Marymount University
Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13
Information Technology
Information Technology (B.S.)
Marymount's Information Technology (IT) program offers a solid foundation of knowledge across the system life cycle — defining requirements, developing software, administering and securing a computer network, and successfully managing IT projects. The curriculum addresses hardware, software, databases, networks, security, quality assurance, and project management. Students will focus in one of the following specialty areas:
- Applied IT — for students who wish to study computers in the context of an application area, such as biology, education, or graphic design
- Computer Science — for students who would like to design and build software products or design and build complex, secure networks
- Forensic Computing — for students who wish to investigate computer crimes and prepare evidence for use in a court of law
- Health IT — for students who aim to work in the health care industry, using technology to improve patient care
- Information Systems — for students who wish to design support networks, provide technical support to system users, and design and manage websites, usually in a business context
- Interactive Media — for students who would like to design websites using audio and video components
- Networking and Cybersecurity — for students who wish to specialize in network administration and the protection of today's computer systems.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to
- demonstrate a broad knowledge of information technology, allowing them to function as IT professionals able to successfully analyze problems and implement IT solutions;
- develop specific skills in a segment of the information technology field, allowing them to work effectively in these specializations;
- be proficient in at least one programming language and be able to learn additional programming languages based on a knowledge of programming principles;
- be proficient in a variety of skills such as computer repair, computer networking, database design, software testing, and information security through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience sufficient to obtain industry certifications;
- conduct a capstone project that includes research in an aspect of information technology (hardware, software, data, or information security) and apply that research to a current information technology concern for businesses or society in general;
- compose and construct written documents and give presentations articulating business needs, identifying solutions, and considering decision implications, with arguments backed up by data;
- work successfully in a team environment both as a team leader and as a participant, and communicate effectively with team members who do not have a technical background;
- have a well-rounded education to conduct themselves as responsible professionals and global citizens who are aware of ethical issues and societal needs and problems; and
- possess the knowledge and skills required to pursue lifelong learning, including advanced degrees in areas relating to information technology and to adapt to an ever-changing, global technological and business environment.
Students are also prepared for industrywide certification, such as A+, Net+, Security+ from CompTia, and CSTA from SofTest. Students who specialize in Forensic Computing study the field using topics required for the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiner’s Certified Computer Examiner certification. Students who specialize in Networking and Cybersecurity are prepared for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications for Cisco Systems and the Security+ certification from CompTia. The Computer Science specialty provides the preparatory work necessary to enter Marymount’s M.S. in Information Technology’s Software Engineering track and prepares students for the IEEE Certification of Software Development Professionals (CSDP).
Students are advised to consider a minor depending upon their specialty. Students choosing the Applied IT specialty should consider a minor tied to their intended application area, such as Biology or Graphic Design, both offered through the School of Arts and Sciences. Students specializing in Computer Science might consider a minor in Mathematics, offered through the School of Arts and Sciences. Students specializing in Forensic Computing may wish to minor in Criminal Justice, available through the School of Education and Human Services. Students specializing in Information Systems should consider a minor in Business Administration, offered through the School of Business Administration. Students specializing in Interactive Media should consider the Web Design minor, available through the School of Arts and Sciences.
The full-time faculty for this program conduct research in information security, data management, open source software, technology for health care, and other areas. Adjunct faculty work in areas such as requirements analysis, computer crime investigation, hardware design, software development, database management, information assurance, and operations management. Students can benefit from a breadth of research and experience in the IT field and participate in such activities as the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) programming competition and undergraduate research.
Internship Prerequisites: A minimum of 90 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and a grade of C or better in IT 323 Junior IT Seminar are required in order to register for the internship.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- is required in any course within the Information Technology major that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.
Residency Requirement: Transfer students must complete 21 credits of their IT major or specialty courses at Marymount.
Degree Requirements
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.
