Information Technology (B.S.)
Faculty
Dr. Hani Aladmaai, Program Director for Information Technology (program chair)
Dr. Kaitlin Wellens, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Steven Gable, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Description
The information technology program prepares students for today’s modern workplace. We live in a digital age in which Information Technology (IT) drives the majority of operations in businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies. Students need to understand the impact of technology on society and how to use technology to solve problems and improve business processes.
The IT major program enables students to build a strong theoretical and technical foundation through coursework in areas such as computer hardware and software, networking, programming, data management, and cybersecurity. In addition to developing students’ technical skills, the program aims to enhance students’ communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students also gain hands-on experience through lab work.
Students graduating with a degree in Information Technology will have the ability to work with various technologies and adapt to new advancements, and prepares them for a wide range of careers in industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, and more. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn industry certifications in specific technology areas.
The foundational courses in the IT major program are designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field and the various concepts and methodologies that are used in it. Successful completion of these foundational courses is required before advancing to the 200- and 300-level core courses.
To complete the major, students will select an area of concentration from the following:
1) Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
2) Data Analytics and Management
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (IA) concentration courses focus on protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The concentration typically covers a range of cybersecurity and IA topics, such as network security, cryptography, incident response, and compliance. The concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of cybersecurity, such as security analyst, penetration tester, and security consultant. Additionally, it can also be beneficial for students who want to work in related fields such as IT risk management, privacy, and compliance.
Data Analytics and Management concentration courses focus on examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, informing conclusions, and support decision-making. The concentration provides students with the skills and knowledge to analyze and manage large sets of data in order to make informed business decisions and improve organizational performance. This typically includes training in statistical analysis, data mining, database management, data visualization, and the use of relevant software and tools. Students may also learn about data governance, security, and ethical considerations related to data management and analysis.
Major Requirements
To earn the bachelor’s degree in information technology, students must complete 54 – 57 credits distributed among required courses and concentration requirements.
Required Courses (39 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
Foundational Courses (22-credits)
ITEC 102 Introduction to Information TechnologyExplores the multifaceted realm of Information Technology (IT), including core concepts, tools, and applications essential to IT in the digital era. Topics range from basics of computer systems to the social implications modern technological advancements.
CMSC 111 Introduction to ProgrammingIntroduces fundamentals of computer programming for beginners. Covers basics of programming logic, problem-solving techniques, and Python syntax. Formerly MAT 141 Introduction to Programming.
ITEC 111 Foundations of Database ManagementProvides a comprehensive introduction to database principles, design, and management, focusing on foundational concepts and techniques in organizing and manipulating data. Presents various types of databases and database design methodologies with hands-on experience using database management systems (DBMS).
ITEC 112 Introduction to Web DevelopmentIntroduces the world of web development, including essential concepts, languages, and tools used in creating dynamic and interactive websites. Develops fundamental skills in front-end and back-end web development, utilizing building blocks required to construct modern web applications. Formerly ISYS 243 Web Page Design
ITEC 150 Internetworking TechnoInterntwrk TechnolIntroduces fundamental concepts and principles of computer networking, including how data is transmitted and communicated across networks, the various components of networks, networking protocols, and technologies essential to a global and interconnected world. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ITEC 110
ITEC 215 Fundamentals of CybersecurityCombines theoretical security models with practical state-of-the-art examples for a comprehensive and useful introduction to this field. Develops knowledge and skills in fundamental concepts related to cybersecurity ethics, laws, and operations. Topics include security policies, risk analysis, cryptography, and network security.
4 Credits
Prerequisites: None.
Core Courses (17-credits)
ITEC 211 Data Management & ApplicationsDelves into sophisticated concepts and techniques in data management, focusing on strategic utilization of data and advanced applications in various domains. Explores advanced database models, big data technologies, data analytics, and emerging trends in data-driven applications. Prerequisite: ITEC 111 Foundations of Database Management
PHIL 281 Ethical and Legal Issues in Information TechnologyExplores the ethical and legal considerations arising from rapid advancements in information technology. Addresses the complex intersection of technology, ethics, and the law, examining the ethical implications of IT practices and legal frameworks governing technology use. Formerly PHIL 281: The Ethics of Data Analytics
ITEC 310 Information Technology Project ManagemenDevelops the knowledge and skills required for effective project management in IT environments, in alignment with the objectives of Project+ certification. Covers project management principles, methodologies, tools, and techniques specifically tailored to Information Technology.
