Prospective Students

The mission of the School of Information Technology (ITK) is to provide premier undergraduate and distinguished graduate programs for the education of computing and telecommunications professionals, to support other academic units through courses in information technology, and to maintain, through education and research, a leadership position in the application of information technology.

The School of Information Technology offers three undergraduate bachelor's degree programs, an undergraduate minor program, and a master's program in Information Systems. Our Information Systems program is the largest in the state and among the largest in the nation. Our Computer Science program is one of only four nationally accredited programs in Illinois. Both the Information Systems program and Computer Science program (see educational objectives below) are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Our Telecommunications program is one of the very few in the country to be offered at a bachelor's level. Our Information Systems graduate program features flexible scheduling and course options, small class sizes, and a talented and diverse student body.

Majors and minors in our programs have a special opportunity to live in an ITK Academic Lifestyle community. This community, located in Manchester Hall, offers ITK students an opportunity for faculty mentoring, academic support, career exploration, and integrated social experiences.

There are 23 full-time faculty in the school, 485 undergraduate majors, 100 undergraduate minors, and 80 masters students. The school maintains eight computer labs. The labs contain Intel based computers, SUN workstations, and an SGI parallel processing computer. There is also an array of equipment to support courses in telecommunications, networking, and multimedia.

Current Community College Students

If you are transferring from a community college, please review the Illinois Articulation Initiative information.

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career Guide to Industries, the computer and data processing field remains "one of the 10 fastest growing industries in the Nation. Wage and salary employment is expected to grow 55 percent by the year 2012, compared with only 16 percent growth projected for the entire economy."

Again from the U. S. Department of Labor, "Within the computer systems design and related services industry, projected growth varies by sector. The demand for networking and the need to integrate new hardware, software, and communications technologies will drive the demand for consulting and integration. A need for more customized applications development and support and services to assist users will drive demand for applications development and facilities support services. And, as more individuals and organizations are conducting business electronically, the importance of maintaining system and network security will increase."

The School of Information Technology offers outstanding educational programs in information technology. The undergraduate degree programs, which include 40 to 42 semester credit hours in information technology courses, provide a solid educational base for you to begin your career and to advance as technology changes and your responsibilities increase.

ITK - Information Systems Program Objectives

Demonstrate a proficiency in designing and developing application systems by employing appropriate methodologies, principles, techniques, tools, and languages.
Demonstrate knowledge of the impact and importance of information technology in the business environment.
Demonstrate a proficiency in working in a collaborative environment.
Demonstrate a proficiency in making oral presentations and writing technical reports.
Demonstrate the ability to apply principles and theories of information systems in a professional setting under supervision.
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards of the profession and the social implications of their professional activities.
Demonstrate an interest in and the ability to pursue life long learning.

ITK - Computer Science Program Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and principles of computer science.
Demonstrate a proficiency in designing and developing software systems.
Demonstrate a proficiency in working in a collaborative environment.
Demonstrate a proficiency in making oral presentations and writing technical reports.
Demonstrate the ability to apply principles and theories of computer science in a professional setting under supervision.
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards of the profession and the social implications of their professional activities.
Demonstrate an interest in and the ability to pursue life long learning