IT 110 Information Technology Applications
Introduces students to the role of information technology in today’s business and government agency environments, and in society in general. The course studies hardware and software, networks, the Internet, software development processes, databases, and information security and privacy. It examines how tools such as spreadsheets and databases are used in business and government. (3)
IT 120 Personal Security in the Digital Age
Introduces students to the field of information security. Students will examine security and privacy issues that affect their personal use of computers and the Internet. It covers how to protect personal computers from outside threats and how to protect oneself from potential problems such as viruses, phishing, identity theft, and other computer crimes. (3)
IT 125 Web Development
Provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop and maintain dynamic Web pages. HTML, XHTML, XML, Cascading Style Sheets, XSL, and JavaScript are introduced as client-side techniques. Server-side programming techniques are examined including Cold Fusion, PHP, Python, and Perl. The students create Web pages that collect and validate data. (3)
IT 130 Java Programming
Introduces students to writing programs for computers using the Java programming language. It provides an introduction to techniques of problem solving, algorithm development, and object-oriented software development. (4)
IT 205 Computer Technology
Examines how computers work, including the components of technology: hardware, operating systems, storage, and networking, and how these components work together to support information technology applications. Students troubleshoot, repair, configure, and upgrade computer systems in a hands-on environment. It includes the application of Boolean algebra to basic digital circuits. The course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge necessary to pass the CompTia A+ certification, a prerequisite for preparing for a career in computer support and maintenance. (3)
IT 210 Software Engineering
Studies the entire system life cycle, including requirements analysis, system analysis and design, software development, software acquisition, system integration, and system maintenance. Software quality and software assurance are also covered. Students get experience with techniques used in commercial environments, such as UML. (3)
IT 223 Sophomore IT Seminar
Provides additional interaction with sophomore students as a group. Sample activities include lectures on current IT topics, identification of career opportunities through guest speakers and site visits, the enhancement of experience through information literacy, and the identification of certification needs. Some sessions will be held in conjunction with Mathematics and Biology students. Students will plan and give several small presentations, individually and in groups, and jointly prepare a Web site about the IT program. (1)
IT 225 Advanced Web Development
Extends the Web programming skills developed in IT 125, including using Web 2.0 technologies. The course covers in more depth server-side programming languages such as PHP, Python, and Java Server Pages. AJAX techniques are used together with advanced technologies such as Ruby-on-Rails. Content management systems are also covered in depth. Prerequisite: IT 125. (3)
IT 230 Advanced Java Programming
Extends the programming knowledge introduced in IT 130. The course covers more complex programming techniques, including programming in a network environment. Data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees are discussed in the context of the Java programming language. Prerequisite: IT 130. (4)
IT 300 Decision Analysis
Examines the decision process, the primary models of decision making, and how information is used for decision support. A major emphasis of the course is an introduction to decision analysis, including practical experience in modeling decisions, uncertainty, and preferences. The course provides hands-on experience with developing decision support applications. (3)
IT 305 Computer Networking
Examines how data gets from one computer to another, including through local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet. Networks are discussed in terms of the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) seven-layer model. Network operating systems and network middleware are examined. The course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge necessary to pass the CompTia Net+ certification, a prerequisite for preparing for a career in network administration. Prerequisite: IT 205. (3)
IT 310 Database Technology
Studies the design and implementation of relational databases. Entity-relationship (E-R) diagrams and other design techniques are covered and students get practical experience with their use. SQL programming techniques are also used to build, update, query, and generate reports from databases. Application tools such as JDBC are also examined. (3)
IT 315 Operating Systems
Studies the major features of operating systems such as real and virtual memory, concurrent processing, disk storage techniques, resolving deadlocks, and security features. Students work with Microsoft Windows and UNIX operating systems. Prerequisite: IT 205. (3)
IT 320 Structure of Programming Languages
