Regardless of the industry, information technology is critical to running an efficient and successful organization. People who understand technology and how businesses can use technology are in a unique position to see that technology is used to the maximum benefit of the organization. Business oriented Information Technology degrees, which are the primary focus of this article, provide students with an education that will enable them to help businesses make strategic use of information technology. Technically oriented Information Technology degrees are hands-on programs that tend to focus on a specific technology such as networking, web design, database development or programming and lead to careers in those areas.
Business oriented programs include both technical and business education as well as an understanding of how information technology can be used to improve efficiency and competitiveness in an organization. Graduates of these programs will enter one of the fastest growing careers as organizations continually upgrade their systems to make the best use of recent technological advances.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree – Many associates level degrees in Information Technology are technically oriented and focus on specific skills that will enable a graduate to succeed in an entry-level job. They often prepare graduates to take IT certification exams as well.
- Bachelor's Degree – Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology offered by business schools or business departments provide an integrated business and technology education which will lead to careers such as Systems Analysis or Project Management. Degrees offered by computer science departments or career schools will more likely focus on technical knowledge that will lead to a specific technical career.
- Master's Degree – Masters level programs are typically business oriented and are appropriate for those who wish to work in technology management or IT consulting.
Schools
Associate level Information Technology degrees are offered by numerous career colleges, technical training schools, online schools and community colleges. Bachelor's degrees are also offered at the same types of schools but are also offered by business colleges, university business schools and computer science departments. Masters degree programs can be found at many business schools including many online business schools.
Coursework
Business oriented Information Technology degrees may include courses similar to those listed below:
- Systems Analysis and Design – This course covers the methods used in analyzing business needs, determining business requirements and specifying a systems solution. Both modeling and object oriented methods are typically covered.
- Database Management Systems – Students learn about relational database design, normalization, security, database administration, data warehousing as well as hands-on skills to access data.
- Human Computer Interaction - Also commonly named System Interface Design, students learn theories and practices behind designing user interfaces that are efficient, promote accuracy and maximize usability.
- Information Security and Risk Management - Examines design strategies for securing systems and data and for controlling and monitoring business risk.
- Decision Support Systems - Examines various types of systems to support decision making including Decision Support Systems (DSS), Executive Information Systems (EIS) and Expert Systems (ES). Course will review business uses of these systems as well as design concepts.
- Information Systems Project Management - Teaches students software life cycle project management including estimating, project planning, project monitoring, use of standards, reviews and software control mechanisms.
Other courses typically required by these programs include Business Statistics, Strategic Management, Programming Fundamentals, Software Quality Assurance and Business Data Communications.
Technically oriented Information Technology degree programs will offer courses specific to the degree's area of focus, whether it be web design, networking, hardware support, database administration, etc.
Aptitudes and Interests
Business oriented Information Technology majors should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to build strong working relationships with technical and business professionals and find technical concepts easy to grasp. They need to be able to look at problems from many viewpoints and be able to generate creative solutions to solve business problems.
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