BS in Information Technology

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Information Technology (IT) offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on Information Technology and Computer Science. In addition, the program is unique in that it merges traditional academic topics with leading edge and current IT practices and technology.

The overarching goal of the program is to prepare students with broad, integrated IT knowledge including communications, computer networking, computer-based systems, database management, software development, website development, digital media and electronic publishing. Students learn how to evaluate current and emerging technologies; identify user needs; design user-friendly interfaces; apply, configure and manage technologies; and assess the impact of technologies on individuals, organizations and society.

Students majoring in Information Technology in the Gildhart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering complete courses in Network and Systems Administration and Web Technology. These courses provide students with the competencies necessary to plan, customize and manage secure network and operating system configurations for optimum business applications and plan, design and maintain professional quality websites and internet applications for e-commerce and other business applications. These courses may also lead to certification in IT fields such as CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+, and they may provide practicum experiences to qualified students. In addition, certification exam vouchers are provided as part of the program.

Career Pathways

Graduates of Fairleigh Dickinson University's B.S. in Information Technology program are qualified IT professionals who are prepared for careers in a wide-range of IT-related areas, as follows:

• Computer networking
• Network and systems administration
• Website development and management
• Digital media design
• Management information systems (MIS)
• Database management
• Software development

The Vancouver Campus is a member of CompTIA's "Education to Career" program. Graduates of FDU-Vancouver's B.S. in Information Technology program are encouraged to complete IT certification exams as part of their program, ensuring that they are "market-ready" when they graduate.

Career Opportunities

Information technology (IT) is credited with being a major factor in increased productivity and the driving force behind the global economy. There is a great demand for IT professionals in North America ensuring graduates strong employment opportunities following successful completion of the program.

Vancouver's proximity to Seattle and the Silicon Valley, which are home to a great number of IT companies including Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Cisco Systems to mention a few, gives its students another great advantage in terms of pursuing their career goals in IT.

Students in the B.S. in Information Technology program must complete a minimum of 122 credit hours of coursework. The distribution is:

here. The curriculum plan for the BSIT program without a Minor is available here.

Program Objectives and Outcomes for the B.S. in Information Technology

Program Objectives

The main objective of the B.S. in Information Technology is to produce graduates who:

Enter into and advance in the profession of information technology, management information systems, business administration, or other related fields. Continue their education by obtaining professional certificates or advanced degrees in information technology, management information systems, business administration, or other related fields. Continue to conduct themselves as both responsible professionals and global citizens, who are aware of ethical issues and societal needs and problems.

The program objectives define the skills, knowledge, and attributes that graduates are expected to possess three to four years following graduation, and they fulfill the needs of our several University constituencies, including alumni, students, the Industrial Advisory Committee, the faculty, and employers. These objectives are consistent with the mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University “to educate and prepare students as world citizens through global education.”

Project Outcomes

Upon or before graduation, each information technology (IT) graduate will possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attributes to:

Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline. Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. Design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component or program to meet desired needs. Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal. Understand professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society. Recognize the need for and engage in continuing professional development. Use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice. Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies. Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems. Effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment. Understand best practices and standards and their application. Assist in the creation of an effective project plan. Understand major features of a business system and how functional areas (i.e., accounting, finance, information technology, information management, marketing, and organizational behavior) work in relation to the entire operation.

As a leading innovator in global education, Fairleigh Dickinson University seeks new ways to offer its unique learning opportunities to students worldwide. The University's newest campus opened in 2007 in Vancouver, British Columbia . Located in western Canada near the U.S. border, Vancouver is one of the world’s most scenic, cosmopolitan and multicultural cities. The Vancouver Campus offers students one of the few opportunities to earn an American college degree while studying in Canada. All degree programs offered at the Vancouver Campus have been authorized by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education. Fairleigh Dickinson University - Vancouver welcomes students from around the world to create a culturally diverse learning environment. Vancouver offers resources to students who need additional support in developing their English-language skills before starting degree studies.

Why Fairleigh Dickinson?

Fairleigh Dickinson University is a center of academic excellence dedicated to the preparation of world citizens through global education. The University strives to provide students with the multidisciplinary, intercultural and ethical understandings necessary to participate, lead and prosper in the global marketplace of ideas, commerce and culture. Founded in 1942, FDU is New Jersey's largest private University, serving nearly 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students, including more than 1,000 international students from around the world. The University's two U.S. campuses are in northern New Jersey, near New York City. In addition to the Vancouver Campus, the University owns and operates a campus in Wroxton, England. The Vancouver Campus is operated by the Fairleigh Dickinson University of British Columbia Foundation, which is a not-for-profit entity in British Columbia, Canada.

Accreditations and Approvals

The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and licensed by the State of New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. FDU's Silberman College of Business Administration holds prestigious accreditation by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Many of the University's individual academic degree programs are accredited by the appropriate professional and educational agencies. The term "university" is used under the written consent of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education effective May 8, 2006, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the ministry. Fairleigh Dickinson University is the first non-Canadian institution to gain approval under the stringent standards adopted by British Columbia in 2003.