Information Technology

College: Communication and Information
Degree: BS
Specialized Admission: No

Description of Major

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

Successful information technology professionals determine an organization’s information needs and then design, create, and manage information systems to meet those needs. In the IT program students participate in hands-on learning experiences designed to develop and hone leadership skills in communication, technology, teamwork, information management, critical thinking, and problem solving.

The major in IT prepares students for careers in networking and security, health informatics, design and development, and IT project management.

Prerequisite Coursework

Technology Requirement
All students in the Information Technology major are required to provide their own laptop computer and appropriate software. Specific information may be found online: http://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/online/requirements .

Prerequisite Coursework: (24 hours)
Information Technology majors must complete the following with a grade of C minus or higher. Some prerequisite coursework may also be used to satisfy General Education requirements.

PSY XXXX (3) Any Psychology course (PSY X012 preferred)
STA X023 (3) or STA X122 (3) Statistics
ECO X013 (3) Principles of Macroeconomics
MAC XXXX (3) Precalculus or Discrete Math
PHI XXXX (3) any general ethics course (FSU students take IDS2144, PHI 2630 or PHI2010 or equivalent)
CGS XXXX (3) any database course (FSU students take LIS 2780 or equivalent)
COP XXXX (3) any programming course (FSU students take LIS 2360 or equivalent)
COP XXXX (3) any object-oriented programming course (FSU students take COP 2258 or equivalent)

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework to be considered for the major. Students must also complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.00, at least half the required General Education requirements, including freshman English composition and both mathematics courses, or an A.A. Degree.

Requirements

Major Program of Studies at FSU: (42 hours)

Foundation Courses (6 hours)
LIS 3021 (3) Technical Communication for the Information Professions
LIS 3353 (3) Information Technologies

Capstone Courses (6 hours)
LIS 4910 (3) Information Technology Project
LIS 4708 (3) Perspectives on Information Technology

Elective Courses (30 hours)
Elective coursework within the major is to be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Minor Coursework:
A minor is not required for this degree but is strongly recommended. A minor consists of 12 hours in an approved minor area, 15 hours in an approved interdisciplinary minor, or requirements as stated by the minor area.

Digital Literacy: (0-3 hours)
CGS 2060 (3), CGS 2100 (3), or other University approved Digital Literacy course can be used to satisfy this requirement.

Oral Communication Competency: (0-3 hours)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through with an approved college-level course.

Minimum Programs Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36*
Prerequisite Coursework 24*
Major Coursework 42
Minor Coursework 0
Digital Literacy 0-3
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total credits to 120

*Note: Some prerequisite coursework may also be applied to General Education requirements.

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Remarks

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.

Employment Information
Salary Information: For more information go to: National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.naceweb.org) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm) provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Database Administrator, IT Manager, Information Security Analysis, Health IT Manager, Web Developer.

Representative Employers: IT Businesses, Business and Professional Associations, Public Relations Firms, Communication Firms, Research Organizations, Universities and Colleges, Consulting Firms, Information Industry (Publishers and other media outlets), Planning Agencies, Government Agencies.