Objectives - Program Description
Information Technology, often abbreviated as IT, is a dynamic and multifaceted field that deals with the use of computers, networks, software, and digital technology to manage, process, store, and transmit information. IT professionals are responsible for the planning, development, maintenance, and security of an organization’s technology infrastructure. This field encompasses a wide range of technologies and is critical for the functioning of businesses and organizations in the modern world. Information Technology professionals are in high demand and have a wide range of career opportunities in various industries, including finance, healthcare, education, government, and more. As technology continues to advance, the need for IT experts to manage and innovate in this ever-evolving field remains strong.
Course objectives
- Infrastructure Management: Design, implement, and maintain the hardware and software systems that underpin an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage solutions.
- Software Development: Develop, deploy, and maintain software applications and systems that meet the specific needs of an organization, from custom business applications to mobile apps.
- Data Management: Ensure the efficient and secure storage, retrieval, and analysis of data, including database management and big data solutions.
- Network Administration: Manage and optimize network infrastructure, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-based networking.
- Cybersecurity: Protect an organization’s data and systems from threats, including malware, hacking, and data breaches. This involves risk assessment, security measures, and incident response.
- User Support and Help Desk: Provide technical support to end-users, addressing their IT-related issues, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring a smooth user experience.
- Project Management: Oversee IT projects from conception to execution, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- System Integration: Integrate various software and hardware components to work together seamlessly, allowing different systems to communicate and share data.
List of Job Opportunities in Information Technology
A degree in Information Technology opens up numerous career opportunities in various sectors and industries. Some common IT job roles include:
- Network Administrator: Responsible for maintaining an organization’s network infrastructure, ensuring data connectivity and security.
- Systems Analyst: Analyze an organization’s technology needs and recommend solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Software Developer: Design, develop, and maintain software applications, including web and mobile apps.
- Database Administrator: Manage databases, ensuring data integrity, availability, and performance.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect an organization’s digital assets from cyber threats, develop security policies, and respond to security incidents.
- IT Project Manager: Oversee technology projects, from planning to execution, ensuring they are completed successfully.
- Cloud Solutions Architect: Design and implement cloud-based solutions, leveraging services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Help Desk Support Specialist: Provide technical support to end-users, troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
- Web Developer: Create and maintain websites and web applications, focusing on user experience and design.
- Data Analyst/Scientist: Analyze and interpret data to provide valuable insights for decision-making and business strategies.
- IT Consultant: Offer expert advice to organizations on technology adoption, IT strategy, and digital transformation.
- IT Manager: Oversee an organization’s IT department, including technology strategy, budgeting, and personnel management.
Semester Organization
DDL1111- Computer Application and Information Technology (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Digital Literacy
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: None
Introduction digital and data literacy by focusing on computer applications and the use of information technology for value creation. The course focuses on database and spreadsheet applications.
CCL1102- Reading Comprehension (3 Credits)
Competency: Communication and Collaboration
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: CCL1001-Introduction to Reading Comprehension
This course assists readers in increasing comprehension and reading rate by developing active reading comprehension strategies to meet varied purposes for reading at the college level.
LRS1101- College Algebra (3 Credits)
Competency: Learning and Research Skill
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisite: None
This course will introduce students to some basic algebraic concepts. It will cover the study of functions, and their graphs, inequalities, and linear, quadratic, piece-wise defined, rational, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The students will be prepared for more advanced study in mathematics and will learn some applications of these concepts. For example, they will learn how to apply various problem-solving strategies to find solutions to a selection of real-life problems.
SCA1101- Psychology and Agility (3 Credits)
Competency: Social and Cultural Agility and Sensitivity
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisite: None
Psychological Agility allows leaders to respond rather than react to challenging experiences. This is critical for navigating conflict, maintaining positive interpersonal relationships, and building an effective team and organizational culture.
STS1101- System Concept and Business Environment (3 Credits)
Competency: System Thinking
Pre-requisites: None
In this course the students will understand the concept of a system defined as entities in which there is interrelationship between various elements. The business environment is a system because it consists of various elements that are interrelated to one another. This class will help students understand and apply system concepts to the business environment. They will be introduced to system thinking and develop the ability to understand that everything works as a system, to apprehend, analyze the system to apply it to successful business practices.
