Information Technology
Today's technological advancements require technology professionals who can help companies administer and protect their system networks and databases. More importantly, these companies need professionals to keep businesses running smoothly and provide an advantage in today's competitive business climate. With a BS in Information Technology, you will be prepared to become an IT professional and work as a systems administrator, network administrator, Web developer, network engineer, database administrators, or in telecommunications.
Why Choose Information Technology?
Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, resulting in a demand for our graduates. Our Industry Advisory Board helps keep us apprised of trends in the industry, from changes in technology to forecasting course offerings, to what companies are looking for in their new hires. It is a particularly advantageous time for women to pursue careers in IT as computing is one of the most equitable fields for salaries among men and women. Read more about IT opportunities for women in The National Center for Women in Computing, U.S. News and World Report, and the DotDiva program.
What Will You Study?
The Information Technology major is designed around the ACM curricula guidelines. You will take foundation courses in databases, networking, system administration, web systems, and human-computer interaction. You will also study areas such as networks security, system administration, and web systems in more depth. In addition, you will take foundational mathematics courses such as Statistics and Applied Discrete Mathematics. You will complete at least one internship, which allows you to apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world situation working for a local company.
Career Opportunities
The Information Technology major can prepare you for careers in system administration, Web design and development, network administration, and network security. In the book 100 Fastest-Growing Careers, the number two spot was computer network systems, and database administrators. Recent IT graduates have worked in positions such as Information Systems Manager at Travelers, Technical Support Specialist at M.I.T., Support Analyst at McKesson Health IT, End User Support Specialist at EpiCenter ERP, Systems Engineer at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Systems Administrator at Cyberark, and Configuration Analyst at Financial Partners, Inc.
Clubs & Organizations
Information Technology students may have interests in: Alpha Lambda Delta (First-year honor society), Association for Computing Machinery, Entrepreneurship Club, and Hackathons. Many of our students also participate in varsity and intramural sports, special interest groups, and student government.
Faculty
Information Technology faculty have a combination of excellent academic credentials and extensive backgrounds in computer-related industries. Faculty members in Information Technology have real-world experience to give you guidance on problem-solving and best practices in this evolving field.
Unique Learning Opportunities
-
Internships and Field Work
IT students are required to complete at least one internship and have interned in the IT departments of regional companies. Recent student internships include database application work at a police department, working with the Major League Baseball in NYC, and evaluation of compliance with the Information Technology Infrastructure Library for Cambridge Interactive Development Corp. Student interns have also drafted policy on network security for the Springfield Police Department and worked as help desk technicians in our own Western New England's Office of Information Technology. Other companies students have interned at include ISO New England, Newell Rubbermaid, Pegasys Systems and Technologies, and Baystate Health. These internships frequently lead to full-time positions after graduation.
-
Study Abroad: Become a Global Citizen
Today’s workforce needs professionals who see the big picture. The College of Arts and Sciences will help you to become a student of world cultures and histories as they relate to your studies while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.
Study Abroad
