Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

South University is currently offering a new format in addition to on-campus classes, called South VR [South Virtual Remote] which is a live instruction, interactive virtual classroom experience. This temporary learning format that was created to help our students continue their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information technology (IT) careers require specialists who can keep up with a continually changing digital landscape—which is exactly what you’ll have the opportunity to learn in South University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program. Led by IT administrators and faculty with broad industry leadership backgrounds, academic experience, and a strong understanding of the job market, our BS in IT program teaches you the critical thinking and discipline-specific knowledge you’ll need to pursue a career in IT.

Throughout your classes, you can develop a strong foundation in computer programming, database technology, network technology, information systems security, and software engineering. With your elective courses, you can focus in on a specific area or obtain a more broad IT skillset. Either way, your coursework will combine thoughtful analysis and case studies with hands-on projects you can share with potential employers to showcase your skills and ability to excel in today’s technology-dependent workplace.

Our Bachelor of Science degree provides you with the foundation for understanding the function and process of computer programming, database design, network design, information security, and software engineering. Case studies and relevant projects further prepare students for the technology-dependent workplace.

Outcomes

Upon completing the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program, you’ll be able to:

• Analyze information systems’ impact on businesses and organizations and demonstrate an ability to manage, create, and/or modify information systems.
• Communicate clearly your understanding of and solutions for common technology problems.
• Demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge including a thorough understanding of the terminology, applied usage, application to business problems, and deployment of technology resources.
• Display competence with database management technology, information systems security, multimedia web technology, networking technology, project management, software development, and systems analysis.

Career Outlook

Graduates of our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program typically pursue entry-level positions across the IT development lifecycle in planning, analysis, development, testing, deployment, service, program management, or technical support. These include:

• Technical sales support engineer, sales engineer
• Systems engineer, systems analyst, computer systems analyst
• Information security analyst, computer security analyst
• Software engineer, software developer, computer programmer
• Database developer, Web developer
• Software tester, quality assurance tester
• Computer network architect, network engineer
• Product support engineer, systems support engineer
• Customer support analyst, customer support IT specialist, computer user support specialist
• Computer systems administrator, database administrator, network administrator

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits

Professional Development

• ITS1000 Computer and Internet Literacy, 4 Credit Hours
• UVC1000 Strategies for Success, 4 Credit Hours

Basic Communications

• ENG1100 Composition I, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1200 Composition II, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1300 Composition III, 4 Credit Hours
• SPC1026 Public Speaking, 4 Credit Hours

Mathematics and Statistics

• MAT2058 Statistics, 4 Credit Hours
• Choose two additional courses from the following:
  • MAT1001 College Algebra I, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT1005 College Algebra II, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT1500 College Mathematics, 4 Credit Hours

Natural Sciences (choose two)

• BIO1020 Biology I, 4 Credit Hours
• BIO1021 Biology II, 4 Credit Hours
• CHM1010 General Chemistry, 4 Credit Hours

Arts and Humanities (choose two)

• ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E., 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy, 4 Credit Hours
• REL1001 World Religions, 4 Credit Hours

Social and Behavioral Sciences (choose three)

• ECO2071 Principles of Microeconomics, 4 Credit Hours
• ECO2072 Principles of Macroeconomics, 4 Credit Hours
• POL2076 American Government, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY1001 General Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology, 4 Credit Hours
• SOC2010 Social Problems, 4 Credit Hours

Area II Foundation Requirements: 24 Credits

• BUS1101 Introduction to Business, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS1101 Foundations of Information Technology, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS1103 Ethics and Information Technology, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS2103 Networking Fundamentals, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS2104 Programming Logic, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS2105 Programming I, 4 Credit Hours

Area III Major Requirements: 92 Credits

Core

• ITS2108 Human-Computer Interface, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS2110 Database Design and Development, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS2111 Multimedia Web Development, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3100 Software Engineering Fundamentals, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3101 Advanced Operating Systems and Architecture, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3102 SQL Development, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3103 Advanced Networking, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3104 IT Security, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3105 Programming II, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS3110 Applied Systems Analysis, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4011 IT Project Management, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4090 Applied Systems Analysis II, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4099 IT Research, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4103 IT Capstone, 4 Credit Hours
• Choose one of the following Administrative Elective courses from this list:
  • ITS4105 Network Administration I, 4 Credit Hours
  • ITS4106 Network Administration II, 4 Credit Hours
  • ITS4109 Server Technology, 4 Credit Hours
  • ITS4115 Database Administration, 4 Credit Hours
  • ITS4200 Information Technology Internship, 4 Credit Hours
  • MIS3101 Application of Management Information Systems, 4 Credit Hours

Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credit hours)

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval, may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

• BUS1038 Business Law I, 4 Credit Hours
• BUS2023 Business Communications, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ1001 Introduction to Criminal Justice System, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ2100 Introduction to Law Enforcement, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4021 Cyber Crime, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS2021 Spreadsheet and Database Applications, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4105 Network Administration I, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4106 Network Administration II, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4107 Designing and Maintaining Network Implementations, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4108 Network Programming, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4109 Server Technology, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4110 Digital Audio and Imaging for Multimedia and Web, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4111 Web Authoring Tools, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4112 Web Programming, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4113 Database Systems for Website Applications, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4114 Advanced Database Design and Development, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4115 Database Administration, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4116 Database Programming, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4211 Network Security, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4221 Application Software Security, 4 Credit Hours
• ITS4231 Case Studies in Computer Security, 4 Credit Hours
• MGT2037 Principles of Management, 4 Credit Hours
• MKT2010 Principles of Marketing, 4 Credit Hours

Note(s): South University, Online Program offerings may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

• Advanced media content
• Personalized navigation
• Simplified online learning atmosphere
• Access to digital books
• Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

How to apply

We make the application process as smooth as possible so you can start earning your degree right away. Our admissions representatives will guide you through our three-step process.

To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form. An admissions representative will review our degree programs with you, give you an overview of the admissions process, and help you complete the application process. You can take a guided tour of our campus or a virtual tour online. Apply Now A Finance Counselor will work with you to discuss options and qualifications and to develop a payment plan that works for you. Programs with alternative application procedures.

South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to engage with a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your educational goals, on-campus and online. We take pride in the South experience of small classes that offer a hands-on experience that will be important to help shape your skills and excellence in your chosen field, but also help shape your character through community involvement, volunteerism, and pursuit of lifelong learning.

South University is an academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced programs at the associate’s, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. A broad-based core curriculum is offered, promoting critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, and skills for life-long learning. Additionally, the University focuses on developing the requisites to appreciate knowledge as well as a pursuit of lifelong learning.