IT 110 Information Technology in the Global Age
IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age
IT 130 Java Programming or IT 125 Web Development
IT 205 Computer Technology
IT 210 Software Engineering
IT 223 Sophomore IT Seminar
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming or IT 225 Advanced Web Development
IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 310 Database Technology
IT 323 Junior IT Seminar
IT 345 Human Computer Interaction
IT 355 Software Quality Assurance, Documentation, and Testing
IT 400 Internship
IT 423 Senior IT Seminar
IT 489 IT Capstone Project
MGT 123 The Business Experience
MSC 300 Business Statistics
MSC 345 Project Management
MA 155 Finite Mathematics or MA 181 Calculus I (Students needing preparation for either course should plan to complete that preparatory coursework during the freshman year.)
MA 260 Discrete Mathematics for Information Technology
PH 305 Business Ethics
All majors also complete coursework in a chosen specialty as follows:
Applied IT specialty
Five (5) courses representing an IT application area that have been approved by the program director
Computer Science specialty
IT 315 Operating Systems
IT 320 Structure of Programming Languages
IT 340 Data Structures and Algorithms
MA 182 Calculus II
One (1) Information Technology (IT) or Mathematics (MA) elective
Forensic Computing specialty
ACT 201 Principles of Accounting I
CJ 209 The Criminal Justice System
CJ 310 Policing in American Society
CJ 320 Cybercrime and Digital Terrorism
IT 370 Computer Forensics
Health IT specialty
HIM 115 Medical Terminology
HIM 125 Health Information Systems
HIM 365 Integrated Health Care Technology
IT 380 Electronic Document and Record Management
LA 250 Legal Aspects of Health Care
Information Systems specialty
ACT 201 Principles of Accounting I
LA 248 Business Law I
MGT 304 Organizational Management
MSC 310 Decision Analysis
1 elective from any of the following disciplines: Accounting (ACT), Information Technology (IT), Graphic Design (GD), Management (MGT), or Marketing (MKT)
Interactive Media specialty
GD 101 Software Lab I: Photoshop
GD 103 Software Lab III: Motion Graphics
GD 104 Software Lab IV: WordPress
GD 203 Photography: Digital Imaging
GD 205 Video Production I
GD 308 Web Design
GD 404 Performance Media Lab
Networking and Cybersecurity specialty
IT 315 Operating Systems
IT 335 Computer Security
IT 372 Cisco Networking I
IT 375 Cisco Networking II
IT 390 Cybersecurity: Attack and Defend
Sample Degree Plan — Information Technology
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age §
MGT 123 The Business Experience §
EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*
MA 155 Finite Mathematics or MA 181 Calculus I (MT core course)*
DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*
Year One — Spring
IT 110 Information Technology in the Global Age §
IT 130 Java Programming or IT 125 Web Development §
EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*
PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
Year Two — Fall
IT 205 Computer Technology § *
IT 210 Software Engineering § *
IT 223 Sophomore IT Seminar §
MA 260 Discrete Mathematics for IT §
Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*
PH 305 Business Ethics (PH-2 core course) § *
Year Two — Spring
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming or IT 225 Advanced Web Development §
MSC 300 Business Statistics § *
Introductory History (HI-1) core course*
Natural Science (NS) core course*
TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1) core course*
Year Three — Fall
IT 305 Computer Networking §
IT 310 Database Technology §
IT 323 Junior IT Seminar §
Specialty course § **
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Year Three — Spring
IT 345 Human Computer Interaction §
IT 355 Software Quality Assurance, Documentation, and Testing § *
MSC 345 Project Management §
Specialty course § **
Introductory Social Science (SS-1) or Natural Science (NS) core course*
Year Four — Fall
Two (2) Specialty courses § **
IT 400 Internship § *
IT 423 Senior IT Seminar §
Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*
Year Four — Spring
Specialty course § **
IT 489 IT Capstone Project § *
Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*
Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*
Elective
§ Requirement for the major
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.
** See Major Requirements for specialty options and course selections.
Computer Science (Minor)
A minor in Computer Science complements programs such as Mathematics and Biology, as computer analysis becomes a major part of other applied mathematics and scientific programs.
