Information Technology

An Information Technology degree provides students with a strong foundation in programming, problem analysis, problem-solving, and software engineering significantly supplemented with practical experience using hardware and software resources available in contemporary computer laboratories maintained by the Department.

Information Technology Degree Overview

In many ways, information technology is a primary driver of innovation. Not only does innovation help drive business growth but it encompasses so much of our everyday lives. From banking to education, information technology is pervasive and will only continue to grow.

Through a robust and rigorous curriculum, will have the skills to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solutions
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline
• Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Concentrations

Information Technology students also have the opportunity to select one of three concentrations.

Applied Information Technology Concentration

This concentration is adaptable by requiring the student to select a minor that will have the focus to further prepare them to meet their career goals at the time of graduation. The Applied Information Technology concentration provides students with a foundation in business and information systems to complement the core requirements in problem-solving and programming in a business environment. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare the student for the industry as a technically oriented member of an information systems development team.

Computer Networking Concentration

The Computer Networking Concentration focuses on the technical aspects of computer networking. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare the students to be able to analyze and design the different network architectures and security architectures that must be in place. Students will also learn the importance of using different network technologies to be able to protect data. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare the student for the industry as a technically oriented member of an information technology support team or to take on the individual role of a network administrator.

Health Information Technology Concentration

The Health Information Technology Concentration focuses on the technical aspects in relation to the medical field. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare the students to be able to analyze, collect, and protect patient information and medical records in addition to gaining knowledge of Information Technology as its foundation. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare the student for the industry as a technically oriented member of a health information technology team.

ASSIST Scholarship Program
We are excited to announce a new scholarship program: Athens State Scholars in STEM (ASSIST). This is a National Science Foundation-funded scholarship available to students majoring in the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Mathematics. Students accepted into this program will receive yearly scholarship funds and access to additional support programs including faculty mentoring, peer support activities, online tutoring, and career development activities such as travel to professional conferences and/or research materials. The goal of this program is to help our STEM students efficiently complete their degrees and enter the workforce and/or graduate school.

Small classes and other big advantages.

All Information Technology classes are taught by full-time faculty members. The class size is small, and you’ll enjoy access to additional resources including the Career Development Center, and a Tutoring Lab specific to Mathematical, Computing, and Natural Sciences.

The Information Technology degree program is ABET-accredited. All classes incorporate service- and project-based learning and fully half of the faculty members engage students in undergraduate research.