Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

DELIVERY MODE: Online

REQUIRED CREDITS: 180

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at City University of Seattle offers the convenience of an online IT degree with the benefit of our technology laboratories.

Students will master the technologies and services employed in modern information system environments, gaining insights from a faculty who are current industry leaders and professionals.

Flexible learning options: Courses are available online and can be completed at your own pace.
Time to completion: Students can complete this bachelor’s degree in as little as two-and-a-half years.
Relevant curriculum: After covering the fundamentals of computing, you’ll take courses in ethics, information management, project management, programming and more.
Admissions requirements: You can apply to CityU’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program with a high school diploma or GED.

Whether you’re a certified network professional or new to the technology field, we’ll set you up with the skills to take on a number of IT positions.

Job Titles of Alumni with a BS in Information Technology

Systems Analyst or Engineer
Network Engineer
Computer Scientist or Specialist
Data Analyst
Database Engineer
Information Engineer or Specialist

If you’re ready to tackle the challenges you’ll face in the ever-changing IT environment, set yourself up for success by contacting our advisors today.

Preparatory Courses

CS 131

Computer Science I: C++ (5)

This course provides an introduction to programming using the Standard C++ programming language. Students learn the basic concepts of assignment, iteration, and looping. The course includes extensive coverage of objects and the concepts of object-oriented programming. In addition, students will learn how to effectively structure a program.

CS 225

Introduction to Web Design (5)

The course develops a student’s understanding and skills in web development and script programming to create dynamic websites. The course is an introductory course and builds a fundamental working knowledge of web technology and the ability to create a website. Students will apply knowledge of computer operation and basic symbolic logic to the create a dynamic website. Students completing this course will have an understanding of the operation and construction of a dynamic website.

IS 201

Fundamentals of Computing (5)

This course is designed to provide an overview of the fundamentals of computing. Emphasis is placed on the five basic areas of Information Technology (IT): applications, platforms, development, data, and communication. Students will develop their understanding of basic IT concepts, and delve into Information Technology planning and analysis through practical application of current techniques and tools for building a website.

MATH 141

Precalculus (5)

This course covers a review of algebra and geometry; linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions and their graphs; exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; linear programming; and sequences, sets, counting, permutations, combinations, and probability. Emphasis is placed on the development of necessary mathematical skills needed for upper division coursework. Students needing math for GE purposes only should consider MATH 107 or MATH 138 instead of MATH 141. Prerequisites: MATH 138.

MATH 146

Foundational Statistics (5)

This course introduces students to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision-making. Through various learning activities, students will explore concepts such as measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, and hypothesis testing. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe important characteristics of a set of data and draw inferences about a population from sample data.

MATH 151

Calculus (5)

This course covers the basic concepts and theory of differential and integral calculus of one variable, with emphasis on applications to business and economics. Additional applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences.

Core Requirements

BC 301

Critical Thinking (5)

The critical thinking process is used to analyze today's issues and aid the student in identifying rational solutions. Topics examined include: argument analyzing and building; forms and standards of critical thinking; and evaluating sources of information.

CS 302

Human Computer Interaction (5)

This course provides an introduction to the fields of human computer interaction (HCI), software design and computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). These fields draw from many others including neurobiology, psychology and sociology, as well as computer science. Students will learn to apply concepts from these fields via user inquiry, use case narration, prototype design and usability studies. At the end of the course, students will be able to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.

CS 330

Network Communications Basics (5)

The initial course in the Networking sequence, this course addresses the OSI and IP networking models and understanding networking protocols. The course examines in depth layer 1 and 2 protocols including common LAN and wireless networks. The student is introduced to tools and techniques for analyzing networks. Course Entry Requirement: IS 306.

IS 306

Data Management Communications and Networking (5)

This course develops student understanding of a model of Information Systems composed of data acquisition, data transport, data manipulation, data storage and data display. The use of data to develop business intelligence, competitive advantage, and support business operations through lean supply chains, delivery, and oversight has become an increasingly critical component in business success. Students will learn how modern computer systems work with data across multiple systems to deliver relevant time critical information to managers and workers. Students will gain an insight into networked communications in support of business operations. This course prepares the student for working with data in a modern highly connected organization anywhere in the world.

