2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
2014-2015 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.  Graduates of the program are expected within three to five years of graduation to 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 in Applied Information Technology 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. It is also possible for students to complete the degree on a part-time basis. The 120-credit degree requirement consists of Mason Core  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 many 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 , software engineering , 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 Mason Core ; 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 Mason Core  (these credits can also apply toward Mason Core  requirements).

Additional Mason Core (21 credits)


Students must complete all Mason Core  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.

Note:


All students must complete at least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of Mason Core  social science and humanities courses listed above, including COMM 100 .

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.  Undeclared students in the Volgenau School who do not successfully complete a course required for a Volgenau School major within three attempts will also be terminated.  For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under AP.5 Undergraduate Policies .

Students who have been terminated from a Volgenau School of Engineering major may not register for a Volgenau School course without permission of the department offering the course. This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the Volgenau School except IT 103  and STAT 250 .

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.  Additionally, students must have a C or better in their five concentration courses as well as their capstone courses.