Allows students to study language development and provides exposure to the major programming paradigms. Attention is given to variable types, sequence control, recursive subprograms, concurrent execution, parameter passing, and scope. Storage management strategies are also discussed. Prerequisite: IT 230. (3)
IT 323 Junior IT Seminar
Provides additional interaction with junior students as a group and will be a continuation of the activities begun in IT 223. Sample activities include lectures on interesting IT topics, a review of major specialties, guest speakers and site visits, the application process for summer research projects and internships, and the development of multidisciplinary applications of IT. Other topics may include preparation for industry certification such as MCSE, the application of information literacy skills, and the identification of scholarship opportunities. This course prepares students for the internship in their senior year. Some sessions will be held with Mathematics and Biology students. Students will plan and give at least one significant group presentation supported by research. They will also manage a database of research, internship, and job opportunities. (1)
IT 335 Computer Security
Provides students with a broad understanding of corporate information security and the tools and techniques used to implement it. It provides a framework for addressing security problems and provides hands-on experience with security products. Specific topics covered include firewalls, host security, cryptography, privacy, application, security, and incident and disaster response. The course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge necessary to pass the CompTia Security+ Certification, a prerequisite for preparing for a career in information security. Prerequisite: IT 305. (3)
IT 340 Data Structures and Algorithms
Provides an introduction to effective data structures and algorithms. The testing and evaluation of data manipulation algorithms with respect to memory needs, complexity, and speed are emphasized. Prerequisite: IT 230. (3)
IT 345 Human Factors in Information Systems
Examines an important part of system development: the human-computer interface. A good human-computer interface can increase the usability of a system and contribute to its success, affecting such things as time to adopt, customer satisfaction, and data quality. The course examines the entire spectrum of human needs in designing, building, operating, and using information technology. (3)
IT 355 Software Testing, Documentation, and Quality Assurance
Focuses on documentation and quality assurance in the system development process in general, and software testing in particular. It includes practical experiences with preparing documentation in each phase of the system life cycle and the use of this documentation to ensure the quality of the final product. Software testing methodologies and strategies are addressed. Prerequisite: IT 210. (3)
IT 360 Topics in Information Technology
Presents emerging topics and varies from semester to semester. Recent topics have included international information technology, Second Life, and computer security. Students may take the topics course more than once in fulfilling degree requirements within the major. Prerequisite: varies with topic. (3)
IT 365 Intelligent and Agent-based Systems
Surveys the field of artificial intelligence. Students examine algorithms including search heuristics for problem solving and game playing; logic; knowledge representation and reasoning; planning, analysis, and navigation; machine learning; neural networks; natural language processing; and robotics. (3)
IT 370 Computer Forensics
Covers the major topics in the field of computer forensics, combining information technology skills with criminal justice concepts. Students examine the field using topics required for the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiner’s Certified Computer Examiner standing. Prerequisites: IT 205 and IT 210. (3)
IT 400 Internship
Students in their senior year must register for a field experience in the metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by the internship director and must be in the information technology field. Prerequisites: permission of internship director for the School of Business Administration, senior status, a C or better in IT 323, and a GPA of 2.0 or better. (6)
IT 424 Senior IT Seminar
Provides additional interaction with senior students as a group, particularly as they begin their internship and the capstone project. Sample activities include understanding the Real-Projects-for-Real-Client Course (RPRCC) methodology, discussing reasons for continuing studies in graduate school and how to go about it, finding a job with career prospects, selecting a capstone project, and writing a project proposal and project plan. Some sessions will be held with Mathematics and Biology students. Students will plan and give at least one significant presentation supported by research. They will also manage a database of IT careers available over the Web. (1)
IT 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. (1-3)
IT 489 Capstone Project
This capstone course for students in the B.S. in Information Technology program is designed to allow students to engage in a Real-Projects-for-Real-Client Course (RPRCC) opportunity. Students work closely with a client, develop a detailed project proposal, conduct the work, develop a project report, and write a project perspective after the project is complete. The course is a program requirement and will be writing-intensive. (3)