DDL1021- Introduction to Programming (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisite: None
This course teaches students programming skills and problem-solving techniques using imperative and object-oriented programming. Students learn to design, develop, and test small programs using programming languages and industry-standard techniques.
LRS2113- Applied Discrete Mathematics (3 Credits)
Competency: Learning and Research Skill
Pre-requisites:
This course is designed to introduce and expose students to important discrete structures that appear in pure and applied math and computer science, computer engineering, computer security, and information systems. Topics include probability, counting, linear programming, number-theoretic algorithms, sorting, data compression, counting, graphs and trees, discrete geometry, network flows, and discrete optimization.
CCL 1204 Writing Composition (3 Credits)
Competency: Communication and Collaboration
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: CCL1003-Introduction to Writing Composition
This writing course will prepare students for the fundamental knowledge and skills of college-level expository writing and critical thinking. The focus areas include idea presentation and organization, audience, point of view, voice and tone, paragraph and essay coherence, precision, word choice, and technology-mediated evaluation of grammar, mechanics, and originality.
CTI1202- Agility and Innovation (3 Credits)
Competency: Critical Thinking & Innovation
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: CTI1101-Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
This course is designed to teach students how to apply, expand and improve the agile innovation management process. They will learn how to create the environment and skills in their business to increase their agility and create high value innovation. These are two of the most important skills to acquire in the business setting. The highly competitive environment in which we operate today requires entrepreneurial agility that will allow companies to adapt their organization and culture very quickly and to remain at the forefront of innovation within their industry.
SCA 1202 Sociology and Agility (3 Credits)
Competency: Social and Cultural Agility and Sensitivity
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: None
This course is designed to give the students the tools to understand various worldviews and cultures to be able to successfully navigate in a multicultural environment and to quickly adapt to changes.
INT1201 INTERNSHIP I
Competency: Competencies from level 1 courses
Level: Intro
Pre-requisites: All scheduled level 1 courses
INTERNSHIP I introduces students to the professional business environment. Emphasizes gaining practical experience, developing basic workplace skills, and understanding organizational culture. Ideal for building a foundation in business operations.
DDL2112 Data Structures and Algorithms Analysis (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Intro
Pre-requisites: DDL1011; DDL1021; LRS2113
The Data Structures and Algorithms Analysis course provides an in-depth exploration of fundamental data structures, algorithms, and their analysis. Designed for computer science students, this course delves into the core principles that underpin efficient software design and development. Through a combination of theoretical understanding and practical implementation, students will learn to design, analyze, and optimize data structures and algorithms. Emphasizing problem-solving skills, algorithmic efficiency, and computational complexity, this course equips students with the knowledge necessary to solve real-world computational problems and build high-performance software systems.
LRS2103- Statistics 1 (3 Credits)
Competency: Learning and Research Skill
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: LRS1101- College Algebra, LRS1202-College Calculus
This course is a data-driven study of basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Concepts such as null distributions, hypotheses, test statistics, and p-values are emphasized while applying standard statistical tests, including logistic regression.
DDL2114 Data Communication and Networking (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Development
Pre-requisite: DDL1011
Data Communication and Networking is a comprehensive course that explores the principles, protocols, technologies, and practices underlying the effective transfer of data between devices and across networks. This course provides a deep understanding of networking fundamentals, enabling students to design, implement, and manage computer networks efficiently. Covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications, this course equips students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of data communication and networking.
DDL2123 Introduction to Operating Systems and Script (3 Credits)
Competency: Operating Systems Competencies, Scripting Competencies, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Level: Intro
Pre-requisites: DDL1011; LRS1213; DDL2212
Introduction to Operating Systems and Scripting is a foundational course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of operating system concepts and scripting languages. This course explores the principles and functionalities of modern operating systems, emphasizing their role in managing computer hardware, software resources, and user interactions. Additionally, students will delve into scripting languages, learning how to automate tasks, handle data, and create efficient, reusable code. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on exercises, students will gain essential skills necessary for managing computer systems and automating routine tasks.
