Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Encyclopedia
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, (abbreviated BScIT or B.Sc IT), is a bachelor's degree
awarded for the completion of an undergraduate course or program in information technology
.
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program typically lasts three to four years. This degree is primarily focused on subjects such as software, databases, and networking. In general computer science
degrees tend to focus on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing rather than emphasizing specific technologies. The degree is a Bachelor of Science degree
with institutions conferring degrees in the fields of information technology and related fields. This degree is awarded for completing a program of study in the field of software development
, software testing
, software engineering
, computer networking, web design
, databases, and programming.
Many employers require software developers
or programmers
to have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, however those seeking to hire for positions such as network administrators or database managers
would require a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology
or an equivalent degree. Graduates with an information technology background are able to perform technology tasks relating to the processing, storing, and communication of information between computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Information technology as field emphasizes the secure management of large amounts of variable information and its accessibility via a wide variety of systems both local and world-wide.
Depending on the institution, the a course of study in the same core curriculum may result in the conferral of other degrees such as:
Many universities or colleges teach practical skills that are required to become a software developer. As logical reasoning and critical thinking are important in becoming a software professional, this degree encompasses the complete process of software development from software design and development to final testing.
Students who complete their undergraduate education in software engineering
at a satisfactory level often pursue graduate studies such as a Master of Science in Information Technology
(M.Sc IT) and sometimes continuing onto a doctoral program and earning a doctorate
such as a Doctor of Information Technology
(DIT).
.
, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 3-year undergraduate program. The Bachelor of Information Science degree is a distinctly different credential from a regular B.Sc. The Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, however is a 4-year program and the degree awarded is referred to as B.Tech or B.E.
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree is awarded following a three year course of study without specialization.
, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degrees are awarded after three and four years with specialization in areas such as Business Computing, System Administration & Networks as well as Software Development
. The Polytechnic of Namibia
, University of Namibia and other educational institutions in Namibia are key producers of graduates in this field.
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 3-year degree after the compulsory education, but outside the universities; with specializing in certain fields, usually databases, network, realtime operating systems and/or web design. The graduated students can join a postgraduate cycle in order to get a Master of Science in Information Technology
degree, this time in the university system.
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree is awarded after four years of study with specializing in a certain field
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT) is either a 4-year degree with a specialization, called a major, with honors or a 3-year undergraduate degree without any specialization.
).
The undergraduate degree, as well as the post-graduate degree, can be pursued by un-traditional means such as distance learning, online education, et cetera.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
awarded for the completion of an undergraduate course or program in information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
.
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program typically lasts three to four years. This degree is primarily focused on subjects such as software, databases, and networking. In general computer science
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
degrees tend to focus on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing rather than emphasizing specific technologies. The degree is a Bachelor of Science degree
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
with institutions conferring degrees in the fields of information technology and related fields. This degree is awarded for completing a program of study in the field of software development
Software development
Software development is the development of a software product...
, software testing
Software testing
Software testing is an investigation conducted to provide stakeholders with information about the quality of the product or service under test. Software testing can also provide an objective, independent view of the software to allow the business to appreciate and understand the risks of software...
, software engineering
Software engineering
Software Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software...
, computer networking, web design
Web design
Web design is the process of planning and creating a website. Text, images, digital media and interactive elements are used by web designers to produce the page seen on the web browser...
, databases, and programming.
Many employers require software developers
Software development
Software development is the development of a software product...
or programmers
Computer programming
Computer programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in one or more programming languages. The purpose of programming is to create a program that performs specific operations or exhibits a...
to have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, however those seeking to hire for positions such as network administrators or database managers
Database
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
would require a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
or an equivalent degree. Graduates with an information technology background are able to perform technology tasks relating to the processing, storing, and communication of information between computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Information technology as field emphasizes the secure management of large amounts of variable information and its accessibility via a wide variety of systems both local and world-wide.
Depending on the institution, the a course of study in the same core curriculum may result in the conferral of other degrees such as:
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Security in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS) in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS) in Computing
- Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS) in Computer Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (BAISc)
Skills taught
Generally software and information technology companies look for people who have strong programming skills, system analysis, and software testing skills.Many universities or colleges teach practical skills that are required to become a software developer. As logical reasoning and critical thinking are important in becoming a software professional, this degree encompasses the complete process of software development from software design and development to final testing.
