Information Technology (BS)

Why USF for a Information Technology Degree Program?

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.

Business Knowledge  + Technical Know-How

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:

• Computer forensics
• Data analytics
• Ethics and privacy
• Security and risk assessment
• Web programming

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

Real-World Learning & Professional Networking Opportunities

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:

• 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
• EY
• Do It Best Corporation
• Noble County Government
• Parkview Health Systems
• Research & Capstone Projects

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.

Our Faculty and Facilities

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:

• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Unity 3D Pro
• HTC Vive Virtual Reality Headset
• Linux Operating System,
• Windows Operating System

Campus and Community Involvement

As a computer information systems major, these campus organizations might interest you:

• Criminologists in Action
• Game Meat
• 404 Club Not Found

What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?

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:

• Business analysts
• Computer network architect
• Computer systems analyst
• Computer systems administrator
• Information security analyst
• Programming analyst
• Software developer
• Web developer

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