Information Technology (IT) applies modern technologies to the creation, management and use of information. IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases.

Description of Field

Students will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology degree from the Division of Liberal Arts and Life Sciences. Students are required to obtain 122 credit hours for the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree. As part of the degree requirements, students are required to take a combination of computer science and computer engineering classes, as well as a concentration in Mathematics, Business, or Networks & Information Security support areas.

Possible Employers

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Banking/Finance Firms
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Security Firms
  • Chemicals/Drug Companies
  • Government Agencies
  • Healthcare Industry
  • K-12 Schools
  • Higher Education
  • Consulting Firms
  • Engineering Firms
  • Airlines
  • Wholesale and Retail Firms
  • Broadcast and Media Production
  • Research & Development Organizations
  • Motion Pictures/Sound Recording
  • Museums/Zoos/Cultural Sites
  • Computer Systems Design Firms
  • Amusement/Recreation Services
  • Publishing/Broadcasting Companies
  • Telecommunications Firms
  • Information/Internet Services

Possible Job Titles

  • Systems Analyst
  • Business Programmer
  • Software Technician
  • Multimedia Developers
  • IT Analyst
  • Database Specialist
  • Software Developer
  • Technical Consultant
  • Systems Programmer
  • LAN Site Manager
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Budget Officer
  • Technical Illustrator
  • Mathematician
  • Network Engineer
  • CAD/CAM Designer
  • eCommerce Developer
  • Java/J2EE Developer
  • University Professor
  • Risk Analyst
  • Technical Writer
  • Wireless Developer
  • Web Developer/Designer
  • Technical Producer
  • Numeric Analyst
  • Special Effects Specialist
  • Applications Research Programmer
  • Network Operations Manager
  • SQL Database Administrator
  • Quality Control Supervisor
  • PeopleSoft Administrator
  • Information Security Specialist

Success Strategies

  • Gain relevant experience through internships and co-ops
  • Stay current on programming languages
  • Earn a Master’s degree for upper level management positions
  • Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.
  • Develop strong interpersonal skills. Learn to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues
  • Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software, and hardware
  • Consider working at your university’s computer labs.
  • Earn certifications in networking and computer security
  • Take graphic design courses to develop creativity
  • Earn a doctoral degree for post-secondary teaching positions. Develop a research specialty.
  • Obtain vendor-specific certifications or networking certifications to gain a competitive edge

Online Resources

Gamasutra: Careers in Game Development- http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/jobs_display.php
ComputerJobs- http://www.computerjobs.com/
ComputerWorld IT Careers- http://www.itcareers.com/home/index.html
Jobs for Software Developers- http://www.developers.net/tech-jobs
GameJobs- http://www.gamejobs.com/
GameDev- http://www.gamedev.net/
Computing Careers- http://computingcareers.acm.org/
Just Tech Jobs- http://www.justnotesjobs.com/
Computer Software/Systems Jobs Page- http://www.nationjob.com/computers
Tech Careers- http://www.techweb.com/home
Video Game Developer- http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2000/summer/art01.htm
 

Occupational Outlook
For hundreds of different types of jobs—such as teacher, lawyer, and nurse—the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you:

  • the training and education needed
  • earnings
  • expected job prospects
  • what workers do on the job
  • working conditions

In addition, the Handbook gives you job search tips, links to information about the job market in each State, and more. You can
also view frequently asked questions about the Handbook

Professional Associations

Association for Computing Machinery- www.acm.org
Association for Information Systems- www.aisnet.org
Association for Women in Computing- www.awc-hq.org
Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals- www.iccp.org
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics- www.siam.org
US National Science Foundation- www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm
American Society for Information Science & Technology- www.asis.org
National Black Data Processing Associates- www.bdpa.org
National Society of Black Engineers- www.nsbe.org
Association for Information Technology Professionals- www.aitp.org
Hispanic IT Executive Council- www.hitecglobal.org
Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association- www.a-lista.org