Students who complete their undergraduate education in software engineering
Software engineering
Software Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software...
at a satisfactory level often pursue graduate studies such as a Master of Science in Information Technology
Master of Science in Information Technology
A Master of Science in Information Technology is a type ofpostgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. This degree is typically studied for in information technology and computer science...
(M.Sc IT) and sometimes continuing onto a doctoral program and earning a doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
such as a Doctor of Information Technology
Doctor of Information Technology
The Doctor of Information Technology is a research-oriented professional doctoral degree offered by some universities. It is of the same academic level as traditional PhD; however, DIT research focuses more on industry practice than on theoretical framework...
(DIT).
Subjects covered
BSc IT ciricula cover a wide variety of subjects in Computer Science such as:.
- Programming languages
- Operating systems
- Algorithm design and optimizationAlgorithm designAlgorithm design is a specific method to create a mathematical process in solving problems. Applied algorithm design is algorithm engineering....
- Computer networking
- Data communication
- Database management systems
- Relational database management systemRelational database management systemA relational database management system is a database management system that is based on the relational model as introduced by E. F. Codd. Most popular databases currently in use are based on the relational database model....
- Software engineeringSoftware engineeringSoftware Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software...
- Computer graphicsComputer graphicsComputer graphics are graphics created using computers and, more generally, the representation and manipulation of image data by a computer with help from specialized software and hardware....
- Distributed system
- Web developmentWeb developmentWeb development is a broad term for the work involved in developing a web site for the Internet or an intranet . This can include web design, web content development, client liaison, client-side/server-side scripting, web server and network security configuration, and e-commerce development...
- Data miningData miningData mining , a relatively young and interdisciplinary field of computer science is the process of discovering new patterns from large data sets involving methods at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics and database systems...
- Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
- MultimediaMultimediaMultimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which use only rudimentary computer display such as text-only, or...
- E-commerce
- Computer ethicsComputer ethicsComputer Ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct....
and Cyber law - Unix shell scripting
- Software testingSoftware testingSoftware testing is an investigation conducted to provide stakeholders with information about the quality of the product or service under test. Software testing can also provide an objective, independent view of the software to allow the business to appreciate and understand the risks of software...
- Digital electronics
India
In IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 3-year undergraduate program. The Bachelor of Information Science degree is a distinctly different credential from a regular B.Sc. The Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, however is a 4-year program and the degree awarded is referred to as B.Tech or B.E.
Malaysia
Most public and private universities and colleges in Malaysia offer B.Sc IT degrees.Portugal
In PortugalPortugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree is awarded following a three year course of study without specialization.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology is awarded following a four year course of study under the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Namibia
In NamibiaNamibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degrees are awarded after three and four years with specialization in areas such as Business Computing, System Administration & Networks as well as Software Development
Software development
Software development is the development of a software product...
. The Polytechnic of Namibia
Polytechnic of Namibia
The Polytechnic of Namibia, locally also known as Poly or Polytechnic, is an institute of tertiary education in Windhoek, Namibia. It has been established by Act 33 / 1994 of the Namibian Parliament.-History:...
, University of Namibia and other educational institutions in Namibia are key producers of graduates in this field.
Belgium
In BelgiumBelgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 3-year degree after the compulsory education, but outside the universities; with specializing in certain fields, usually databases, network, realtime operating systems and/or web design. The graduated students can join a postgraduate cycle in order to get a Master of Science in Information Technology
Master of Science in Information Technology
A Master of Science in Information Technology is a type ofpostgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. This degree is typically studied for in information technology and computer science...
degree, this time in the university system.
Netherlands
In the NetherlandsNetherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree is awarded after four years of study with specializing in a certain field
Sri Lanka
In Sri LankaSri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT) is either a 4-year degree with a specialization, called a major, with honors or a 3-year undergraduate degree without any specialization.
United States
In the United States of America, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is awarded after a four-year course of study. Some degree programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABETAbet
Abet may refer to:* Abet Guidaben , former Philippine Basketball Association basketball player* ABET, Inc., a non-profit organization that accredits higher education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology....
