Information Technology

Degree:Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Major:Information Technology
Minors:Data Processing and Management
Information Systems Administration
Network Administration
Department:Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Building 4, Room 223
850-474-3241
http://uwf.edu/informationtech
College:Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering
CIP Code:11.0103
Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120

The BS in Information Technology provides a firm foundation of coursework, including programming principles, database concepts, end-user support, security, networks and operating systems. The program emphasizes applied skills, including internship, co-op, research, and capstone experiences that will prepare graduates to enter the Information Technology workforce.

Information Technology Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the UWF B.S. in Information Technology degree program will be known for their accomplishments in the early stages of their careers and they should:

  1. Develop information technology solutions to important problems either individually or through interdisciplinary teams within a global and societal context.
  2. Professionally and ethically, engage in technical or business activity through information technology abilities, communication skills, and knowledge.
  3. Engage in continuing professional growth through post-graduate education, continuing education, or professional activity.

B.S. in Information Technology Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the UWF B.S. in Information Technology program will have an ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. 
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  6. Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals.

Program Requirements

A grade of “C-” or better is required in all courses applied to this academic program. Consult with your academic advisor for courses that may satisfy both the General Education requirements and program course prerequisites.

General Education

Information Technology majors should satisfy the mathematics and science components of General Education with coursework taken from the recommendations shown below.

In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Multicultural, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements section of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum:

Multicultural Requirement

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Students Included in Cohort Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018 None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021 Complete a course or exam (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041 )
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter Complete both a course and exam (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041)

Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.

There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan. 

Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics PathwaysThese courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites. 

Statistical Reasoning
STA 2023Elements of Statistics3
MAC 2233Calculus with Business Applications3

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.

CGS 2570Personal Computer Applications3
COP 2830Script Programming3
COP 2253Programming Using Java3
or COP 2334 Programming Using C++
ECO 2013Principles of Economics Macro *3
MAC 2233Calculus with Business Applications *3
PHI 2603Ethics in Contemporary Society *3
PSY 2012General Psychology *3
STA 2023Elements of Statistics *3
Total Hours24
*

 Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.

Recommended Lower Division Electives

The following General Education courses are recommended to satisfy the requirements for lower-division electives. 

CGS 2020Introduction to Machine Learning3
PHI 2103Critical Thinking3
AMH 4375Inventing the Future: The History of American Technology3

Lower Division Electives

Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. 15

Information Technology Core

The following courses are required of all students pursuing the B.S. in Information Technology.

CGS 2920Foundations in Information Technology1
ENC 3213Professional and Technical Writing3
MAN 3583Project Management3
COP 3826User Interface Programming3
CGS 3763Operating Systems Concepts3
CNT 3004Introduction to Networks3
CNT 3112Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials3
CNT 4526Wireless and Mobile Communications3
CNT 4701Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation3
CIS 4361Information Technology Security3
CET 4772Cloud Computing Operations and Security3
CTS 4348Linux System Administration3
CTS 4323Server Administration3
COP 4710Database Systems3
COP 4723Database Administration3
Experiential Learning (Choose 1) 3
Internship/Practicum in Information Technology
Undergraduate Research in Information Technology
Cooperative Education
Information Technology Capstone
Innovative Solutions for Industry
CGS 4935Senior Seminar in Information Technology2
Total Hours48

May use other option(s) as advisor-approved elective(s).

With departmental approval, more than three credit hours may be applied toward the degree as advisor-approved electives.

Program Electives

Students may take advisor-approved upper-division (3000- or 4000-level) courses in the following areas to attain the required 120 hours: CAP, CDA, CEN, CET, CGS, CIS, CNT, COP, COT, CTS, and ISM. Courses in other areas may be applied toward the B.S. in Information Technology program only by approval of the Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology chairperson.12

Data Processing and Management Minor

This minor in Data Processing and Management will allow students to attain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively organize, store, analyze, visualize and secure data.  All majors except Information Technology majors may earn this minor.

Choose 13
Programming Using Java
Programming Using C++
Script Programming
Choose 4. Other courses at the 3000 or 4000 level that are not shown here may be taken with advisor and department chair approval.12
Database Systems
Database Administration
Data Mining
Data Visualization
Trends in Data Analytics
Healthcare Data Analysis Using Python
Data Analysis in the Health Sciences
Total Hours15

Information Systems Administration Minor

This minor in Information System Administration will allow students to attain the skills needed to effectively create, secure, monitor and maintain a variety of information systems. All majors except Information Technology majors may earn this minor. The prerequisite for CGS 3763 (CGS 2920 Foundations in Information Technology) can be waived for students pursuing this minor.

Choose 13
Programming Using Java
Programming Using C++
Script Programming
Choose 13
Operating Systems Concepts
Theory and Fundamentals of Operating Systems
Systems & Networks I
Choose 4 (Students should assess the prerequisites for upper division courses they wish to take to complete the minor.)12
Cloud Computing Operations and Security
Information Technology Security
Database Administration
Server Administration
Linux System Administration
Advanced Server Administration
Active Directory
Total Hours18

Network Administration Minor

This minor in Network Administration will allow students across campus to attain the skills needed to effectively create, secure, monitor and maintain a computer network. All majors except Information Technology majors may earn this minor.

CNT 3004Introduction to Networks3
CNT 3112Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials3
CNT 4701Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation3
CNT 4526Wireless and Mobile Communications3
Total Hours12