Information Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in the College of Business at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee provides high quality educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the broad range of fields that support our computer/information-based society and economy. Additionally, the goal is to utilize the resources of the program to provide service to society; and to emphasize to students the need for lifelong learning and to have ethical conduct. An understanding of the diverse social context in which Information Technology is practiced is yet another educational goal.

Specifically the program aspires to:

1. 
   Lead to the advancement of Information Technology through nationally-recognized education at the undergraduate level, as well as technology transfer to regional industries and businesses.
   
2. 
   Prepare students for full and ethical participation in a diverse society and encourage lifelong learning.
   
3. 
   Educate undergraduates in the best practices of the field as well as integrate the latest research and practices into the curriculum.
   
4. 
   Emphasize development of problem solving and communication skills as an integral component of the educational process and the subsequent practice of the discipline.
   
5. 
   Provide quality learning experiences through highly interactive techniques of course delivery that will include the use of electronic support equipment as well as newly developing distance learning technologies.
   

Through a broad-base set of electives, IT students will be able to tailor their program to satisfy their individual preferences and strengths. Towards this end, students specializing in a concentration of their choice may also want to consider taking courses for a Certificate of Specialization in a related area. This expanded skill-set will increase their marketability and competitiveness.

Students completing the IT program will qualify for a broad range of positions in computer-intensive businesses and industries such as: programmer analyst, systems analyst, data specialist/analyst, database administrator, network administrator, computer resource manager, systems development manager, and information technology management, to name a few.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The curriculum for the Information Technology Program develops the ability to do the following:

1. 
   Technical Knowledge and Skills: Technical knowledge and skill sets (computational and analytic) needed for success in careers related to Information Technology.
   
2. 
   Professional Ethics: An understanding of professional ethics in the development and application of Information Technology.
   
3. 
   Computer Processes and Systems: Design and develop computer processes and systems of advanced complexity.
   
4. 
   Critical Thinking: Assess the potential value of new technologies and see possibly beneficial applications.
   
5. 
   Communication: Conduct computer research, organize a structured presentation (oral and written), and deliver it in a way that communicates to novice users as well as computer experts.
   

Students must take required core courses (33 credit hours), required communication course (3 credit hours), one of the five concentrations (12 credit hours), and elective courses (6 credit hours).

The following courses are suggested communication courses.  Check with your academic advisor for other courses that may be accepted for this requirement.

Additional electives may be available.  Check with your Academic Advisor.