).
Career Path
The importance of information technology is increasing as more and more companies are investing in developing IT. Applicants with a college degree in information technology qualify for employment as entry-level computer software engineers, website developers, network engineers, systems administrators, database administrators, information systems managers, systems analysts, and network systems professionals. Specific titles and responsibilities relate to the academic and experiential requirements of the specific positions. It is clear that information technology can bring numerous improvements to organizations by minimizing routine tasks and increasing the productivity of daily operations.The undergraduate degree, as well as the post-graduate degree, can be pursued by un-traditional means such as distance learning, online education, et cetera.
Work Environment
Many workers in the field of computer systems design and other related services work in clean, quiet offices. Some workers who work in facilities management and maintenance may work in computer operations centers. However with modern technology, some such work can be performed from remote locations via e-mail and the Internet. For example systems analysts may telecommute with their computers linked directly to computers at the location of their employ. Likewise computer support specialists can access a customer's computer remotely in order to identify and fix problems. Even software developers and consultants, often relocated to a customer's place of business while working on a project, may perform work from offsite locations. Widespread uses of information technology have changed the workplace environment, enabling telecommuting and reducing the frequency of business trips.Earnings
Salaries of computer and information systems managers vary according to specialty and level of responsibility. The information below shows that every different position (in the job title) has different salary range:| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Technology (IT) Manager | $101,121 - $138,466 |
| Systems Administrator | $69,466 - $91,135 |
| Information Technology Specialist | $40,512 - $78,773 |
| Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | $97,425 - $123,737 |
| Network Engineer | $82,227 - $102,873 |
| Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | $111,283 - $134,327 |
Job Growth
In the information technology industries, employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations. Job prospects are excellent in this field compared to others. Overall employment of computer network, systems, project managers, information technology (IT), software engineer developer and database administrators is projected to increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018. In addition, this occupation will gain 286,600 new jobs over that period. Growth, however, will vary according to specialty. Computer network, systems, and database administrators will continue to enjoy excellent job prospects. The main growth catalyst for the information technology industry is expected to be the persistent evolution of technology and business' constant effort to absorb and integrate these resources to enhance their productivity and expand their market opportunities. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow. The computer systems design and related services industry is among the economy's largest and fastest sources of employment growth. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow between 18 to 26 percent for all occupations through the year 2014. In addition, graduates in information technology have more opportunities than other graduates as increasingly more organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. Many industries do not have the internal resources to effectively design, implement, or manage the products and systems which they require. When faced with such limitations, organizations often turn to the computer systems design and related services industry to address and resolve those limitations.See also
- Doctor of Information TechnologyDoctor of Information TechnologyThe Doctor of Information Technology is a research-oriented professional doctoral degree offered by some universities. It is of the same academic level as traditional PhD; however, DIT research focuses more on industry practice than on theoretical framework...
- Master of Science in Information TechnologyMaster of Science in Information TechnologyA Master of Science in Information Technology is a type ofpostgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. This degree is typically studied for in information technology and computer science...
- Bachelor of ComputingBachelor of ComputingBachelor of Computing is a bachelor's degree in Computing. This degree is offered only in some universities, and is slightly different from a B.Sc. in Computer Science or Information Technology or B.Sc IT...
- Bachelor of Information TechnologyBachelor of Information TechnologyA Bachelor of Information Technology degree is an undergraduate academic degree that generally requires three to five years of study to acquire. While the degree has a major focus on computers and technology, it differs from a Computer Science degree in that students are also expected to study...
- Bachelor of Computer ScienceBachelor of Computer ScienceThe Bachelor of Computer Science, , is a type of bachelor's degree, usually awarded after four or more calendar years of collegiate study in computer science, but can be awarded in fewer years depending on factors such as an institution's course requirements and academic calendar...
- Bachelor of Software EngineeringBachelor of Software EngineeringA Bachelor of Software Engineering is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completing a program of study in the field of software development for computers in information technology....
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Computer Information SystemsBachelor of Computer Information SystemsThe Bachelor of Computer Information Systems is an undergraduate or bachelor's degree, similar to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Computer Science, but focused more on practical applications of technology to support organizations while adding value to their...