The
BS in Information Technology program provides students with a combination of knowledge, hands–on experience, and application of theory to support their employment in the field of Information Technology. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative and communication skills as well as providing a basic foundation in understanding the business process and the role of Information Technology in supporting that process.
The curriculum is built on the standard BS degree model for the University of Georgia system and includes the standard courses in areas A through E. In addition, it includes courses in basic mathematics, foundations of computer programming and organization, professional and communication skills in an industrial setting, and a broad introduction to the business environment in which most Information Technology programs operate.
The program allows the student to concentrate in one of five areas of expertise:
- Computer graphics
- Database administration
- Mainframe computer technologies
- Midrange computer technologies
- Web Development
Expected Outcomes
- be able to apply fundamental systems analysis, project management, and end user support concepts to address real–world business problems
- be able to apply analytical and critical thinking skills to develop creative solutions to these problems
- be able to produce a software solution using an object-oriented programming architecture
- be able apply professional and interpersonal skills to communicate these solutions to both coworkers and management
- understand how the software solution functions as a part of the overall business solution to the problem at hand
- participate in the development and testing of the software designed as a part of this business solution
There is a nationwide critical shortage of qualified information technologists. Five of the fastest growing occupations (database administrator, network analyst, network administrator, application and systems software engineers) are in IT-related fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment in professional, scientific, and technical services will grow by 28.4 percent and add 1.9 million new jobs by 2014. Employment in computer systems design and related services will grow by 39.5 percent and add almost one-fourth of all new jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services. Employment growth will be driven by the increasing reliance of businesses on information technology and the continuing importance of maintaining system and network security. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services also will grow very rapidly, by 60.5 percent, spurred by the increased use of new technology and computer software and the growing complexity of business” (
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2005).
This shortage is especially critical for Columbus, Georgia where the major employers (e.g. TSYS, AFLAC, Synovus) are companies that are highly dependent on information technology. Columbus State University has a history of responding to these local industry needs as typified by partnership between CSU and local industries through the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP) program. This proposal is based on expressed needs from local industry. The BSIT degree is built around this relationship between Columbus State University and technology companies in Columbus like TSYS, AFLAC, and Synovus.
The following curriculum uses the Area A – E and Wellness requirements of the BS Computer Science – Applied Track approved curriculum. Additional courses for this program are incorporated in Areas F, G, and H. Optional specialty areas in Area H provide students with the opportunity to gain more depth in a particular area of IT. Only one course, CPSC 4205 Senior Project and Portfolio, is a newly developed course and is indicated by an asterisk (*). All other courses are existing courses.
