for the degree)

Business Option:?

• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic elements of business administration?accounting, business law, management and marketing
• Utilize computer systems to solve problems in a business setting.

Telecommunications and Networking Option:?

• Compare and contrast the essential communications technologies and explain how they work.
• Demonstrate the central issues in telecommunications and ability to apply the techniques of analysis, design and implementation of telecommunication systems.

Computer Security Systems Option:

• Identify the major threats to computer systems and networks.
• Formulate and implement solutions to prevent a cyber attack.?
• Demonstrate knowledge of the central legal and ethical issues involved in computer security.

Cyber Forensics Option:?

• Delineate the fundamental concepts of computer and network forensics.
• Describe and distinguish the main techniques for the management of digital evidence.?
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical issues involved in cyber-crime investigation

Graphic Design Option:?

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying information technology and graphic design principles to visual communication problems
• Develop message designs, symbol designs, solve form and progression problems, and book designs.

Corporate Security Option:

• Describe and evaluate the effectiveness of the main types of investigation and protection organizations, departments and services.
• Apply legal concepts to private and public protection issues.
• Identify and discuss the major constraints imposed by the law upon security and public safety operations and personnel