Information Technology

Joseph J. Ekstrom, Chair
265 CTB, (801) 422-6300

Admission to Degree Program

Admission to the information technology program is open to all BYU students.

Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of computer system components with depth and experience in their integration.
• Creative and analytical thinking skills that provide a basis for technological problem solving.
• The ability to integrate systems for the purpose of facilitating communications with each other.
• The ability to lead and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• The skills and attitudes of life-long learning.
• The ability to apply knowledge, manage projects, and work effectively in diverse teams.
• An understanding of the application of new and developing technologies with sensitivity for global, societal, organizational, and personal usage issues, compliant with the moral standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Discipline

Information technology (IT), the technical discipline that solves problems using computing resources, will be taught through a combination of strong theoretical course work and practical application to ensure that all three aspects of the technological educational triumvirate (knowing, thinking, doing) are included. IT professionals from this discipline are competent to design computing systems with due consideration of the performance and compatibility aspects of hardware, software, and digital communication and networking. They can visualize, structure, and implement complex technical solutions.

Professionals in this discipline are also proficient in understanding user needs and communicating technical issues to the organizations and people affected by the computer system. They are "anxiously engaged" in lifelong learning to understand and wisely use new technologies as they become available. Broadly educated at the university level, these professionals have acquired balance in their lives and depth of understanding in technology and its relevance in the broader world context. Because of the influence and leadership roles we expect graduates to have, our students will be encouraged to develop high moral and ethical standards as well as being conversant with and compliant with professional performance standards.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are plentiful and rewarding in both large and small companies in technical fields. Graduates will find careers in computer networking, testing, embedded intelligence, digital communications, computer system development, and integration.

General Information

Technical Electives

Six upper-division credit hours of information technology technical courses are required. Selected from courses in the major, these electives must be approved by an advisor prior to taking them.

Students are also strongly advised to strengthen their degree by using additional credit hours to fulfill a minor or gain greater depth in a focused area of the discipline. Some suggested areas are electronic systems, computer science, industrial design, manufacturing, or business leadership. Students are required to indicate their area of study when they apply to the professional program.

High School Background

Recommended high school courses include computer programming, electronics, mathematics, and science courses.

Transfer Students

This degree is designed to have some similarity to computer science and electrical and computer engineering courses in the first few semesters. Students can transfer from these programs in two-year colleges or from other four-year programs.

Special Notice

Students receiving C– or lower grades in required courses will be placed on department probationary status.