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Nov 08, 2024
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2024-2025 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook
Information Technology, B.S.
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Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is an online program– consisting of online synchronous sessions and asynchronous modules – designed both for individuals entering the information technology field, and those seeking to advance their information technology careers. The program prepares students with expertise in various domains of information systems so that they may contribute to the strategic success of an organization. The core program provides knowledge of diverse information technology disciplines and concepts such as computer programming fundamentals, network administration and security, cloud computing, database management, and business intelligence. The program emphasizes the technical aspects of multiple facets of information technology by working in instructor-facilitated online computer lab environments. Additionally, the program helps prepare students to earn some of the CompTIA industry certifications and Credly digital badges.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program provides options for adding a specialization track in business intelligence, cybersecurity, or network administration:
- The Business Intelligence specialization provides students with additional knowledge and skills for analyzing business data to create information used in organizational decision-making. The specialization’s curriculum focuses on the use of computer software for business decision-making, business intelligence systems, and data analysis.
- The Cybersecurity specialization provides students with additional knowledge and skills pertaining to information and network security. Various cybersecurity disciplines including computer forensics, network security, cyberwarfare, and computer hacking techniques comprise the Cybersecurity specialization curriculum. The Cybersecurity specialization helps prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
- The Network Administration specialization provides students with additional knowledge and skills needed for managing information systems networks. The Network Administration specialization helps prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology are expected to be able to do the following:
- Explain the fundamental information technology concepts and applications.
- Synthesize knowledge of basic computer programming concepts.
- Apply knowledge of information technology to design systems for business application.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cybersecurity issues and cybersecurity administration strategies.
- Explain the processes and technologies involved with organizational data management, database design, and relational database retrieval.
- Demonstrate the use of cloud computing applications by organizations.
- Communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
- Recognize the ethical implications of information technology-related actions.
- Work effectively with diverse populations from a culturally competent perspective.
- Continue professional and personal development.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Additional program outcomes for specialization tracks:
Business Intelligence
- Utilize software systems to support common business decisions and processes.
- Analyze data in order to optimize business operations.
Cybersecurity
- Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and technologies involved in information system cyberwarfare and information technology systems hacking.
- Apply the principles and best practices for cybersecurity incident response and digital forensics.
Network Administration
- Demonstrate knowledge of the development, management, and maintenance of a computer network.
- Apply the technical skills and operational facets of computer network systems.
Program Structure and Delivery
The program is fully online, with the information technology-specific courses consisting of instructor-facilitated virtual classroom meetings and asynchronous online sessions. The communications and management courses required for the program are delivered in an asynchronous online format. The program consists of 36 core program credits which comprise the standard Information Technology core. Students have the option of adding a specialization track in Business Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or Network Administration for a total of 39 credits.
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Degree Requirements
A minimum of 120 semester credits are required for graduation with the Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s University. All students must meet the general education credit requirements. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete the B.S. in Information Technology.
| Standard Information Technology Program |
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| Foundational Course* |
3 cr. |
| Required Information Technology Courses |
24 cr. |
| Required Communications Courses |
6 cr. |
| Required Elective Course |
3 cr. |
| Required Capstone Course |
3 cr. |
| Total Credits |
36 cr. |
| *The foundation courses do not count toward the 36 core program credits |
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| Standard Information Technology Program w/Specialization (optional) |
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| Foundational Course* |
3 cr. |
| Required Information Technology Courses |
24 cr. |
| Required Communications Courses |
6 cr. |
| Required Capstone Course |
3 cr. |
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Add Specialization:
Business Intelligence, or
Cybersecurity, or
Network Administration
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6 cr.
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| Total Credits w/Specialization |
39 cr. |
| *The foundation courses do not count toward the 36 core program credits |
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Foundation Courses: 3 cr.
Students transferring equivalent coursework can waive IT300.
Required Information Technology Courses: 24 cr.
Required Communication Courses: 6 cr.
Required Capstone Course: 3 cr.
Required Elective Course: 3 cr.
Students may select as an elective course one of the following information technology or management courses. Students who anticipate enrolling in a graduate program at Saint Mary’s University may take an approved graduate course as an elective, with the B.S. program director approval. The graduate course must be taken within the final 12 credits of the B.S. completion degree. The graduate course may be applied to the program requirements for a Saint Mary’s graduate program, if the student earns a grade of B or higher in the course.
Additional Courses: Specialization Tracks
Students adding a specialization track will also take the following courses, with one course in each track counting as the core program elective course requirement.
Business Intelligence Specialization: 6 additional credits
The Business Intelligence specialization provides students with additional knowledge and skills for analyzing business data to create information used in organizational decision-making. The specialization’s curriculum focuses on the use of computer software for business decision-making, business intelligence systems, and data analysis.
Cybersecurity Specialization: 6 additional credits
The Cybersecurity specialization provides students with additional knowledge and skills pertaining to information and network security. Various cybersecurity disciplines including computer forensics, network security, cyberwarfare, and computer hacking techniques comprise the Cybersecurity specialization curriculum. The Cybersecurity specialization helps prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Network Administration Specialization: 6 additional credits
The Network Administration specialization provides students with additional knowledge and skills needed for managing information systems networks. The Network Administration specialization helps prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification.
Bachelor’s to Graduate Bridge Pathways
Bachelor’s completion degrees can be bridged to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota graduate programs and certificates by combining advanced undergraduate coursework with graduate-level coursework. Depending on which programs are part of the pathway bridge, bachelor’s completion students may take up to 50% of the required graduate coursework for a graduate degree or 100% of the coursework for a graduate certificate. The graduate courses count toward the completion of both the bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree or certificate. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application through admission. Please see admissions for program specific admission policies.
B.S. in Information Technology to M.S. in Cybersecurity
Students in the B.S. in Information Technology-Cybersecurity Specialization program are eligible to take the following M.S. in Cybersecurity program graduate level courses to replace B.S. in Information Technology core program coursework:
B.S. in Information Technology to M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Pathways
Students in the B.S. in Information Technology – Business Intelligence Specialization program are eligible to take the following M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program graduate level courses to replace B.S. in Business Administration core program coursework:
Pathways to Additional Graduate Programs
Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate certificates or programs other than the M.S. in Cybersecurity or M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics programs also have the option to complete graduate courses as part of the graduate bridge pathway. Please see the University Catalog for a complete list of graduate programs and certificates. Consult with an adviser for more information.
Faculty
The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise. Admission Requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to undergraduate certificate and degree programs at any time during the year and, if accepted, begin the program during any one of the three semesters. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful undergraduate coursework. Applicants must provide evidence of at least 30 transferable semester credits upon acceptance, including completion of a basic English composition course. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.
Application Process
- Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel and their immediate family).
- All official transcripts issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from all previous institutions attended with a minimum of 30 transferable semester credits with a Basic English composition course. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
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