Program Details
Bachelor of Science, Major in Information Technology
Bachelor of ScienceJames Madison University
The Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology focuses on highly relevant skills in cybersecurity, computer networking, and end-user design and development. The Information Technology degree goes beyond the science behind computers, teaching students how to design, develop, test and maintain solutions in a wide range of computing and networking application areas.
Information Technology studies are integrated to provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, education and other organizations. In addition to core competencies in programming and networking, security and privacy, and other application-focused computing fields, the Information Technology major features a junior-level project to address a community need. Also, students in the Information Technology major are required to complete a two-semester senior capstone project, allowing them to apply the range of their abilities in a real-world context. Students in the Information Technology major are also required to select 9 credit hours of IT senior class electives from various fields such as cyber-security, web/mobile development and computer networking.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Information Technology is an excellent match for people who gain satisfaction from doing hands-on with technology, problem-solving, and finding a technology-oriented solution for real-world problems. Information Technology is everywhere, from smart appliances to autonomous vehicles to smart cities. The world is becoming increasingly connected, and job opportunities are abundant for those with the necessary skills. The Information Technology (IT) major at James Madison University, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, focuses on highly relevant skills in cybersecurity, computer networking, and end-user design and development. We go beyond the science behind computers, teaching you how to design and develop solutions in various computing and networking application areas. The IT major will provide you with the knowledge and skills to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, education, and other organizations. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
JMU IT courses tend to be hands-on focused. Plan to use programming as a tool to help you out with your hands-on assignments. An excellent strategy is ensuring you cover your programming sequence before joining JMU (CS149/CS159) and strengthening your programming skills. Also, make sure you learn about CS227 (Discrete Math). Covering these three courses with GenEd classes before joining JMU covers the first-year requirement of the IT Major.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The IT major is working closely with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative to provide opportunities for internships and jobs in the workforce of cybersecurity and computer networks. Also, you are encouraged to participate in the research with JMU IT/CS faculty members and among the college – College of Integrated Science and Engineering (CISE), including presenting your work in national and international conferences and being part of peer-reviewed published work. There is enough space in the IT major curriculum to claim a minor, including Robotics Minor, Math Minor, and Data Science Minor. |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Computer Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Database Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Programming and Mobile Applications Development) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Database and Program Developer Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Computer Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Computer Information Systems Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Major in Management Information Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Information Technology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid, In-Person, Online |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Information Technology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Data Science & Analytics Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Computer Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-2051.01 | Business Intelligence Analysts | Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-2051.02 | Clinical Data Managers | Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1241.00 | Computer Network Architects | Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1211.00 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
| 15-2051.00 | Data Scientists | Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1211.01 | Health Informatics Specialists | Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1212.00 | Information Security Analysts | Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1252.00 | Software Developers | Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1253.00 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1241.01 | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete