Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Information Technology

Bachelor's Degree Program

The Bachelor’s in Information Technology program at Youngstown State University prepares students as lifelong learners and innovative problem-solvers, equipped with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and technical skills in networking, data engineering, cybersecurity, software development, web technologies, and computing systems. The information technology graduates will develop the ability to conceptualize, design, and implement high-quality information systems based upon computer systems ranging from single-user systems to complex, interactive, and multi-user distributed systems. The program emphasizes the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of advanced computing technologies to meet the dynamic needs of users, organizations, and society. 

The program is designed as a student-centered program to support the social growth of students, promote ethical decision-making, improve awareness of the role of information technology in a global environment, and equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and resolve issues related to information technology. In addition to preparing students for immediate professional success, the program provides a robust foundation for pursuing advanced research and graduate studies in computing. Graduates are empowered with the expertise to independently design, integrate, and manage cutting-edge solutions that address complex challenges across diverse fields.

IT majors will choose to follow one of several concentration areas:

• Database Engineering
• Networking
• Security
• Multimedia/Web
• Software Development

The Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology program at Youngstown State University prepares students to become lifelong learners equipped with foundational theoretical knowledge and technical skills in computing technologies. The program emphasizes the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of solutions in networking, data engineering, cybersecurity, software development, web technologies, and computing hardware and software systems, meeting the evolving needs of users and organizations.

The program prepares students to possess the right combination of knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise to take care of both an organization’s information technology infrastructure and the people who use it. The program prepares students to assume responsibility for understanding how computing systems are composed and structured, their strengths and weaknesses, reliability, security, usability, effectiveness, and efficiency for their intended purpose, selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization, integrating those products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and installing, customizing, and maintaining those applications, thereby providing a secure and effective environment that supports the activities of the organization’s computer users.

 The Information Technology AAS degree program graduates may continue their studies towards a bachelor's degree in a computer or information technology area or obtain full-time employment as network technicians, database specialists, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, help desk support, web/digital designers, or in other closely related fields. Graduates are prepared to address challenges in information technology with ethical decision-making, a global perspective, and the technical expertise required to make meaningful contributions in their personal, organizational, and societal roles.

This degree may be earned in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.

Students wishing to receive the Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology must complete the following:

Learning Outcomes:

The Bachelor program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables students:

1. to analyze computing technology related problems, identify and define computing technology requirements to address these problems
2. to design, implement, and evaluate computing technologies to meet the needs of organizations or individuals using current techniques, skills, and tools
3. to communicate with clients effectively while understanding their needs and identifying appropriate solutions
4. to work collaboratively within a team environment to achieve its goal(s)
5. to understand the need and importance of continuous professional development
6. to recognize the technical and legal issues involved with technologies and concepts used in information technology
7. to offer solutions and perform required tasks in networking design, implementation, and administration; information assurance and security; database design, development, and administration; interactive program design and development; e-commerce design, development, and implementation; and report and document preparation.

Learning Outcomes

1. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to perform network design, implementation, and administration.
2. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to perform information assurance and security.
3. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to design, implement, and administer databases.
4. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to design and implement reports and documents required by the organization through extraction of information using appropriate programs and applications.
5. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to demonstrate information management skills in project management and system analysis, design, implementation, testing and monitoring.
6. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to write and produce or assist in developing interactive programs.
7. The Bachelors program in Information Technology provides preparation and instruction that enables for students acquire knowledge and technical competencies to recognize technical and legal issues involved with technologies and concepts used in information technology.