Information Technology

IT Specializations

At South University, our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program can prepare you to pursue in-demand technology careers and industry certifications. Our courses allow you to get extensive hands-on practice through comprehensive virtual labs and are built to develop the communication skills, critical thinking and technical competencies required for today’s workplace. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose between three IT specializations.

Find the Right IT Specialization for You

●Comprehensive: In this specialization, you can explore database development and administration, information systems security, multimedia and web development, and network administration and management. Work to develop key IT competencies across the board, so that you can gain the flexibility to pursue a wide range of career opportunities upon graduation.

●Cybersecurity: The demand for IT experts who can operate, maintain, protect and defend organizational assets is growing.* Designed to prepare you for these essential roles, our Cybersecurity specialization follows the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (CWF) guidelines and aligns with professional certification best practices. All Cybersecurity courses include virtual lab activities.

●Management: IT Management professionals play a vital, strategic role in modern enterprises. This track helps you to develop IT skills essential for planning and implementing reliable IT in organizations. Our technology management focus and business emphasis together also prepare you to exercise a leadership role within the IT department of an organization upon graduation.

 

*https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybersecurity-market-report/

 

Admission Requirements

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service.  Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or a satisfactory score on the university-administered admissions examination (see the Admissions Office) or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

To facilitate the admissions process, unofficial documentation, such as copies of transcripts or grade reports, may be used to determine admission status. Transfer status cannot be designated, however, without some verifying documentation. Admissions test scores on university administered entrance exams will not be accepted from other universities. Prospective students must take a University administered admission exam, like the Accuplacer, at South University.

A student's failure to provide acceptable verification of proof of high school graduation within 10 weeks of his or her start date will result in the following:

• Removal from class
• Cancellation of enrollment
• No final course grades
• No transcript

NOTES: Students who do not provide proof of high school graduation within the 10-week period will not be responsible for any tuition and related fees.

South University may grant exceptions to the 10-week period for unusual situations or circumstances.  All exceptions must be submitted to the office of the University Registrar for approval.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Course Requirements

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.  This includes computations in binary, prediction of software run-time, and the ability to follow programming logic through complex calculations.
• Use quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills to analyze and solve technology problems.
• Design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
• Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
• Display an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities in relation to the use and deployment of technology.
• Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.
• Recognize the need for, and display an ability to engage in, continuing professional development to stay current with technology innovations and advancements either through graduate study or progression in a chosen career path.
• Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices.
• Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.  This includes the areas of networking, database design and development, Web-based applications, human-computer interface, computer security, and software design and development.
• Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.
• Effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
•  Present best practices and standards in computing and information technology and their application.
• Assist in the creation of an effective project plan.  This includes a thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and the application of technology resources to the solution of business problems.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the BS in Information Technology program are prepared for entry-level positions such as:

• Network and Systems Administrators
• Network Managers
• Database Administrators/Network Engineers
• IT Administrators/Export Managers
• Global Technical Supervisors
• Information Security Administrators
• IT Managers
• LAN Security Specialists
• Operations Managers