Minor Requirements
IT 130 Java Programming
IT 205 Computer Technology or IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming
IT 340 Data Structures and Algorithms
MA 181 Calculus I
MA 260 Discrete Mathematics for IT
Forensic Computing (Minor)
This program provides students with the knowledge required by the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners for their Certified Computer Examiner standing. It is ideal for students in the Criminal Justice major with a Forensic Science concentration.
This minor is offered jointly by the Department of Information Technology and Management Science in the School of Business Administration and the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice in the School of Education and Human Services.
Minor Requirements
CJ 320 Cybercrime and Digital Terrorism
IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age or IT 335 Computer Security
IT 130 Java Programming
IT 205 Computer Technology
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming
IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 370 Computer Forensics
Information Technology (Minor)
A minor in Information Technology is a valuable complement to many programs, particularly Business Administration, as computers play an increasingly important role in today’s workplace.
Minor Requirements
IT 110 Information Technology in the Global Age
IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age or IT 335 Computer Security
IT 130 Java Programming or IT 125 Web Development
IT 205 Computer Technology
IT 210 Software Engineering
IT 305 Computer Networking
MSC 345 Project Management
Computer Networking and Cybersecurity (Undergraduate Certificate)
This certificate prepares students to manage computer networks and to ensure the security of information systems from an operational perspective. Students are prepared for industry certifications such as those from CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+) and from Cisco (CCENT and CCNA).
Certificate Requirements
21 credits
IT 205 Computer Technology
IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 315 Operating Systems
IT 335 Computer Security
IT 372 Cisco Networking I
IT 375 Cisco Networking II
IT 390 Cybersecurity: Attack and Defend
Web Design (Minor or Undergraduate Certificate)
These programs are offered through the School of Arts and Sciences. See Web Design minor and Web Design certificate for details on each program of study.
Computer Science (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)
This program is for students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Computer Science. The certificate is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in software development. It also provides the preparatory work necessary to enter Marymount’s Master of Science in Information Technology’s Software Engineering track. Students who begin the certificate program in the fall semester can complete the program in one year (late August through late July).
Admission Requirements: In addition to meeting Universitywide requirements for post-baccalaureate certificate admission, the student must demonstrate knowledge of high school algebra and trigonometry. Students with insufficient mathematics preparation will be advised to take appropriate undergraduate courses to prepare for the certificate curriculum.
Program Completion Requirement: All coursework must be completed at Marymount University within three years of the date of matriculation.
Certificate Requirements
21 credits
IT 130 Java Programming
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming
IT 205 Computer Technology or IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 340 Data Structures and Algorithms
MA 181 Calculus I
MA 260 Discrete Mathematics for IT
Forensic Computing (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)
This program is for individuals who want to prepare for entry-level positions in forensic computing. The certificate provides students with the knowledge required by the International Society for Forensic Computer Examiners for their Certified Computer Examiner standing.
This certificate is offered jointly by the Department of Information Technology and Management Science in the School of Business Administration and the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice in the School of Education and Human Services.
Admission Requirements: In addition to meeting Universitywide requirements for post-baccalaureate certificate admission, the student must demonstrate knowledge of high school algebra. Students with insufficient mathematics preparation will be advised to take appropriate undergraduate courses to prepare for the certificate curriculum.
Program Completion Requirement: All coursework must be completed at Marymount University within three years of the date of matriculation.
Certificate Requirements
23 credits
CJ 320 Cybercrime and Digital Terrorism
IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age or IT 335 Computer Security
IT 130 Java Programming
IT 205 Computer Technology
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming
IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 370 Computer Forensics
Information Technology (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)
Information technology is a rapidly changing field, and this program is designed for students who need to update or upgrade their expertise for the computer-networked environment of today. It focuses on the core skills needed for information technology jobs in business or government and covers topics such as Web development, computer hardware and software, computer networks, databases, computer security, and project management. Students who begin the certificate program in the fall semester are able to complete the program in one year (late August through late July).
