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Information Technology

Richmond, VA

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Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

NEED
Christopher Vinson, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Class of 2017

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree from South University can help provide a strong foundation of skills for the IT field*, such as computer programming, database design, network design, information security and the use of information technology to address business needs. The IT degree has three emphases — Comprehensive, Cybersecurity or Management — that you can choose to focus on one, or gain valuable skills from all the disciplines. A broad range of electives is also available with whatever emphasis you choose.

The Bachelor of Science in information technology program offers case studies and hands-on projects designed to develop the communication skills, critical thinking and technical competencies to be competitive in today’s technology-dependent workplace.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).

IT Emphases

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 emphases.

Find the Right IT Emphasis for You

  • Comprehensive: In this emphasis, 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: To be competitive in the field of IT, experts need to be able to operate, maintain, protect and defend organizational assets. Designed to prepare you for these essential roles, our Cybersecurity emphasis 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.

Admission Requirements

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

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 in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 14 calendar days of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.

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 1.49 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 SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 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.

Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores.

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

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) and must be received within 14 calendar days for Undergraduate programs of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The student will be exempted from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success course. Students will select another 4-quarter credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA 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.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Emphasis: 180 credits
Area I General Education Requirements: 48 credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose one additional 4.0 credit course.

Mathematics and Statistics
MAT1001 College Algebra I 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1005 College Algebra II 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1500 College Mathematics 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT2058 Statistics 4.0 Credit Hours
Natural and Physical Sciences: Choose one 4.0 credit course.
BIO1020 Biology I 4.0 Credit Hours
BIO1021 Biology II 4.0 Credit Hours
CHM1010 General Chemistry 4.0 Credit Hours
Arts and Humanities: Choose one 4.0 credit course.
Social and Behavioral Sciences: Choose one 4.0 credit course.
Area II Foundation Requirements: 52 credits
Elective Pool (Choose five courses or 20 credit hours not fulfilled in the Major Requirements)

Choose five courses of the suggested electives:

Area III Major Requirements: 80 credits
Common Core: 32 credits
Select One Emphasis: 48 credits
Emphasis in Comprehensive

Choose two courses 4.0 courses from the list below:

Emphasis in Cybersecurity
Emphasis in Management

Choose one course 4.0 credit course from the list below:

Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.

  • 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.

  • Cybersecurity emphasis graduates will also be able to apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

  • Management emphasis graduates will also be able to support the delivery, use, and management of information systems within an information systems environment.

Career Outlook

These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:

  • Database Architects
  • Software Developers
  • Web and Digital Interface Designers or Managers
  • IT Support/Help Desk

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

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Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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Success Stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our business and technology alumni and the difference they make. 

Elisabeth Jackman-Knights 2015
Elisabeth Jackman-Knights Grad Alumni
Class of '15
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“They (SU Instructors) would keep me on track with what classes I had upcoming and help prepare me for what to expect in the class. They would try to understand my life outside of school and make suggestions of how best to navigate the program to ensure that I was at all times poised mentally to endure the class at hand.”

Annette Tornberg 2013
Annette Tornberg Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Associate of Science in Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I feel that if I did not go back to school to further my education, my job search would not have come to this conclusion. I attended college twice in my twenties, but dropped out due to lack of enthusiasm. Going back to school and completing it online is why I am now finally employed. Don’t give up. You are never too old to learn.”

Tonya Hampton 2013
Tonya Hampton Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I love being a leader. South University helped me reach my full potential in management skills. The faculty and staff always went out of their way to make sure that the University had a positive impact on its students.”

Lauren Elsberry null
Lauren Elsberry Grad Alumni
Class of '12
MBA in Healthcare Administration-South University, Atlanta

“This program has helped make me better. It improved my time management. It improved my organization. I think because of its accelerated pace, it created those unexpected benefits. The classes I have taken in the AMBA program are relevant to my new position. I know my degree was something they looked at. South University has a good reputation; people have heard of it.”

La'Sondrick Bridges 2011
La'Sondrick Bridges Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Master of Business Administration-South University, Columbia

“After talking it through, I realized I could go to school and work full time as well. They really care about you and want you to succeed.”