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Degree Requirements

During the first two years of the IST program, students are required to take only three IST courses; however, most students take five courses during their first two years. Taught during the fall semester, IST 110 is a general introduction to computers and IST. IST 110 allows students interested in but not ready to commit to IST to learn more about the program. During the second semester, students take IST 210 and 220. IST 210 is a course in databases. Students learn the fundamentals of database design and to create and manipulate databases correctly. IST 220 is a networking course in which students learn how computers communicate with one another. These three courses are the only ones required for admission to the IST program, but most students proceed with IST 230 and 240 in their second year. IST 230 is discreet mathematics which forms the foundation of math associated with computers. Finally, IST 240 is an introduction to object oriented programming. It is generally taught using Java as the programming language.

Following the first two years and successful completion of the prerequisite courses, students are formally admitted to the IST major. At that time, students choose one of three areas in which to specialize.

• Information Systems: Design and Development-This option is the most technically oriented of the three options. The emphasis is on teaching students to design, develop and test software.
• Information Technology: Integration and Application-This option is focused on computer systems and networks. Students are taught to design and maintain computers and networks to make them reliable and efficient.

• Information Context: People, Organizations and Society-This option deals with issues such as how people interact with computers, law and policy as it impacts technology, and the social impact of technological change.

Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree