Information Technology
| Degree: | Bachelor of Science (B.S.) |
| Major: | Information Technology |
| Minors: | Data Processing and Management Information Systems Administration Network Administration |
| Department: | Department of Information Technology Building 4, Room 323 (850) 474-2098 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:
- Develop information technology solutions to important problems either individually or through interdisciplinary teams within a global and societal context.
- Professionally and ethically, engage in technical or business activity through information technology abilities, communication skills, and knowledge.
- 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:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
- 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 course work 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 Gordon Rule, 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 "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 |
| 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 |
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.
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 2570 | Personal Computer Applications | 3 |
| COP 2830 | Script Programming | 3 |
| COP 2253 | Programming Using Java | 3 |
| or COP 2334 | Programming Using C++ | |
| ECO 2013 | Principles of Economics Macro * | 3 |
| MAC 2233 | Calculus with Business Applications * | 3 |
| PHI 2603 | Ethics in Contemporary Society * | 3 |
| PSY 2012 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics * | 3 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
- *
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 2020 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| PHI 2103 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
Lower Division Electives
| Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 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 BS in Information Technology
| CGS 2920 | Foundations in Information Technology | 1 |
| COP 3826 | User Interface Programming | 3 |
| CGS 3763 | Operating Systems Concepts | 3 |
| CNT 3004 | Introduction to Networks | 3 |
| CNT 3112 | Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials | 3 |
| CIS 4361 | Information Technology Security | 3 |
| CET 4772 | Cloud Computing Operations and Security | 3 |
| CTS 4348 | Linux System Administration | 3 |
| CTS 4323 | Server Administration | 3 |
| COP 4710 | Database Systems | 3 |
| CAP 4770 | Data Mining | 3 |
| CTS 4457 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| CTS 4910 | Trends in Data Analytics | 3 |
| COP 4723 | Database Administration | 3 |
| 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 4935 | Senior Seminar in Information Technology | 2 |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- †
May use other option(s) as advisor-approved elective(s).
- ‡
With departmental approval, more than three credit hours may be applied toward 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, and CTS. Students may also take ENC 3213 Professional and Technical Writing. Courses in other areas may be applied toward the BS in Information Technology program only by approval of the Department of Information Technology chairperson -OR- Students can complete a Minor in a related field (e.g., Management Information Systems [MIS] or Computer Science) that will contribute to the student's academic and professional preparation. Students should consult with department faculty and advisor when identifying an appropriate Minor and must gain approval from the department advisor before declaring such a Minor. | 15 | |
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 1 | 3 | |
| 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 Hours | 15 | |
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 1 | 3 | |
| Programming Using Java | ||
| Programming Using C++ | ||
| Script Programming | ||
| Choose 1 | 3 | |
| 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 Hours | 18 | |
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 3004 | Introduction to Networks | 3 |
| CNT 3112 | Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials | 3 |
| CNT 4701 | Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 3 |
| CNT 4526 | Wireless and Mobile Communications | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |