2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Information Technology, BS


Banner Code: VS-BS-INFT

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Applied Information Technology 

The BS in information technology prepares students to apply IT to support business processes. The degree produces graduates with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills who successfully compete for technical employment and are prepared for advanced study. The objective of the degree is to provide students with the following:

  • Fundamental knowledge regarding concepts, tools, and methods of IT, including the opportunity to learn appropriate conceptual and computational tools essential for a successful career
  • A broad background across fundamental areas of IT along with a depth of understanding in a particular area of interest
  • Skills for effective written and oral communication with technical and nontechnical people in the IT field and the chosen area of interest, as well as skills and strategies for facilitating group projects and activities
  • Working knowledge of leading-edge technologies and advanced systems through computer laboratory courses
  • Industry-validated curriculum that maintains currency with business needs
  • Preparation for graduate studies in information security, information systems, telecommunications, and related IT areas
  • Appreciation for the global influence of IT on society and an understanding of the ethical and social responsibilities of IT professionals

The BS in information technology aims to meet the existing and emerging needs of the IT industry by educating new IT workers in current principles and practices in IT and its applications. Graduates fill jobs that focus on the application of IT in an increasing number of emerging sub disciplines, including network administration, information security, information systems, telecommunications, web development, and computer graphics.

This bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700.

Admission Requirements

Students who meet Mason’s general eligibility requirements may apply for admission to the IT major. Admission is based on the appropriateness of the student’s academic objectives and the likelihood of the student benefiting from the program. Preference in admission is given to students who have four years of high school mathematics, including precalculus.

The program can be successfully completed in eight full-time semesters with an average of 15 credits each semester, as shown in the sample schedule below. It is also possible for students to complete the degree on a part-time basis. The 120-credit degree requirement consists of Mason general education requirements, IT foundation and core courses, and courses required for the chosen IT concentration. At least 30 credits toward the BS degree must be earned at Mason, and at least 45 credits must be at or above the 300 level. The Applied Information Technology Department is based at the Prince William Campus.

Degree Requirements


Students must fulfill all requirements  for bachelors degrees.   General education  requirements, including humanities, social sciences, mathematics and basic sciences must be met and the BS in information technology also requires IT foundation, core, and concentration courses as described below. The IT major requires a 7-credit capstone design project to be completed over two consecutive semesters.

A grade of C or higher is required in each of the Foundation and Core courses listed below. Students will not be permitted to make more than three attempts to achieve a C or higher in these courses. Those who do not successfully complete these core courses within three attempts will be terminated from the INFT major and will not be eligible to receive a BS in IT degree. For more information about this, see the “Termination from the Major” section under Academic Policies .

Two-semester sequence of approved capstone design courses


Information Technology Concentrations


Students choose one of four concentrations from the list below. To fulfill the requirements for a concentration, students need 15 credits made up of four courses from their chosen concentration and a fifth course chosen from any of the four concentrations.

Other Requirements


  • Natural Science: 7 credits of natural science, including at least one 4-credit course with lab. Students should choose these from the list of courses approved for general education (these credits can also apply toward general education requirements).

Sample Schedule


Total: 15 credits


Second Semester


  • Nonlab natural science (3)
  • Literature (3)

Total: 15 credits


Third Semester


  • Natural science with lab (4)
  • Social/behavioral science (3)

Total: 16 credits


Total: 16 credits


Total: 15 credits


Total: 15 credits


Seventh Semester


  • IT concentration course (3)
  • IT concentration course (3)
  • Global understanding (3)
  • Elective (3)

Total: 15 credits


Eighth Semester


  • IT concentration course (3)
  • IT concentration course (3)
  • Elective (3)

Total: 13 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university writing-intensive requirement is satisfied by IT 343.

Grades


Students must have a C or better in any course that satisfies a prerequisite for an IT course.  To graduate with the BS in information technology, students must have a GPA of 2.50 or better across the IT foundation, core, capstone, and concentration courses.