IS 340

Operating Systems (5)

This course examines basic operating system concepts and principles. The concepts include Operating Systems components, architecture, and management. Operating system management will examine process, memory, storage, and security management. Several exercises and hands-on activity reinforce the concepts and principles covered in the course. Course Entry Requirement: IS 306 or CS 306.

IS 345

Information Security (5)

Information security is an increasingly vital concern in today's highly networked digital world. This course provides an overview of the field including the objectives of information security - Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) and the inherent conflicts in these objectives. Students will look at common threats and vulnerabilities and examine the risk management techniques and controls used to address them. Upon completing this course, students will have a solid foundation to study information security in more depth, and include an awareness of the demands of information security consideration in all technology efforts.

IS 350

Systems Analysis and Design (5)

This course covers systems analysis and design using the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) as a foundation. Data, process, and network modeling are covered along with frameworks such as the Zachman Framework and The Open Group Architectural Framework (TOGAF). Object technologies will be built into the program along with design patterns. Students will complete the design of a system by the end of this course.

IS 375

C++ - Intermediate (5)

In this course students further their understanding of the C++ programming language, applying it to the managed code environment, databases and Windows programming. In the first part of the course students use C++/CLI to create managed code. The course then covers designing, implementing and accessing databases to store large data sets. Students then implement Windows based programs using the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). Students will learn the concepts of event-driven programming, message processing, and Windows program structure. Prerequisite: CS 131

IS 470

IT Service Management (5)

This course focuses on Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) best practices as defined by Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM). Emphasis is placed on ITSM drivers of processes and strategies to create a viable Information Technology (IT) organization. Students will learn the foundation, values, strategies and operations of ITSM. Several exercises and hands on activities will focus on service support and service delivery.

IS 471

IT Ethics (5)

IS 471 Information Technology Ethics introduces students to the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of technology in organizations, schools and society. This course examines access and equity issues, censorship, privacy, piracy, hacking, commercialization, literacy, online communication, Intellectual Property, crime, Civil Liberties, Social Media, and developing a "global community" through the Internet. Understanding of Professional and Ethical Responsibilities and awareness of ethical issues facing IT professionals is emphasized. Analysis of situations involving ethical conflicts and the ability to make decisions based on professional codes of ethics and conduct is explored.

PM 401

Introduction to Project Management (5)

Introduction to Project Management utilizes a real team project to manage a project’s life cycle. Emphasis is placed on activity networks, managing resources, and creating control mechanisms that minimize risk. Project leadership is explored in the context of building effective project teams and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Students will learn and apply basic project management concepts including time and resource constraints, planning, scheduling, work breakdown structure, Gantt Charts, network diagrams, and project control.

Depth of Study

CJ 360

Cybercrime, Technology, and Social Change (5)

This course addresses crime, victimization, and criminality associated with modern digital technologies mediating social relationships. Students will investigate the legal, political, and societal changes that result from these technologies and their contexts in a wide array of crimes from cyber-rape to hacktivism.

CS 481

Network Security (5)

This course examines the tools, processes and procedures used to secure computer networks. The course reviews network vulnerabilities, common attack vectors, and methods for preventing, detecting and minimizing the effects of network attacks using such tools as Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems. Students completing this course will have an understanding of how to secure and defend networks. Prerequisite: CS 330

IS 464

Policy and Audits (5)

This course investigates the policies that govern information security, and how systems can be audited to ensure compliance with those policies. Policies are the process in which technical controls are codified into standards and practices that a company or a governmental organization will use to define controls, and assess compliance of those controls in the working environment. Auditing is the process in which electronic systems are reviewed for compliance with the policies promulgated by senior management. This course focuses on key aspects of information management policies and auditing to ensure compliance with standards based policies and practices. Students will immediately be able to use the information gained in this course to write policies and audit for information systems compliance.

IS 468

Tools and Techniques (5)

This course covers the tools and techniques that security professionals use to implement, monitor and evaluate security on computer systems. Students will lock down and monitor computer systems and gain hands on experience in collecting information about the vulnerabilities of an organization. Based on their experiences in this course, students will be prepared to conduct penetration testing on authorized systems.

IS 472

IT Compliance (5)

As IT has become critical to the functioning of business, the importance of information security, accuracy, and availability becomes paramount. In response there has been an increase in the complexity of government and industry mandates from around the world. These regulations on IT direction and management have the ability to disrupt business, but also can elevate the organization to a more mature and secure operational posture where the upside of affirmative safeguards is tremendous and limited only by the organization's ability to execute and adapt. This course will investigate IT Compliance regulations including SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and 21 CFR 11. Students learn techniques for assessing compliance and integrating compliance initiatives into IT strategy, planning and projects.