PLD1201-Personal Development I (0 Credits)
Competency: Capstone Soft Skills
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: All the courses scheduled for the Fall and Spring semesters preceding the course PLD1201
Students will explore strategies for success in college, life, and career. Apply psychological, social, and physiological principles of development, learning, motivation, and wellness to support success. Explore personality, interests, and values to increase self-understanding and support informed educational, career, and life decisions. Strengthen academic study strategies such as note-taking, memorizing, and test-taking skills. Apply life management techniques to accomplish goals. Develop a plan for wellness and living a long and healthy life. Practice creative and critical thinking techniques, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Any of the electives mentioned
DDL2214- Foundations of Web Systems (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Pre-requisites: DDL1011; LRS1213; DDL2212
This course covers the fundamentals of website development and maintenance. Students learn about web browsers, URLs, webpage design, and digital media. They become proficient in using tools for creating and publishing webpages.
DDL2223- System Administration I (3 Credits)
Competency: Strategic Analysis
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisites: DDL1011; LRS1213; DDL2212
This course prepares the students to acquire the principles of system administration activities and its applications. Various topics will be covered, including operating systems, and domains; analysis of computing applications, infrastructures, architectures, firmware, hardware, disaster recovery, provision of system services, security policies, backup deployment and disaster recovery, network design, software installation and maintenance.
DDL2224- Computer Architecture (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: develop
Pre-requisites: DDL1011; LRS1213; DDL2212
This course explores the interface between hardware and software in modern computing technology. It covers the history of computing, computer architecture, instruction sets, processor control, memory management, storage, input/output topics, and the shift from sequential to parallel processing. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of computing technology.
INT2202 INTERNSHIP II
Competency: Competencies from level 2 courses
Level: Develop
Pre-requisite: All scheduled level 2 courses
INTERNSHIP II focuses on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges. Students engage in more complex tasks, enhancing problem-solving abilities and gaining deeper insights into specific business functions.
DDL3212- Database Management Systems I (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Introduce
Pre-requisite: DDL1011; DDL1021; LRS2113
Database Systems 1 serves as a foundational course that prepares students for more advanced database-related coursework and equips them with skills that are highly sought after in the technology industry. Whether learners plan to become database administrators, data analysts, software engineers, or pursue other tech-related careers, a strong foundation in database systems is a valuable asset.
Any of the electives mentioned if necessary
DDL3122- System Administration II (3 Credits)
Competency: Strategic Analysis
Pre-requisites: DDL2223 or SAS 2203
This course covers advanced topics in system administration, including security issues, storage technologies, network file systems, shared file systems, high-performance system maintenance, and backup strategies. Students will explore the latest advancements in these areas.
DDL 3123 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 Credits)
Competency: Cybersecurity Foundations, Network Security, Vulnerability Assessment and Management:
Level: Intro
Pre-requisite: DDL1011; LRS1101; STS1101
The course Introduction to Cybersecurity equips students with essential competencies in the field of cybersecurity, enabling them to understand, identify, and mitigate security threats and vulnerabilities.
DDL 3131 Writing for Business and Industry (3 Credits)
Competency: Professional Writing Skills, Technical Writing Proficiency, Research and Analysis
Level: Develop
Pre-requisite: DDL 1011; CCL1102; CCL1204
Writing to Business and Industry is a comprehensive course designed to develop advanced writing skills specifically tailored to the professional environment. This course focuses on teaching students how to communicate effectively and persuasively in various business contexts. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and real-world applications, students will enhance their writing proficiency, enabling them to create clear, concise, and impactful documents commonly used in business and industry settings.
