Information Technology BS, (IT Security Specialization)

College of Arts and Sciences
Degree BS, Information Technology
Program Director Patricia Lapczynski, RSM, DPS

Faculty

Patricia Lapczynski, RSM, Associate Professor of Computer Science, BA Douglass College; MS Dartmouth College; DPS Pace University

Fanchao Meng, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, ME Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications; MS, PhD University of Delaware

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:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
2. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process , component or program to meet desired needs
4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
6. An ability to communicate effectivel with a range of audiences
7. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society
8. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
9. An ability to use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice
10. An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies
11. An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems
12. An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment
13. An understanding of best practices and standards and their application
14. 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 .

Retention Criteria

Students should have a minimum average grade point average of 2.0 in their major courses.