Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
George Mason University
Key Information
Campus location
Fairfax, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 4,897 / per semester *
Application deadline
01 Jun 2024
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
The Information Technology, BS prepares students to apply IT to support business processes. The degree produces graduates with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills who successfully compete for technical employment and are prepared for advanced study. The objectives of the B.S. program in Information Technology relate to the expected abilities of the graduates three to five years after graduation.
The information technology bachelor’s degree emphasizes hands-on experience tackling real-world problems with its year-long senior capstone project, and a PITCH IT competition sponsored by the Laboratory for IT Entrepreneurship (LITE) and local industry partners. The program in web development is a one-of-a-kind concentration where students learn the theory and latest technologies in web development.
Students have ample opportunities to gain additional training through the CISCO Networking Academy and can become CISCO certified while earning college credit. The department also offers DHS NSA certification for interested students. Many IT students work while earning their degrees, and the online degree completion program was ranked #17 by Best Choice Schools in 2016.
Concentrations in:
- Database Technology and Programming
- Healthcare IT
- Information Security
- Information Technology Entrepreneurship
- Networking and Telecommunications
- Web Development and Multimedia
Program Outcome
The objectives of the Information Technology, BS program relate to the abilities of the graduates several years after graduation. Graduates of the program are expected within three to five years of graduation to have:
- Been employed in a position in which they have successfully used their information technology skills (including problem-solving, analytic, presentation, and personal skills) as evidenced by achieving improved organizational objectives;
- Progressed through increasing levels of responsibility in the workplace;
- Demonstrated ethical, social, and professional responsibility consistent with professional societies;
- Worked effectively in teams, whether as a participant or as a leader;
- Grown through self-study, continuing education, and professional development relevant to their profession.
Career Opportunities
Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology can expect to find jobs as web developers, database administrators, security analysts, network engineers, IT entrepreneurs, and more. They work in the public and private sector for government contractors or for local, state, and federal agencies, as well as in high-tech companies.
Curriculum
Mason Core General education program required for all undergraduate students.
Major Requirements (90-91 credits)
Foundation Courses (21 credits)
- IT 102 - Discrete Structures (3 credits) or MATH 125 - Discrete Mathematics I (3 credits)
- IT 104 - Introduction to Computing (3 credits)
- IT 105 - IT Architecture Fundamentals (3 credits)
- IT 106 - Introduction to IT Problem Solving Using Computer Programming (3 credits)
- IT 206 - Object Oriented Techniques for IT Problem Solving (3 credits)
- IT 216 - Systems Analysis and Design (3 credits)
- STAT 250 - Introductory Statistics I (3 credits)
Core Courses (33 credits)
- IT 207 - Applied IT Programming (3 credits)
- IT 213 - Multimedia and Web Design (3 credits)
- IT 214 - Database Fundamentals (3 credits)
- IT 223 - Information Security Fundamentals (3 credits)
- IT 300 - Modern Telecommunications (3 credits)
- IT 304 - IT in the Global Economy (3 credits)
- IT 341 - Data Communications and Network Principles (3 credits)
- IT 342 - Operating Systems Fundamentals (3 credits)
- IT 343 - IT Project Management (3 credits)
- MBUS 300 - Accounting in a Global Economy (3 credits)
- SYST 469 - Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
Two-semester sequence of approved capstone design courses (7 credits)
- IT 492 - Senior Design Project I (3 credits)
- IT 493 - Senior Design Project II (4 credits)
Information Technology Concentrations (15 credits)
Students choose one of six concentrations from the list below. To be eligible to choose a concentration, a student must have a B or better grade in the concentration’s gateway course. Concentration gateway courses are as follows:
Database Technology and Programming (DTP):
- IT 206 - Object Oriented Techniques for IT Problem Solving or IT 214 - Database Fundamentals
Health Information Technology (HIT):
- IT 214 - Database Fundamentals
Information Security (INFS):
- IT 223 - Information Security Fundamentals
Information Technology Entrepreneurship (ITE):
- IT 106 - Introduction to IT Problem Solving Using Computer Programming
Networking and Telecommunications (NTEL):
- IT 341 - Data Communications and Network Principles
Web Development and Multimedia (WDM):
- IT 213 - Multimedia and Web Design
To fulfill the requirements for a concentration, students need 15 credits made up of four courses from their chosen concentration and a fifth course chosen from any of the six concentrations. All concentration courses require a grade of B or better in the prerequisite gateway course.
Students may choose to have two concentrations. To be eligible, the student must have a B or better in the gateway course for each concentration. If two concentrations are declared, the student must take four courses in each concentration, for a total of eight concentration courses.