ITEC 311 Basics of Machine LearningProvides foundational understanding of machine learning principles, algorithms, and applications. Covers basic concepts, techniques, and methodologies employed in machine learning, focusing on both supervised and unsupervised learning approaches. Prerequisite: CMSC 111 Introduction to Programming
ITEC 499 Information Technology Capstone ProjectProject-based application of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the IT program. Provides engagement with a real-world IT challenge, culminating in a comprehensive demonstration of expertise in a specific area of information technology.
Area Concentration Requirements
Students completing the IT major choose to focus in one of two areas: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and Data Analytics and Management. Majors select five courses from one concentration area to demonstrate this focus. An elective course may be substituted at the equivalent level with the approval of the program chair.
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – Concentration
ITEC 320 Managing Cloud SecurityProvides an in-depth exploration of cloud security principles, strategies, and best practices for safeguarding data and applications hosted in cloud environments. Examines the unique security challenges presented by cloud computing and discusses strategies for implementing robust security measures to protect cloud-based assets.
ITEC 321 Emerging Technology in CybersecurityExplores cutting-edge and disruptive technologies reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, including latest advancements, tools, and methodologies, and examines how emerging technologies shape and challenge traditional cybersecurity practices.
ITEC 330 Legal Issues in Information SecurityFocuses on legal and regulatory aspects of information security, covering laws, regulations, and compliance requirements relevant to protecting digital assets and ensuring data privacy and security.
ITEC 410 CryptographyCovers fundamental principles and techniques of cryptography, focusing on secure communication and data protection through encryption and decryption methods. Explores core concepts of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and practical applications.
ITEC 420 Digital Forensics in CybersecurityFocuses on the principles, methodologies, and tools used in digital forensics to investigate cyber incidents, analyze digital evidence, and understand legal and ethical implications of digital investigations. Prerequisite: ITEC 215
Data Analytics and Management – Concentration
ITEC 100 Introduction to Data AnalyticsCovers basics of how data are used to reduce uncertainty in decision-making. Introduces a set of widely used data mining tools, techniques, and applications using R software. Presents a variety of case studies and practical examples to demonstrate use of these tools.
3 credits
Pre: MATH 110
ITEC 210 Data Visualization and CommunicationExplores the role of data visualization in a variety of academic fields, differentiating the types of visualization techniques available. Uses Excel and R to create static and interactive data visualizations including tables, graphs, maps, and trees. Communicates a deeper understanding of how to critically approach a problem and evaluate best fit visualization for various audiences. Using case-study scenarios and data structures, examines the data visualization and communication techniques important in many career fields, including but not limited to business analytics, statistics, and STEM.
3 Credits
Prerequisite: ITEC 100 Introduction to Data Analytics
MATH 215 Prob & Stats with ApplicationsPresents basic principles of probability and statistics, with applications to diverse fields of study. Topics include review of data and data measurement, probability, hypotheses testing and inference, regression modeling, and more. Imparts practical skills through real world case studies, applied exercises, and analyses using spreadsheet software such as Excel. For non-math majors or minors in the data analytics and bioinformatics pathways.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: MATH 102 or MATH 108 or MATH 109
ITEC 304 Data ManipulationPresents various data manipulation and cleaning techniques in context of the challenges of working with large data sets and information stored in databases. Case studies using data and real-life scenarios from Business, STEM, and Criminal Justice fields provide hands-on experiences using Excel, SQL, and R to create, edit, and manage large amounts of information and data.
3 Credits
Prerequisites (CAS ONLY): ITEC 100 Introduction to Data Analytics
ITEC 329 Data and Information GovernanceExplores the principles, strategies, and practices involved in managing, protecting, and ensuring organizational data and information assets' quality, security, and compliance.
ITEC 421 Advanced Data ManagementBuilds on advanced concepts and methodologies in managing and leveraging data assets within organizational contexts. Explores complex data management techniques, emerging trends, and strategies for handling diverse data sets.