PLD3103-Personal Development (0 Credits)
Competency: Capstone Soft Skills
Level: Mastering
Pre-requisites: All the courses scheduled for the Fall and Spring semesters preceding the course PLD1201
Students will explore strategies for success in college, life, and career. Apply psychological, social, and physiological principles of development, learning, motivation, and wellness to support success. Explore personality, interests, and values to increase self-understanding and support informed educational, career, and life decisions. Strengthen academic study strategies such as note-taking, memorizing, and test-taking skills. Apply life management techniques to accomplish goals. Develop a plan for wellness and living a long and healthy life. Practice creative and critical thinking techniques, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Any of the electives mentioned
DDL3213- Ethics of Digital Technology I (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Develop
Pre-requisites: None
This course explores social and ethical issues in computing and information technologies. It covers moral reasoning, ethical theories, and various topics in computer ethics, such as internet regulation, privacy, cybersecurity, and professional codes of ethics. Additionally, it delves into broader subjects like the ethics of big data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and robot ethics.
DDL3221 Network Administration I (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Develop
This course provides an overview of computer hardware on a personal computer. The course focuses on the structure and function of the computer, including I/O devices, network protocols, set-up, and troubleshooting. Available microprocessor systems are also discussed. Students will be able to identify differences between I/O devices and set up and troubleshoot hardware and networks. Lab included.
DDL3222 Database Management Systems II (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Develop
Pre-requisites: DDL2112
This course explores concepts, theories, design techniques, and retrieval methods in databases, with a focus on using the industry-standard SQL data language. Topics include physical data organization, database architecture, relational data models, logical database design, normalization, and relational query languages. Students complete a design and implementation project as part of the course.
DDL 3224 Ethical Hacking (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
In this course, students learn cybersecurity techniques including penetration testing, network defense, and ethical hacking. Topics covered include planning, scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, network defense, and network forensics.
INT3203 INTERNSHIP III (0 credits)
Competency: Competencies from level 3 courses
Level: Mastering
Pre-requisite: All scheduled level 3 courses
INTERNSHIP III advances students’ professional competencies by involving them in strategic decision-making and project management. This level emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to drive business outcomes effectively.
Any of the electives mentioned
DDL4124 Cybersecurity Operations (3 Credits)
Competency: Network Security Monitoring, Threat Intelligence Analysis
Level: Mastering
Pre-requisite: DDL2114; DDL3123
Cybersecurity Operations is an advanced course designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge essential for managing and mitigating cyber threats in real-time scenarios. This course focuses on the operational aspects of cybersecurity, emphasizing hands-on experience, incident response, threat detection, and security monitoring techniques. Through a combination of theoretical learning, simulations, and practical exercises, students will develop expertise in identifying, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents effectively. The course integrates the latest industry best practices and tools, preparing students for careers in cybersecurity operations and incident response roles.
DDL4114 – Network Administration II (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Pre-requisites:
This course provides an overview of computer hardware on a personal computer. The course focuses on the structure and function of the computer, including I/O devices, network protocols, set-up, and troubleshooting. Available microprocessor systems are also discussed. Students will be able to identify differences between I/O devices and set up and troubleshoot hardware and networks. Lab included.
DDL4122 – Human Computer Interaction (3 Credits)
Competency: Project Management, Accessibility and Inclusivity, Understanding User Behavior and Psychology
Level: Develop
Pre-requisite: SAC1202; DDL2114
The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) course offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between people and technology. Focused on understanding and designing user interfaces, this course delves into the principles, theories, and methodologies that govern the interaction between humans and digital systems. Students will learn how to create intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly interfaces by integrating concepts from computer science, cognitive psychology, design, and social sciences. Through a blend of theoretical lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on projects, students will gain insights into user behavior, usability testing, and interface design techniques, preparing them for careers in user experience (UX) design, usability research, and interactive product development.
PLD4104 Personal Development IV (0 Credits)
Competency: Capstone Soft Skills
Level: Deepening
Pre-requisite: PLD3203-Personal Development III + (plus) All the courses scheduled for the Fall and Spring semesters preceding the course PLD4204 + (plus) LES2103, STS2103, CCL2105
Leadership in student government, campus clubs, and non-academic contexts is crucial at this level of a student’s academic journey Application of practical leadership skills on out-of-class projects, including planning and running effective meetings, parliamentary procedure, group leadership, and motivation techniques make the students competitive on the job market.