Database Technology and Programming (DTP)
- IT 306 - Program Design and Data Structures (3 credits)
- IT 308 - Event-Driven Programming (3 credits)
- IT 314 - Database Programming (3 credits)
- IT 315 - Mobile Development (3 credits)
- IT 322 - Health Data Challenges (3 credits)
- IT 344 - Information Storage and Management Technologies (3 credits)
- IT 369 - Data and Application Security (3 credits)
- IT 390 - Rapid Development of Scalable Applications (3 credits)
- IT 410 - Web Programming (3 credits)
- IT 414 - Database Administration (3 credits)
- IT 490 - Application Maintenance and Spiral Development (3 credits)
Health Information Technology (HIT)
- HAP 360 - Introduction to Health Information Systems (3 credits)
- IT 322 - Health Data Challenges (3 credits)
- IT 324 - Health Information Technology Fundamentals (3 credits)
- IT 390 - Rapid Development of Scalable Applications (3 credits)
- STAT 362 - Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages (3 credits)
Information Security (INFS)
- IT 353 - Information Defense Technologies (3 credits)
- IT 357 - Computer Crime, Forensics, and Auditing (3 credits)
- IT 366 - Network Security I (3 credits)
- IT 369 - Data and Application Security (3 credits)
- IT 429 - Security Accreditation of Information Systems (3 credits)
- IT 462 - Information Security Principles (3 credits)
- IT 466 - Network Security II (3 credits)
- IT 467 - Network Defense (3 credits)
Information Technology Entrepreneurship (ITE)
- IT 315 - Mobile Development (3 credits)
- IT 390 - Rapid Development of Scalable Applications (3 credits)
- IT 490 - Application Maintenance and Spiral Development (3 credits)
- IT 495 - Turning Ideas into Successful Companies (3 credits)
- IT 496 - Decision Making in IT Ventures (3 credits)
- MBUS 304 - Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing a New Enterprise (3 credits)
Network and Telecommunications (NTEL)
- ECE 301 - Digital Electronics (3 credits)
- IT 366 - Network Security I (3 credits)
- IT 441 - Network Servers and Infrastructures (3 credits)
- IT 445 - Advanced Networking Principles (3 credits)
- IT 455 - Wireless Communications and Networking (3 credits)
- IT 465 - Peer-to-Peer Systems and Overlay Networks (3 credits)
- IT 484 - Voice Communications Technologies (3 credits)
- IT 488 - Fundamentals of Satellite Communications (3 credits)
Web Development and Multimedia (WDM)
- IT 315 - Mobile Development (3 credits)
- IT 331 - Web I: Web Development (3 credits)
- IT 332 - Web Server Administration (3 credits)
- IT 335 - Web Development using Content Management Systems (3 credits)
- IT 390 - Rapid Development of Scalable Applications (3 credits)
- IT 415 - Information Visualization (3 credits)
- IT 431 - Web II: Advanced Web Development (3 credits)
- IT 436 - Agile Web Development with Open Source Frameworks (3 credits)
Other Major Requirements (14-15 credits)
- Natural Science: 7 credits of natural science, including at least one 4-credit course with a lab. Students should choose these from the list of courses approved for Mason Core (these credits can also apply toward Mason Core requirements).
- COMM 100 - Public Speaking (3 credits) or COMM 101 - Interpersonal and Group Interaction (3 credits)
- IT 293 - Applied IT: Junior Transition (1 credit)
- MATH 108 - Introductory Calculus with Business Applications (3 credits) or MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 credits)
Additional Mason Core (21 credits)
Students must complete all Mason Core requirements not fulfilled by major requirements.
- Written Communication: 6 credits
- Literature: 3 credits
- Arts: 3 credits
- Western Civilization/World History: 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Science: 3 credits
- Global Understanding: 3 credits
Electives (8-9 credits)
Students must complete additional coursework to bring their total number of credits to 120.
Note: All students must complete at least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of Mason Core social science and humanities courses listed above, including COMM 100 or COMM 101.
Opportunities
Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology can expect to find jobs as web developers, database administrators, security analysts, network engineers, IT entrepreneurs, and more. They work in the public and private sector for government contractors or for local, state, and federal agencies, as well as in high-tech companies.
The information technology bachelor’s degree emphasizes hands-on experience tackling real-world problems with its year-long senior capstone project, and a PITCH IT competition sponsored by the Laboratory for IT Entrepreneurship (LITE) and local industry partners. The program in web development is a one-of-a-kind concentration where students learn the theory and latest technologies in web development.
Students have ample opportunities to gain additional training through the CISCO Networking Academy and can become CISCO certified while earning college credit. The department also offers DHS NSA certification for interested students. Many IT students work while earning their degree, and the online degree completion program was ranked #17 by Best Choice Schools in 2016.
