Career Guide

Overview 

The Information Technology major part of the Department of Computer Science, an academic unit within the College of Integrated Science and Engineering.

Admission and Progression Standards

Visit the Major Snapshots site to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major.

Description of Major

The Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology focuses on highly relevant skills in cybersecurity, computer networking, and end-user design and development. The Information Technology degree goes beyond the science behind computers, teaching students how to design, develop, test and maintain solutions in a wide range of computing and networking application areas. Information Technology studies are integrated to provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, education and other organizations. In addition to core competencies in programming and networking, security and privacy, and other application-focused computing fields, the Information Technology major features a junior-level project to address a community need. Also, students in the Information Technology major are required to complete a two-semester senior capstone project, allowing them to apply the range of their abilities in a real-world context. Students in the Information Technology major are also required to select nine credit hours of IT senior class electives from various fields such as advanced cyber-security, web/mobile development, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) and computer networking. 

More About the Field 

The Information Technology major puts students in the middle of the exploding IT revolution where they study the tools and methods deployed in the enterprise community in areas such as communication network, software defined network, information security and wireless networks. Students will learn about IT tools and practices used by today’s professionals and how to use these technologies to solve real-world IT problems. Students will learn to analyze problems, design solutions, implement solutions using multiple software and hardware technologies, test and deploy those solutions, and communicate those solutions to others in written and verbal presentations. 

• Explore the implementation of solutions involving software and hardware. 
• Develop effective ways to solve enterprise IT problems, such as enhancing the capabilities of an organization's network infrastructure to meet the traffic demands of the organization departments or responding to the software and hardware computing needs of organization users with timely, simple, but creative ideas. 
• Conduct research in collaboration with faculty members. 
• Enjoy small classes. Our courses are capped at 30 and are taught by full-time faculty. 
• Devise new and better ways of using computer networks and security to address challenges in areas such as wireline and wireless networking, digital circuit design, information security analysis, operation system administration, web server administration and cryptography. 
• Explore many departmental and college level clubs, such as JMU Unix Users Group, JMU Robotics Club, Cyber Defense Club, Women in Technology (WIT) and more. 

Characteristics of Successful Students

Information Technology is everywhere, from smart appliances to autonomous vehicles to smart cities. The world is becoming increasingly connected, and job opportunities abound for those with the necessary skills. Our B.S. in Information Technology major focuses on highly relevant skills in the fields of cybersecurity, computer networking, and end-user design and development. We go beyond the science behind computers, teaching you how to design and develop solutions in a wide range of computing and networking application areas. 
If you're eager to contribute to building the computation and networked solutions of the world of tomorrow, our major might be for you! 

Getting involved in academic clubs and activities is a great way for students to expand their knowledge and skills in the field of Information Technology. By participating in various events and departmental activities, students can gain hands-on experience, connect with like-minded peers, and build a network of professionals in the industry. It's a great way to stay engaged and motivated in their studies while also having fun and making new friends. 

Careers

As an IT graduate, you’ll have an opportunity to work on projects that can make a significant impact on society, from developing life-saving medical technologies to addressing environmental challenges. You will have a wide range of career options to choose from

• software development
• network administration
• cybersecurity
• data analytics
• cloud computing
• artificial intelligence and more

Who Employs Graduates?

Colleges & Universities, Computer Companies, Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies, Networking Companies, Cyber-Security Companies, Engineering Firms, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Internet Service Providers, Management Consulting Firms, Manufacturing Companies, Military Branches, Online Service Providers, Private Sector Companies, Private and Public Schools, Publishers, Research Institutions, Retail Chains, Software Companies, Software/Hardware Manufacturers, Special Effects Companies, or Web Design Companies. 

Internships and Experiential Opportunities 

The IT faculty assist students in finding appropriate internships that complement their academic studies. The College of Integrated Science and Engineering also offers two on-campus STEM specific internship fairs per year.  The IT curriculum includes laboratory investigations, independent projects, cooperative learning groups, as well as class discussion. The IT major features a junior-level project to address a community need and a senior capstone project, allowing students to apply the range of their abilities in a real-world context. 

View our list of internship coordinators for each major.

Career Profiles 

• Computer Security Analysis
• Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Software Developers