If you decide to earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at South University, choosing an emphasis can help you align your studies to your ambitions. Our IT program offers three emphasis options: Comprehensive, Cybersecurity, and Management. Each one helps students tailor their education to match their interests and career goals.
IT Program Emphasis Options
1. Comprehensive Emphasis
Best If: You’re curious about all things IT and want to keep your career options open.
The Comprehensive emphasis is designed to introduce you to multiple areas of IT. You’ll have the opportunity to study database development, information system security, multimedia, web development, and network administration and management. This is a great option if you’re not yet sure which specific direction you want to go in. It can also be helpful if you want to become a well-rounded IT professional who can adapt to many types of roles. Think of this path as your generalist option. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning a variety of skills and seek the flexibility to explore different jobs after graduation.
2. Cybersecurity Emphasis
Best If: You want to help keep systems safe and secure from threats.
The Cybersecurity emphasis focuses on protecting computer systems and data. You have the opportunity to learn how to defend against cyber threats, protect sensitive information, and manage the tools and systems that keep organizations secure. Classes combine theory and hands-on practice using virtual labs and cybersecurity training resources. This emphasis is a smart choice if you're passionate about security and enjoy problem-solving .
The emphasis also aligns with professional certification best practices, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council.
3. Management Emphasis
Best If: You want to work at the intersection of technology and leadership.
The Management emphasis explores the business and strategic side of IT. You’ll still have the opportunity to learn essential tech skills, but you'll also build expertise in planning and implementing reliable and impactful IT systems in organizations. On the technical side, you’ll study systems lifecycle management, networking, data management, and helpdesk administration. To help prepare you to pursue a role within IT, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about IT security, governance, and operations.
This track is designed to help you develop the skills to advise organizations on big-picture technology decisions and manage critical IT infrastructure and services. These IT systems could be used by company workers, partners, and customers. The Management emphasis is a good fit if you’re a natural leader or planner and want to guide companies in using technology more effectively and efficiently.
Choosing Your Path in the IT Field
If you still feel undecided, don't stress. You won’t need to pick your IT emphasis right away. Before reaching the classes that make up an emphasis, you’ll take general education requirements as well as foundational (and then increasingly advanced) IT courses. In total, the emphasis portion of our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology curriculum accounts for slightly over 25% of the IT program (48 credits out of the 180 required).
Each emphasis could lead to valuable skills and career opportunities, so there’s no wrong choice. It’s about finding the right fit for your interests and goals. To explore the widest range of IT topics, go with Comprehensive. If the idea of stopping hackers and protecting data sounds exciting, pick Cybersecurity. Or, if you hope to lead IT projects and strategic tech decisions, consider Management. No matter what you choose, South University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology could help you build a solid foundation for pursuing your career in tech!
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South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