Concentrations in:
Database Technology and Programming
Healthcare IT
Information Security
Information Technology Entrepreneurship
Networking and Telecommunications
Web Development and Multimedia
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
SHOW ALL
Foundation Courses
HIDE
Course List
Code Title Credits IT 102 Discrete Structures 3
or MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core)
IT 104 Introduction to Computing (Mason Core) 3
IT 105 IT Architecture Fundamentals 3
IT 106 Introduction to IT Problem Solving Using Computer Programming 3
or IT 109 Introduction to Computer Programming
IT 206 Object Oriented Techniques for IT Problem Solving 3
or IT 209 Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
IT 216 Systems Analysis and Design 3
STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 21
Core Courses
HIDE
Course List
Code Title Credits IT 207 Applied IT Programming 3
IT 213 Multimedia and Web Design 3
IT 214 Database Fundamentals 3
IT 223 Information Security Fundamentals 3
IT 300 Modern Telecommunications 3
IT 304 IT in the Global Economy 3
IT 341 Data Communications and Network Principles 3
IT 342 Operating Systems Fundamentals 3
IT 343 IT Project Management 3
MBUS 300 Accounting in a Global Economy 3
SYST 469 Human Computer Interaction 3
Total Credits 33
Two-Semester Sequence of Approved Capstone Design Courses
HIDE
Course List
Code Title Credits IT 492 Senior Design Project I (Mason Core) 3
IT 493 Senior Design Project II (Mason Core) 4
Total Credits 7
Information Technology Concentrations
HIDE
Students choose one of six concentrations from the list below. To be eligible to choose a concentration, a student must have a B or better grade in the concentration's gateway course.
Concentration Gateway Courses
Course List
Code Title Credits Database Technology and Programming (DTP)
IT 206 Object Oriented Techniques for IT Problem Solving 3
or IT 209 Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
IT 214 Database Fundamentals 3
or IT 194 Review of Database Fundamentals
Health Information Technology (HIT)
IT 214 Database Fundamentals 3
or IT 194 Review of Database Fundamentals
Cyber Security (CYBR)
IT 223 Information Security Fundamentals 3
Networking and Telecommunications (NTEL)
IT 341 Data Communications and Network Principles 3
Web Application Development (WADV)
IT 213 Multimedia and Web Design 3
or IT 193 Review of Multimedia and Web Design
Cloud Computing (CCG)
IT 341 Data Communications and Network Principles 3
Concentration Requirements:
To fulfill the requirements for a concentration, students need 15 credits made up of four courses from their chosen concentration and a fifth course chosen from any of the six concentrations. Students may choose to have two concentrations. To be eligible, the student must have a B or better in the gateway course for each concentration.
Dual Concentration Requirements:
If two concentrations are declared, the student must take four courses in each concentration, for a total of eight different concentration courses, and a total of 12 credits per concentration, with no overlap between the two concentrations.
Concentrations
Database Technology and Programming (DTP)
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Cyber Security (CYBR)
Network and Telecommunications (NTEL)
Web Application Development (WADV)
Cloud Computing (CCG)
Concentration in Database Technology and Programming (DTP)
Course List
Code Title Credits Required Courses
IT 306 Data Structures and Algorithms in Java 3
or IT 309 Data Structures and Algorithms in Python
IT 314 Database Programming 3
Select two courses from the following: 6
IT 315 Mobile Development
IT 322 Health Data Challenges
IT 369 Data and Application Security
IT 390 Rapid Development of Scalable Cloud Applications
IT 409 Python Web Programming
IT 410 Web Programming
IT 414 Database Administration
Select one additional course from this or any other concentration within this degree program 3
Total Credits 15
Other Major Requirements
HIDE
Course List
Code Title Credits Select 7 credits of natural science, including at least one 4-credit course with lab 1 7
COMM 100 Public Speaking (Mason Core) 3
or COMM 101 Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core)
IT 293 Applied IT: Junior Transition 1
Select one of the following
MATH 108 Introductory Calculus with Business Applications (Mason Core)
MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)
HNRT 225 Applied Calculus
Total Credits 11
Additional Mason Core
HIDE
Students must complete all Mason Core requirements not fulfilled by major requirements. All students must complete at least 24 credits of social science and humanities coursework, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of Mason Core social science and humanities courses listed here, including COMM 100 Public Speaking (Mason Core) or COMM 101 Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core).
Course List
Code Title Credits Written Communication 6
Literature 3
Arts 3
Western Civilization/World History 3
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Global Understanding 3
Total Credits 21
Writing-Intensive Requirement
HIDE
The university writing-intensive requirement is satisfied by IT 343 IT Project Management.
Electives
HIDE
Course List
Code Title Credits Select additional coursework to bring the total number of credits to 120 8-9
Total Credits 8-9