2013-2014 University Catalog 
  
2013-2014 University Catalog

Applied Information Technology, BS


Banner Code: VS-BS-AIT

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Applied Information Technology 

The BS in applied 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 objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Information Technology program relate to the abilities of the graduates several years after graduation.  Three to five years after graduating from the program, graduates will have

  1. Been employed in a position in which they have successfully used their information technology skills (including: problem solving, analytic, presentation and personal skills) as evidenced by achieving improved organizational objectives
  2. Progressed through increasing levels of responsibility in the workplace
  3. Demonstrated ethical, social and professional responsibility consistent with professional societies
  4. Worked effectively in teams, whether as a participant or as a leader
  5. Grown through self-study, continuing education and professional development relevant to their profession

This bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

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 AIT 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. Upper division courses in the program are taught at the Prince William campus where most AIT Department faculty offices are located.

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to an accelerated master’s degree program in applied information technology , computer forensics , information security and assurance , information systems , information systems , or telecommunications .  See each listing for specific requirements.

Admission Requirements

Students who meet Mason’s general eligibility requirements may apply for admission to the AIT 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.

Degree Requirements


Students must fulfill all requirements  for undergraduate programs.  Requirements of the BS in Applied Information Technology degree include those of University General Education ; of the AIT core, foundation, concentration, and capstone; and completion of a block of additional required courses.

 

Two-semester sequence of approved capstone design courses (7 credits)


Information Technology Concentrations (15 credits)


Students choose one of five 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 five concentrations.

Other Major Requirements (17 credits)


  • 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 University General Education  (these credits can also apply toward general education requirements).

Additional University General Education (21 credits)


Students must complete all University General Education  requirements not fulfilled by major requirements.

  • Written Communication: 6 credits
  • Literature: 3 credits
  • Arts: 3 credits
  • Western Civilization/World History: 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Science: 3 credits
  • Global Understanding: 3 credits

Electives (8 - 9 credits)


 Students must complete additional coursework to bring their total number of credits to 120.

Sample Schedule


Second Semester Credits: 15


  •  Literature  (3)
  • Non-lab Natural Science  (3)

Third Semester Credits: 16


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

Sixth Semester Credits: 15


  • IT concentration course (3)

Seventh Semester Credits: 15


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

Eighth Semester Credits: 13


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

Termination from the Major


No math, science, or Volgenau School of Engineering course, required for the major, may be attempted more than three times.  Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major.  For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under Academic Standing .

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 AIT course.  To graduate with the BS in applied information technology, students must have a GPA of 2.50 or better across the IT foundation, core, capstone, and concentration courses.