Your Future in Information Technology
Information technology applies modern technologies to creating, managing and using information. IT professionals perform duties ranging from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. Possible career opportunities include:
- Data and information management
- Database systems design and applications
- Network and systems security
- Software design and development
- Systems and network administration and configuration
- Teaching computer science in high schools
What we offer
The IT degree program provides you with computer science skills as well as the flexibility to study a supporting area that you choose. Course credit earned in non-engineering classes can be used for the supporting area. This is helpful to those students transferring into the program because you can remain on track to earn your degree without having to take extra classes.
This is an applied major focusing on topics such as database management, project management and web development. As you progress toward your degree, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Concentrate your coursework on a focus area such as game development, business, information security, pre-law or secondary education.
- Complete a certification from the Committee on National Security Systems.
- Earn a certificate in game programming.
Engineering students work with students from the College of Visual Arts and Design to create 2-D and 3-D games, learn physics simulation and perform research.
Ours is the only IT program with accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, (415 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; 410-347-7700).
You'll learn from faculty members who've been recognized by the National Science Foundation, the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Their research areas include computer networks and security, computer science theory, computer systems, software engineering, user-centric design, very-large-scale integration and computer-aided design.
Research facilities and other resources
Classes and research are conducted at Discovery Park, a 300-acre research facility located five miles north of the main campus and serviced by a free shuttle. In addition to instructional facilities with cutting-edge equipment, the department supports a comprehensive research program that focuses on the areas and research laboratories highlighted below.
- Algorithms and Computational Science
- Algorithms, Combinatorics and Graph Theory Laboratory
- Computational Epidemiology Research Laboratory
- Computer Security
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Computer Systems Research Laboratory
- Computer Vision and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- Databases and Data Mining
- Dependable Computing Systems Laboratory
- Global Software Development Lab
- Human Intelligence and Language Technologies Lab
- Information Management and Knowledge Discovery Lab
- Information Security and Privacy: Interdisciplinary Research and Education Lab
- Intelligent Systems
- Laboratory for Recreational Computing
- Machine Learning Lab
- Multimedia Information Laboratory
- NanoSystem Design Laboratory
- Network Security Laboratory
- Software
- Software Engineering Language Laboratory
- Software Testing Laboratory
- Trusted Secure Systems Laboratory
- Wireless Sensor Laboratory
Other research centers housed in the department are the Center for Computational Epidemiology and Response Analysis, Center for Information and Computer Security and Net-Centric Software and Systems Center. Learn more about our research centers and laboratories.
If you're going to live on campus, you also can join our Living Learning Community, which brings together engineering majors for enhanced academic and social experiences.
What to expect
Your coursework is divided into:
- University core courses (30 credit hours)
- College of Engineering core courses (18 credit hours)
- Computer science and engineering required courses (42 credit hours)
- Concentration area courses (9 credit hours)
- Supporting area courses (21 credit hours)
The College of Engineering's core requirements involve two laboratory science courses, two math courses and a technical writing course.