The advancements in information technology (IT) have greatly enhanced all industries, including commerce, education, health, manufacturing and more. However, at the same time that IT is transforming organizations, boosting efficiency and benefitting both employees and customers, technology is also opening up threats and vulnerabilities for these same businesses and individuals. Enterprise risk, government rules and regulations around technology, and the need for IT decision-making and guidance are all expanding rapidly. For this reason, organizations of all types and sizes need IT professionals with the subject matter knowledge and critical thinking experience to not only develop solutions that meet existing business needs but also to address and solve new problems as they arise.
At South University, our College of Business (home to our Information Technology and Information Systems programs) has identified four key areas for individuals who wish to build a broad foundation in IT for supporting today’s technology-driven businesses:
- Database development and administration
- Information systems security
- Multimedia and web development
- Network administration and management
These areas are the focus of the Comprehensive specialization in our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program, and individuals with a foundation in these competencies will have the knowledge and flexibility to pursue a range of IT career opportunities inside today’s technology-driven businesses. In this blog, we’ll introduce each of these areas and see what makes them so important to organizations.
1. Database Development and Administration
Businesses rely on having accurate, functioning databases where data is stored on customers, products, services, employees, and more. These databases often power business websites and critical business software. If many cases, if a database breaks or malfunctions, people are unable to do their jobs and profits are directly impacted. Thus, organizations need people with the skills to securely design, develop and maintain effective database solutions that provide vital information to individuals inside and outside the organization. Ongoing database administration tasks can include managing database users, optimizing databases, designing backup strategies, improving security, recovering a database and troubleshooting database issues.
2. Information Systems Security
With cyberattacks and data breaches constantly in the headlines, security is always on the mind of business leaders. Organizations need to know that their systems, devices, networks and data are protected and confidential, providing access and availability only to those who need it. It is essential that the immediate and ongoing integrity of business technology can be shown and maintained. To achieve this, organizations expect their IT professionals to understand topics like possible threats, vulnerabilities, security management strategies, encryption, laws and ethical hacking.
3. Multimedia and Web Development
From small online businesses to multinational enterprises serving customers across the globe, websites and interactive media and online tools are at the heart of how many organizations interact with customers and employees. To best serve these users, organizations need IT professionals with the technical skills to design, develop, test and maintain websites, multimedia and other interactive applications. These products must not only work well but also be intuitive. Additionally, they should follow usability, security, and accessibility best practices, so as to increase overall usage, support long-term user retention and protect businesses and users from cyberattacks.
4. Network Administration and Management
This area of IT is all about how computers interact and communicate with each other. Network administration and management professionals are in charge of managing an organization’s computer network to ensure ongoing network integrity and security. This may include designing, implementing and supporting Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), cloud computing technology and other computer communications network elements and tools. In addition to troubleshooting and fixing network issues, network administrators may proactively monitor, test, update, improve and secure organizational networks.
Taking the Next Steps for Your IT Career
At South University, our BS in IT program can prepare you to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. Our courses feature engaging discussions, case studies and hands-on projects that can help you to develop your communication, critical thinking and technical expertise. Students interested in building a broad base of knowledge and learning more about database development and administration; information systems security; multimedia and web development; and network administration and management can pursue the Comprehensive concentration in our IT program. Alternatively, students may choose a Cybersecurity or Management concentration. No matter the specialization, our IT program offers a strong foundation in computer programming, database design, network design, information security and the use of information technology to address business needs.
Request information today to learn more and speak with a representative about our technology programs!