Admission Requirements: In addition to meeting Universitywide requirements for post-baccalaureate certificate admission, the student must demonstrate knowledge of high school algebra. Students with insufficient mathematics preparation will be advised to take appropriate undergraduate courses to prepare for the certificate curriculum.
Program Completion Requirement: All coursework must be completed at Marymount University within three years of the date of matriculation.
Certificate Requirements
21 credits
IT 125 Web Development
IT 205 Computer Technology
IT 225 Advanced Web Development
IT 305 Computer Networking
IT 310 Database Technology
IT 335 Computer Security or IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age
MSC 345 Project Management
The Combined B.S./M.S. Program in Information Technology
This pre-M.S. program allows advanced students to earn a B.S. in Information Technology, or a bachelor’s degree in another discipline with a minor in Information Technology, and an M.S. in Information Technology in a five-year time frame.
Students with a major or minor in Information Technology can supplement their undergraduate graduation requirements with up to 12 credits of specified graduate Information Technology (IT) coursework during their senior year as part of the Applied IT specialization or the IT minor.
Admission Requirements: To complete both degrees in five years, the student must be very well prepared when entering the University and ready to take core IT courses. The student should also plan from the outset to follow a tightly packed and challenging course schedule, and satisfy all conditions outlined before the end of the junior year to be certified for admission into the pre-M.S. program.
In addition to meeting Universitywide undergraduate admission requirements, the student must have
- a declared major or minor in Information Technology;
- 90 credits earned (typically by the end of the junior year);
- at least 24 credits of Information Technology, Management Science, and Mathematics courses completed;
- an overall GPA of 3.0;
- a GPA of 3.5 in Information Technology courses; and
- two recommendation letters (one of which must be from an Information Technology program advisor).
Once admitted to the program, the student will take a mixture of undergraduate and up to 12 credits of graduate courses in the senior year. Undergraduate students admitted to the B.S./M.S. program must fulfill all other requirements of their undergraduate program with the Applied IT specialty or the IT minor.
Minimum Grade and Residency Requirements: Students should consult the requirements for their major program. For students in programs other than Information Technology, the following also apply:
- A minimum grade of C- is required for any Information Technology course that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.
- Transfer students must complete 21 credits of their undergraduate IT courses and all of their graduate courses at Marymount.
Graduate Student Status: Upon completion of four 500-level IT courses (each with a minimum grade of B) and the awarding of his or her bachelor’s degree, the student attains full admission to the M.S. program and is subject to all graduate student policies and procedures. The GRE and interview are waived for entry into the M.S. in Information Technology program.
Students complete their M.S. degree by following a general program of studies or choosing one of four tracks in their final year: Computer Security, Health Care Informatics, Project Management and Technology Leadership, or Software Engineering.
The requirements for the awarding of the M.S. in Information Technology are identical to those stated for the traditional M.S. program. Please see the University’s Graduate Catalog for details on the M.S. in Information Technology program, as well as graduate academic policies and course descriptions.
Program Requirements
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
Students accepted into the B.S./M.S. program must complete all of the requirements of the B.S. in Information Technology or another undergraduate program with a minor in Information Technology. See Information Technology for program details. Consult an advisor for further information on degree planning.
In addition, students will complete the following as part of the B.S. program:
IT 510 Systems Engineering
IT 515 Decision Making for IT
IT 520 Enterprise Infrastructure and Networks
IT 530 Computer Security
M.S. Requirements (to be taken after completion of the B.S.)
IT 540 Enterprise Data Management and Analysis
IT 550 Ethics, Law, and Policy
IT 610 Governance and Strategy
IT 680 IT Master’s Project or IT 670 Computer Network Defense
12 credits in IT track requirements (See University’s Graduate Catalog for track requirements)
Catalog Contents
Academic Information and Policies
Credit Acquisition Opportunities
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Student Academic Policies
Students Pursuing a Double Major or Dual Degrees
Students Enrolled in Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs
University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core
Undergraduate Pre-professional Studies
Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
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