This degree is a new broad based technical and theoretical degree that will prepare students to implement and use information technology to realize a variety of goals within and between all types of organizations and businesses (e.g., reliability, accessibility, efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement). The emphasis is on providing the student with the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology to solve problems while also providing a set of applied, real-world experiences. Students will acquire a broad set of skills across many areas of information technology, including programming and systems development, networking, databases, project management, and information security. Students will consider how the implementation of information technology in organizations affects social change and the delivery of information to the consumer. Upper-level course selections allow for specific advanced options including but not limited to application development, networking, cybersecurity, and business. Project-oriented, team-based projects that include significant writing and presentation components will be integrated throughout the curriculum.
Application Development Option – This option is available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton and York. This option prepares students for the design and development of complex object-oriented programming and technical skills to succeed in a fast-paced development and operations environment.
Business Applications Option – This option is available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, and York. This option prepares students to pursue careers in Information technology solving business organizational problems with an emphasis on the systems processes and business operations integration.
Custom Information Technology Option – This option is available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and York. This option provides the opportunity for students to pursue an approved information technology interdisciplinary or exploratory program of study.
Cybersecurity Option – This option is available at the following campuses: Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, and York. This option will provide students with the knowledge and cyber defense skills needed to critically assess and respond to modern information security threats. They will be prepared to protect information infrastructure and data from attacks and unauthorized access.
Networking Option – This option is available at the following campuses: Abington, DuBois, and Mont Alto. This option prepares students to pursue careers in the design, development, and support of complex networks and networking infrastructure.
Security and Risk Analysis Option – This option is available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, and Schuylkill. This option prepares students to address the current and emerging security and risk challenges that face individuals, organizations and our nation, over a variety of domains including national/homeland security, emergency and disaster management, law and crime, and enterprise risk management.
MOVEMENT SCIENCE OPTION: This option provides interdisciplinary scientific training in academic areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, movement neuroscience, psychology of physical activity, and sport history and philosophy to understand movement for prevention and diagnosis of chronic disease, rehabilitation and treatment, and/or theoretical study. Students are prepared for graduate study in many clinical fields including medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical assistant, cardiac rehabilitation, as well as a broad range of careers in biomedical and health-related fields.
EXERCISE SCIENCE OPTION: This option is a program of study in the science of exercise. This program offers Kinesiology background and applied experience in fitness assessment, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, motor skill development, nutrition and healthy living skills. Graduates will be able to scientifically assess fitness levels of individuals. Analyzing those assessments, graduates will then be capable of designing and implementing appropriate exercise programs. Students in the Business Emphasis will select courses from a department list that will enhance their opportunity for graduate studies in Kinesiology related fields, Physical Therapy and Medical schools. The completion of the Exercise Science Option will enable graduates to compete for employment in the corporate fitness arena, private fitness clubs, community-based fitness organizations, hospital and university settings or possibly to operate their own health and fitness company.
Complete application materials must be received by December 1 in order to be considered for admission
Applicants should submit a School of Nursing application with transcripts, directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office by December 1. Please visit the Nese College of Nursing website for more information.