Information Technology (B.S.)
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.S.) helps students develop computer and leadership skills, as well as analytical reasoning and critical thinking, to ascertain when and how information technology can be used to address problems around them in an ethical and socially responsible manner. The program of study recognizes and integrates knowledge and skills of the adult student into the learning process and enables the fulfillment of personal academic aspirations that enrich the individual and collectively advance the community culturally and professionally.
The overall goal of the program is to provide a comprehensive foundation of technical knowledge, practical proficiencies, and professional skills that empowers the B.S.I.T. graduate to:
- Evaluate and develop reliable and secure information technology solutions in accordance with computer hardware, software, and communication standards, as defined by leading vendor-neutral associations and market-dominant organizations;
- Excel professionally and academically through life-long learning experiences that support the pursuit of graduate studies, broadly respected industry certifications, and ongoing career advancement; and
- Serve local and global communities through systemic and sustainable technology-based solutions that address the needs of both organizations and individuals, while preserving and promoting social justice and the common good.
Program Outcomes
Students successfully completing the B.S.I.T. program will be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate the relative merits of information technologies with respect to a variety of criteria (e.g., suitability, efficiency, scalability, security, and sustainability);
- Prescribe and implement technical solutions that effectively address data collection, storage, and retrieval requirements through strategic use of hardware, software, and communications systems;
- Develop systems and manage information in an ethical and socially responsible manner sensitive to social justice and common good; and
- Demonstrate the technical and research skills needed to advance a career in the field of information technology or pursue graduate studies in a related field, if so desired.
In addition to 30 credits of required major coursework, B.S.I.T. students must select one or a combination of the following: an area of specialization, a minor, and/or Experiential Learning Portfolio option.
Degree Requirements
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Distribution Requirements
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45 Credits
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Information Technology
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30 Credits
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Specialization
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15 Credits
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Minor (Option)
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21 Credits
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Portfolio (Option)
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Up to 30 Credits
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Electives
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Variable
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Min. Total Degree Requirements
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120 Credits
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Options
Credit by Examination
Advanced students may earn credits for CS-180, IT-190 or IT-200 courses by test-out examination. Students should review transfer credits with their advisor prior to registering for the above-mentioned exam(s) to ensure they are not duplicating transfer credits. Credit by examination may only be attempted once. If a student fails a credit by exam, s/he must register for and complete the respective course. To maintain the integrity of the testing process, students may neither review nor contest their examination results. A passing score for credit by examination is 70 percent or higher. Credits earned from “Credit by Examination” do not count toward either the 30-credit residency or the majority of a student’s major coursework. These credits are counted as part of the allowable transfer credits in the student’s major coursework.
The majority of a student’s major coursework must be taken at Barry University. Therefore, a maximum of four equivalent courses (12 credits) will be accepted into the Major Core and a maximum of two equivalent courses (6 credits) will be accepted into the Specialization area, including credits earned from test-out challenge examination and Portfolio. (Ref. Credit by Examination & Portfolio Option).
Learning Options
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program is offered in the classroom at several off-site locations throughout Florida and is available fully online. Students may choose to combine both options for a flexible and convenient schedule. Portfolio is a requirement for the fully online program. Students may select the specialization offered on site.
Bachelor of Science, Information Technology
Mathematics Requirement (3 credits)
Prerequisite Course (3 credits)
| CS-180 | INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LITERACY | 3 |
Degree Requirements
Distribution (45 credits)
Information Technology Core Courses (30 credits)
| IT-200 | FOUNDATIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | 3 |
| IT-301 | INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMING | 3 |
| IT-310 | TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS | 3 |
| IT-320 | COMPUTER SECURITY | 3 |
| IT-338 | WEB DESIGN, AUTHORING AND PUBLISHING | 3 |
| IT-350 | THE WEB AND E-TECHNOLOGY | 3 |
| IT-372 | SOFTWARE ENGINEERING | 3 |
| IT-400 | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| IT-426 | DATABASES | 3 |
| IT-499 | INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT | 3 |
Minor Option (21 Credits)
Portfolio (Option) (Up to 30 credits)
In lieu of, or in addition to, a specialization or minor, students may choose to complete an “Experiential Learning Portfolio,” along with the Major Core courses, to satisfy degree requirements. Portfolio credits may be used to satisfy general elective requirements and/or discipline-specific electives (CS/IT). Portfolio discipline-specific credits are counted as transfer credits and are limited to a maximum of three upper-level credits. These discipline-specific credits may be distributed to the 3‑credit elective in the specialization area, subject to the approval of the Program Director.
Electives (Variable credits)
Specialization in Information Systems Administration (15 credits)
Students pursuing the B.S.I.T. degree may select Information Systems Administration as a specialization.
This specialization is for students wishing to focus on business administration coupled with the technical skills needed to develop highly skilled IT decision makers. In addition, students will be able to understand and apply the theories and strategies related to the areas of planning, organizing, managing, and validating information systems.
Students who successfully complete the ISA specialization will:
- Understand and apply the contemporary administrative theories and practices as they related to different organization types,
- Effectively employ critical thinking methodology for analyzing and resolving organizational issues,
- Integrate the leadership and interpersonal competencies that are essential for effective management and administration, and
- Manage people and enterprise technologies and address various facets of the professional and ethical uses of information systems.
Required Courses (12 credits)
| ADM-303 | ADMINISTRATIVE THEORY AND PRACTICE | 3 |
| ADM-464 | STRATEGIC HUM RES ADMIN | 3 |
| IT-403 | CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS | 3 |
| IT-450 | ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS | 3 |
Electives (3 credits)
Approved 3 credit upper level IT or ADM elective