Capstone

Dr. Noel Broman

A Q&A with Dr. Noel Broman, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: PhD from Capella University.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Hiking.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Information Technology.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others who are looking to get into the industry.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU is a great school with a great reputation.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: If you need any type of help – just ask.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: You will enjoy the experience.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Through those evaluations, I’ve learned a lot about myself as a professor and how I can improve.

Dr. David Hendrickson

A Q&A with Dr. David Hendrickson, Academic Program Director for the Technology Institute

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: PhD in Information System from Nova Southeastern University School of Computer and Information Sciences.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Make wine.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Data Communications, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare IT.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: Because it gives me the opportunity to leverage my industry experience to teaching technology.

Q: What is one thing that you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Technology by itself is pointless unless a meaningful problem can be solved by it.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Anyone who is interested in learning technology theory and how to apply it in the real world should take my classes.

Q: What is something you’ve learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied on?
A: Students would rather discuss relevant cutting edge topics in discussion boards than answering book questions.

Andrew Leubner

A Q&A with Andrew Leubner, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: Sociology from the University of North Texas.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Hiking.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Human Computer Interfacing and Information Systems.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I enjoy helping students expand their education and build skills for the business world.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU provides an environment to grow student-teacher relationships through smaller class size, which allows for a great educational experience.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Plan ahead and make sure to give yourself some time after finishing a project before starting to edit. This break will help you see the material with clear eyes and catch small mistakes and confusing wording.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Stay current on your reading and look for examples of theories or practices we discuss in class in your daily life. Understanding a topic allows you to see daily examples and how they properly use or misuse these processes/principles.

Noel Paterson

A Q&A with Noel Paterson, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: MBA in General Management from City University of Seattle.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I play video games with my two sons and play on a local volleyball team in my city. I also volunteer at a local arboretum.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: I teach various classes on Information Systems (IS330, MBA520, CS201) and occasionally Web Design (IS312) or Fundamentals of Computing (IS201).

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I really enjoy working with students and helping them overcome the challenge of learning new concepts. I especially like helping students become more comfortable working with technology.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: I find CityU students have such a great and diverse set of experiences and backgrounds that it really helps generate interesting discussions and perspectives that help bring many topics to life.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: No matter how little they think they know or understand about computers and technology, they often have experience that relates to the topic and I try to help them understand that.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: One of my students went on to begin her PhD and started teaching and came back to tell me that her experience in my class was a big inspiration for her to want to teach.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: I want each student to succeed and will be happy to work with any issues that come up during the quarter, but I also expect each student to participate and give a solid effort. Students who try to cut corners or only participate sporadically will find that I am not very lenient on grades.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: I have definitely adjusted my class structure a number of times due to feedback from these evaluations. Most notably, I’ve worked to improve clarity on my schedule documents and BlackBoard announcements, which was in direct response to requests by students.

Ann Robinson

A Q&A with Ann Robinson, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: MBA in Engineering Technology. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from City University of Seattle.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Golfing, video games, movies, Zumba and Cross-fit.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Information technology and security.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I have a passion for technology and security.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Technology can be challenging at times but never give up!

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: It was a trip to China. Everywhere I went, people took pictures of me.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Use your innovative and creative skills with technology and security. Think outside of the box!

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Feedback is the key.

Dr. Simon Cleveland

A Q&A with Dr. Simon Cleveland, Associate Professor

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love travelling, learning about new cultures, swimming, and reading non-fiction books.

Q: What classes do you teach?

ITMGMT 510 – Managing the Technology Project
ITMGM 530: Managing Process Innovation
IS 350: Systems Analysis and Design.
IS 450: Software Process Management
IS 470: IT Service Management

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I have a passion for sharing knowledge that drove me to academia. In fact, my doctoral dissertation was on the topic of knowledge sharing via Information and Communication Technologies.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: Because I believe in CityU’s mission to change lives for good by offering high quality education and am proud that CityU has been recognized as one of the top online universities in the nation.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: I will never give up on you, as long as you demonstrate your passion and commitment to learn.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: Students appreciate quick turnaround on their weekly performance. As a result, I strive to provide my feedback and grades within three days after the due date of the assignments.