Information Technology BS, (IT Security Specialization)

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College of Business
Degree BS, Information Technology
For information contact program director Fred Croop, EdD

The information technology degree with a specialization in information technology security prepares information technology managers to establish the procedures, policies and practices that should be in place to protect information and data.

The information technology curriculum models the recommendations of the Association of Computing Machinery and provides career-oriented education with a strong liberal arts program. The information technology major with a specialization in IT security leads to a bachelor of science in information technology with a specialization in IT security. The program prepares students to pursue careers in scientific or industrial programming and systems analysis, or to continue their education at the graduate level. Students have ample access to computer labs stocked with Windows and Apple operating systems. All facets of hardware and software are continually upgraded to ensure that students work with the most recent components of this dynamic technology. The specialization in IT security places an additional focus on issues such as:

Security management
Risk assessment
Security models
Access controls
Cryptology
Physical Security
Disaster Recovery
Privacy and Legal Issues

Technology is always changing, therefore the program has a strong foundation of knowledge to keep pace with trends in technology. The major goes beyond basic programming to include project implementation, computer architecture, and more.

Coursework in the major explores the following areas:

Management information systems
Computer systems and architecture
Database concepts and programming
Impact of technology on society
Information security
Internet applications
Network theory and design
Object oriented programming
Operating systems
Programming logic and design
Software engineering

Mission

To provide a cooperative and quality academic environment in which students can graduate with an undergraduate liberal arts based degree in information technology. The curriculum encompasses all apects of computing technology. It is concerned with issues of how information technology can assist an organization meet their goals. Students learn how to select, create, apply, integrate and administer technology in an organization. Faculty are enabled to develop professionally.

Program Goals

The program must enable the students to attain, by the time of graduation:

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process , component or program to meet desired needs
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
An ability to communicate effectivel with a range of audiences
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society
Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
An ability to use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice
An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies
An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems
An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment
An understanding of best practices and standards and their application
An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan

Admission Requirement

Students should have one year of high school biological science and one year of high school physical sceince. Students should also have taken sufficient mathematics courses to successfully pass MTH 160 Discrete Mathematics .