Information Technology

Using interdisciplinary and experiential approaches, the Information Technology (IT) Program lays a solid technological and digital knowledge base leading to further study and professional advancement in this competitive field. Students work with outstanding faculty to demystify and navigate the world of technology, envisioning their futures in IT. Blending theory and practice, the inclusive, high-impact curriculum ensures consistent opportunities for students to experience and apply the information and skills they acquire.

IT majors explore and learn fundamental aspects of web design, database management, programming, security, communication networks, and more. In addition to identifying the structures and functions of various multimedia systems, students expand their abilities to select, create, apply, integrate, and administer them. Complementing curricular emphasis on applied knowledge, the Program provides students exciting opportunities and essential support for internships and certification.

Innovative and applied learning and valuable practical experiences develop student familiarity with the industry, giving them an edge in their continued IT education and enhancing their job qualifications. Thus equipped with information, skills, experiences in the workplace, and industry certifications, IT graduates are poised to thrive upon transfer to a baccalaureate program and entering an intellectually and financially rewarding career.

The Information Technology program prepares students for the technological workforce of tomorrow. To this end, we strive to enrich our students with basic and fundamental knowledge of the technologies that will govern our world of tomorrow and equip them with the skill and hands-on expertise needed at the workforce.

To promote career readiness within the curriculum, the Program implements course design and experiences that promote and incorporate the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) Career Competencies:

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Oral/Written Communication
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Digital Technology
• Leadership
• Professionalism/Work Ethic
• Career Management
• Global/Intercultural Fluency

Beginning in Spring 2019, the Information Technology (IT) Program has collaborated with Per Scholas to enhance our courses with IT industry certification. Per Scholas is an organization committed to closing the technological skills divide and preparing smart, dedicated people from underserved and underrepresented communities to work in key technical roles, creating transformative career opportunities for students and building a more diverse technical workforce.

Students in the IT Program are required to complete INFT 204: Internship in Information Technology, a course that fully embeds the NACE Career Competencies into major assignments throughout the semester and leads students to industry certification to further their IT careers. To date, students enrolled in this course have applied for certification in Network+. In the near future, industry certification will be expanded to additional IT courses and to include Comp TIA A+ and Cybersecurity.

Upon successful completion of the Information Technology program, students will be able to:

• Apply the principles of database management, computer and data communication networks, security, programming, web technology and software development to a given information technology problem;
• Demonstrate proficiency with basic hardware and software-related tasks. Installing operating systems, assembling and disassembling a computer, installing software, setting up small networks, connecting peripherals;
• Illustrate how technology is used in a business setting;
• Apply technical knowledge and skills in devising solutions to business challenges;
• Analyze the effectiveness of various technologies in a business or information technology scenario; and
• Explain and apply professional and ethical behavior as promoted by international computing societies, such as ACM and AITP.