Develop the technical skill and business know-how to pursue high-demand, high-paying IT and information system careers.
Companies of all sizes — and in virtually every industry — need smart, skilled information technology professionals within every corner of their organizations, from the human resources to the help desk and from the sales team to the server room — and even the executive suite.
A well-rounded, business-focused information systems degree prepares you for a breadth of positions in this rapidly expanding field. Plus, being part of an ever-evolving industry means you’ll continue to learn as technology advances and new speciality areas emerge.
expected increase in demand for software developers through 2029 (bls.gov)
median salary for computer systems analysts (bls.gov, 2019)
100 Best Jobs in America (U.S. News & World Report)
The University of Saint Francis aligns its business and technology degree programs with the demands of today’s — and tomorrow’s — STEM workforce. Our computer information systems major incorporates fast-growing segments, like computer forensics.
Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, your entire USF academic experience will develop you into a socially responsible IT professional and an ethical digital citizen.
An organization’s information technology infrastructure is critical to its overall success. Many major business decisions are made with the input of IT professionals; in fact, the rise of the CTO — chief technology officer role — demonstrates the important role information systems play in our day–to-day work lives.
That’s why USF’s information technology degree ensures you have a solid understanding of large data systems and underlying infrastructures, while also providing a foundation in business management.
You’ll have two semesters of networking coursework and explore a range of relevant topics, such as:
I like that this program is hands-on and a lot of what we learn we learn by doing. During my internship at Do it Best, I was able to do the actual work of a systems administrator. It was a great opportunity and it also taught me about professionalism and what it takes to be successful in the business world.
Peter Mitchell ‘19
Computer Information Systems
Many academic programs can say they offer networking opportunities, but with IT, we mean it in the literal sense. You’ll meet and network with local IT leaders through guest speaking events and job shadowing events; and you will gain real-world networking and analyst experience through internships, projects and employment.
Internships
Beyond your programming courses and real-world simulations in the classroom, you’ll get practical job experience through an internship at companies such as:
Pursue independent, faculty-mentored research in a topic you’re curious about, or solve a practical business problem through a capstone project.
Campus Employment
Whether you want to become a systems administrator or work as an IT consultant, another fantastic way to prepare for your career is part-time on-campus employment:
Reginald Telemaque, an IT major and student-athlete, helped manage social media for the USF Cougars football team. Sam Eastman provided support to his fellow students and the greater USF campus as a help desk tech.
You will learn from seasoned IT professionals and tech-savvy business leaders, such as program director Rick Miller, who brings decades of information technology management experience from the healthcare and higher education fields to USF. He’s also active in the community, serving on the board of Star 88.3, a local Christian radio station.
Dedicated Computer Lab and Network
With a dedicated computer lab — meaning it’s independent of the University’s network — you’ll have an opportunity to learn real-life trouble-shooting skills through simulated server failures and network crashes.
Industry-Standard Software and Equipment
In your classrooms and labs, you’ll have access to industry standard equipment and programs such as:
As a computer information systems major, these campus organizations might interest you:
You might have been drawn to the IT degree because you want to become a systems administrator or explore computer forensics. But there’s a wealth of possibilities for you in the IT field. Here are just a few roles you might find:
As you gain experience or as your workplace grows its IT offerings, you could advance into supervisory or leadership positions.
I completed a summer internship at EY (Ernst & Young) in Indianapolis where I worked as an IT auditor. Not only did I discover that I love the actual work, but I also received a full-time job offer for when I graduate.
Abby Mosier ’20
Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.
Apply NowWhether you know what you want to see, who you want to meet or are just exploring your options, we will personalize your campus visit to fit your needs.
Visit USFAn academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.