Any of the electives mentioned
DDL4221- Metropolitan IT Infrastructure (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Deepening
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing
This course introduces students to the technical aspects that drive metropolitan areas of the world and their surroundings by placing them in a social and economic context. Students will be able to evaluate how these technologies affect all metro areas status and development by comparing one system to the other ones of other cities. Students will conduct individual and group assignments that foster critical thinking by evaluating scholarly and popular resources. This will lead to a constructive argument addressing the digital divide in a social, cultural, and economic metropolitan context.
DDL4222- IT Infrastructure Design/Capstone (3 Credits)
Competency: Network Design and Management, Storage Solutions, Server Infrastructure, Scalability and Performance Optimization
Level: Mastering
Prerequisites: Senior standing
This course aims to provide a summative crowning achievement towards the undergraduate concentration. This workshop-style course involves two major deliverables; the capstone portfolio and the capstone project. The capstone Portfolio requires students to create a body of work informed by previous concentration core courses demonstrating technical knowledge. The capstone project allows students to apply theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during the Information Technology program in a realistic setting.
DDL4223 IT Project Management (3 Credits)
Competency: Project Initiation and Planning, Time and resource Management
Level: Mastering
Perquisites: DDL2114; DDL3122; DDL3213
The IT Project Management course provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, methodologies, and tools essential for successfully managing Information Technology (IT) projects in diverse organizational settings. This course emphasizes the unique challenges faced in IT project environments, including rapid technological advancements, complex stakeholder needs, and evolving project requirements. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure within the context of IT projects. Through case studies, practical exercises, and real-world simulations, students will develop the skills necessary to lead IT projects to successful completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budget constraints, and quality standards.
DDL4224-Ethics of Digital Technology II (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Level: Develop
Pre-requisites: DDL3213- Ethics of Digital Technology I
This course goes deeper than DDL3213 in exploring social and ethical issues in computing and information technologies. It covers moral reasoning, ethical theories, and various topics in computer ethics, such as internet regulation, privacy, cybersecurity, and professional codes of ethics. It analyzes in depth subjects like the ethics of big data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and robot ethics.
INT4204 INTERNSHIP IV (0 credits)
Competency: Competencies from level 4 courses
Level: Specializing
Pre-requisites: All scheduled level 4 courses
INTERNSHIP IV culminates the internship experience with a focus on specialized areas of interest. Students take on leadership roles, manage significant projects, and contribute to organizational goals, preparing them for entry-level management positions post-graduation.
The following technical electives shall be offered:
DDL2204-Web-based Programming (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Pre–requisites: DDL1101
This course teaches students how to design and develop web-based applications using various programming languages and tools. Topics covered include web development tools, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and working with the Document Object Model (DOM).
DDL1101- Foundations of Data Mining (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Pre-requisites: None
This course focuses on data mining, which is essential for data analytics. It covers algorithms for analyzing large data sets and emphasizes practical application in solving real-world problems. Students will learn how to discover patterns in data and transform them into actionable insights.
DDL3204- Mobile Application Development (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data Literacy
Prerequisites: Junior standing
This course introduces students to programming technologies, design, and development related to mobile applications. Topics include accessing device capabilities, industry standards, operating systems, and programming for mobile applications using an OS Software Development Kit (SDK).
DDL3224- Ethical Hacking (3 Credits)
Competency: Digital and Data literacy
Pre-requisites: None
In this course, students learn cybersecurity techniques including penetration testing, network defense, and ethical hacking. Topics covered include planning, scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, network defense, and network forensics.
DDL4000 Selected Topics in Computer Science (3 Credits)
INT4204 INTERNSHIP IV (0 Credits)
Competency: Competencies from level 4 courses
Level: Specializing
Pre-requisites: All scheduled level 4 courses
INTERNSHIP IV culminates the internship experience with a focus on specialized areas of interest. Students take on leadership roles, manage significant projects, and contribute to organizational goals, preparing them for entry-level management positions post-graduation.
EN 
FR