Information Technology - B.S.I.T.

Program Overview

Graduates are equipped with skills in programming, database management, cloud computing, and networking, and can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including web development, IT support, cybersecurity, and database administration.

Program Outline

program at Kent State University provides students with an applied approach to supporting end-users in various workplace settings by utilizing a range of computing technologies. The program equips students with the skills to support computing and network infrastructures, write programs for efficient task completion, utilize databases and web-based interfaces, and code and deploy applications across the cloud.

Objectives:

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate current technologies and assess their applicability to address individual and organizational needs.
• Develop a product, process, or solution by applying knowledge of programming, scripting, web, digital media, database, human computer interaction, networking, cloud, virtualization, and security tools.
• Perform end-user support, including identifying and implementing solutions to user requests.
• Explain implementation, integration, and maintenance for IT applications to a wide range of audiences.
• Work in diverse project teams to develop and/or implement IT-based solutions.
• Apply professional ethics in IT solutions.
• Engage in continuous learning, as well as research and assess new ideas and information to provide the capabilities for lifelong learning.

Careers:

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of computer and network infrastructures in small- to large-sized enterprises in such positions as:

• Web or software developer
• Hardware, network, cloud, virtualization technician or engineer
• IT support specialist or consultant
• Help desk, network, or IT project manager
• Security or forensic analyst
• Systems, network, or database administrator in all sectors of business, education, manufacturing, healthcare, non-profit, and government.

Other:

The Information Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• Application Development: Provides students with the ability to program in languages typically utilized in contemporary business environments.
Students code in applications such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, C#, and other industry-standard applications to develop programs employing event-driven and object-oriented techniques.
• Cloud and Virtualization Technologies: Gives students hands-on practice and competency in virtualization and cloud computing.
In addition to gaining core IT skills, students focus on cloud technologies, virtual computer hardware platforms, networking, storage devices, security, scripting, emerging technologies, server administration, and storage and infrastructure services. This concentration is for students who want to pursue a professional career in virtualization and cloud computing and prepare for industry-recognized certificates in the IT field.
• Database Design and Administration: Focuses on skills needed to become a database manager.
Topics include relational database design; working with database servers, users, and permissions; SQL statements used for queries and reports; and incorporating databases into programming used in web-based and desktop forms.
• Health Information Technology: Provides students with the tools to install, manage, troubleshoot, and secure hardware and software systems in healthcare environments.
The course of study includes health IT privacy, security, EHR Implementation and support, mobile device management, technology and application life-cycle management, organizational behavior, medical business operations, and regulatory requirements.
• Internet/Multimedia: Focuses on scripting, server-side form handling, web database integration, and interactive and dynamic multimedia Internet development.
• Networking: Focuses on configuring and maintaining network information systems and components in various network operating system and cloud computing environments that are prevalent in today's businesses.
The emphasis is on network administration (i.e., managing Active Directory and network services), servers, workstations, virtualization, security, troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance.