Department of Information Technology

ADMINISTRATOR

MICHAEL J. LEIH, Chair, Department of Information Technology; Associate Professor of Information Technology, 2009––
BA, Point Loma Nazarene College, 1988; MS, California State University at Fullerton, 1994; PhD, Claremont Graduate University, 2009.

Department of Information Technology General Information

The Department of Information Technology provides several degree opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in Information Technology. In addition to the BBA degree listed in the Department of Business Administration with its concentrations in information technology, E-commerce, and digital multimedia communication, the Department of Information Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT). This program, one of only a few in Tennessee, provides comprehensive and substantial hands-on work in most key technologies being used by businesses today. The department offers concentrations in three areas of study including specialized computing, web development, and digital graphic design and multimedia. The Specialized Computing concentration allows students to create an individualized course of study in computing technologies that fits their desired career objectives. Some possibilities include computer science, application development, Windows technologies, networking, and database technologies. The department has joined the academic initiatives of many vendors including IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle to provide state of the art software and technologies within the programs of study. It is predicted that information technology will rank as one of the top areas for which career opportunities will exist over the coming years both in Tennessee and nationally.

The department also offers an Associate of Science degree in Information Technology (ASIT) for those interested in a 2-year degree and a minor for those in other disciplines who seek to integrate learning in the area of information technology. The Department of Information Technology also offers evening accelerated Computer Information Technology (CIT) and Health Information Technology (HIT) degrees for working adult students in conjunction with the College of Lifelong Learning.

Mission Statement

The Department of Information Technology provides education in information technology to prepare students for careers of excellence that glorify and honor God through stewardship, leadership, and service.

Objectives

1. Provide students a state-of-the-art information technology program with content that matches the best programs in the country.
2. Assist students to acquire skills in the four key information technology domains of software development, databases, networks, and web technologies.
3. Provide education that is rigorous and challenging to the students and motivates them to excel.
4. Prepare students to successfully enter the field of their choice.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates from information technology programs will be:

1. Able to demonstrate knowledge of current IT languages, databases, and technologies.
2. Able to solve business problems using information technologies and critical thinking.
3. Able to clearly communicate business requirements and technical information.
4. Prepared for employment and/or admission to graduate/professional programs.

Requirements

The Department of Information Technology provides a wealth of opportunities to those students serious about becoming the best in their chosen discipline.

Most courses taken by majors in the department require prerequisites so students should carefully plan their course of study with their advisor. One internship/cooperative experience is required for graduation. It should be a minimum of 165 hours and is usually taken during the summer following the junior year or during the spring or summer of the senior year.

Students desiring to major in Information Technology are required to obtain a laptop computer and appropriate software for use in the IT programs. If a student currently does not own a laptop and qualifies for such aid, any excess non-institutional financial aid funds may be used to meet this need. If there are questions regarding special student circumstances or the specifications please contact the Department of Information Technology at 615-248-1256.

Information Technology BS

*MAT 1044, MAT 1310, or MAT 1510 may be substituted with IT advisor approval. MAT 1310 or 1510 are preferred.

***PSY 2010 or SOC 2010 may be substituted with IT advisor approval.

*Counts in major and waives General Education Institutional Choice.

Information Technology BS Areas of Concentration

BS Digital Graphic Design and Multimedia Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

BS Web Development Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

BS Specialized Computing Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Information Technology AS

Information Technology Minors

Courses cannot count toward the BBA or Concentration and a minor.

Business Foundation Courses

Principles of Accounting courses (Accounting 2210–2220) and Principles of Economics courses (Economics 2000–2010) are foundation courses and generally prerequisites for all other business courses. Therefore, these courses should be taken during the student's freshman and sophomore years.

Information Technology Course Descriptions

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ITI 1500—Office and Internet Technologies (2)

Designed to provide hands-on learning using the Internet and major office software technologies. The purpose is to provide experience with computer tools that can be used throughout the student's coursework to create informative and professional documents. Credit by exam is available in lieu of this course. This course should be taken in the freshman year.

ITI 1900—Business Information Technology (2)

Seeks to prepare students to use technologies that they will encounter as they pursue their calling in the world. Regardless of discipline students will need to work with databases, web technologies, publishing technologies, financial tools, online resources for Christian ministry, and perform research using computing technologies. Students will have an opportunity to explore and use these technologies in a project-based context. Prerequisites: ITI 1500 or equivalent. Students can and are strongly encouraged to meet the prerequisite by passing the IT assessment exam available in the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service.

ITI 2000—IT Business Foundations (3)

Prepares the student for work in the information technology domain and major. Key topics include project management, analysis and design, data modeling, UML, human factors, interface design, technical communication skills, and ethics. TICIT policies and expectations are also covered. Students will also learn how to succeed in the Institute and how to prepare themselves for employment when they graduate. This course is a prerequisite for most IT courses. Prerequisites: ENG 1080, MAT 1250 (or substitute), COM 1010, and ITI 1500.

ITI 2020—Computer Applications Using Spreadsheets and Databases (3)

Designed to review the basics and give the student an in-depth understanding with hands-on experience in using electronic spreadsheets to support business needs. In addition, this course will introduce the student to relational databases and require practical, hands-on application of many of the functions available with database technology. Prerequisite: ITI 1500.

ITI 2030—Digital Electronics (4)

Cross listed as PHY 2030.

ITI 2050—Desktop Publishing Technologies (3)

Designed to introduce students to the methods of desktop publishing. Key topics of coverage include design, layout, choosing of software and hardware, graphics integration, and printing. Students will receive hands-on learning in designing and developing publications including brochures, newsletters, and flyers. Desktop publishing software will emphasize Microsoft Publisher, but other products may be used as well. Prerequisites: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2100— Object-Oriented Design and Programming in Java I (3)

Designed to provide an in-depth, hands-on introduction to designing and developing software using the Java programming language. Design methodologies, object modeling with UML, structured programming, and data structures are also reviewed. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when developing software in the business environment. Prerequisite: ITI 2000 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2110— Object-Oriented Design and Programming in Java II (3)

Designed to follow ITI 2100 to provide further in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and developing software using the Java programming language. This course is advanced in nature and includes such topics as threads, database access, and GUI development. Extensive lab time for programming will help to develop skills needed when developing software in the business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 2000 and ITI 2100.

ITI 2200—IT Project Management (3)

Designed to teach the fundamentals of project management with an emphasis on managing the unique challenges of information technology (IT) projects. Students will be introduced to the IT project management process using industry accepted methodologies including the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL). Extensive case related work will be used to help students understand the important aspects of time, performance, and cost estimation in relation to the unique conditions often present in information technology projects. Each of the critical phases of the IT project management process will be reviewed in detail using practical examples from the IT industry. Students are also introduced to computer-based project management software such as MS Project.

ITI 2215—Introduction to Film and Video Production (3)

Cross listed as COM 2215 Introduction to Film and Video Production.

ITI 2220—Audio Production (3)

Cross listed as COM 2220 Audio Production.

ITI 2300—Visual Basic Programming I (3)

Designed to provide an in-depth, hands-on introduction to the use of the Visual Basic environment for designing and developing software using the VB language. Development of structured programs using the tools available within the Visual Basic software development platform will be reviewed and utilized. Extensive lab time will help develop the skills necessary to design and develop software solutions in a broad business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2310—Visual Basic Programming II (3)

A continuation of ITI 2300 – Visual Basic Programming I. It is designed to provide further knowledge and experience designing and developing software using the VB development platform. This second course will cover more advanced topics such as database access, web development, and Microsoft design standards. Extensive lab time will help develop the skills necessary to design and develop software solutions in a collaborative business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 2300 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2500—Introduction to Networking and Security (3)

Designed to provide an in-depth introduction to the concepts of data communication, the design and composition of networks, and the security of networks and the IT infrastructure. Hardware and software components of networking and security are given significant coverage. Other topics include access control, authentication, authorization, data security and integrity, encryption, recovery, computer forensics, and business continuance. Students will learn about and work with firewalls, network security, application security, e-mail security, and tools for securing, monitoring, and auditing the IT environment. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when designing and implementing networks and security in the business environment.

ITI 2640—Hardware and Operating Systems Technologies (3)

Designed to introduce students to hardware and operating system concepts including hardware components, file structures, memory usage and paging, scheduling, and peripherals. In addition the students will acquire hands-on experience in installing and working with several operating systems including Microsoft Windows and Linux. Other UNIX operating environments such as AIX may be explored along with the Apple Mac operating system. Students will also learn how to network these diverse platforms together to meet business needs. The goal is to have students become skilled in installing, networking, and maintaining diverse operating system environments. The course will also help in preparing those interested in A+ certification. Prerequisites: ITI 2500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2700—Database Design and Implementation (3)

Designed to provide an in-depth, hands-on introduction to designing and implementing databases that use relational technologies with a significant market presence. Oracle, DB2, or MS SQL Server will receive significant coverage in the course. SQL and the various vendor extensions to the language will be covered. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when designing and implementing databases in the business environment. Prerequisite: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2800—Web Site Design and Scripting I (3)

Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and scripting Web sites. Major Web scripting languages are covered in detail including HTML, XHTML, and JavaScript. XML is also briefly covered. Extensive programming and lab time will help to develop skills needed when developing Web sites in a business environment. Prerequisite: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2820—JavaScript Programming (3)

Designed for those interested in web development. Students will learn how to augment static Web pages by using the JavaScript language to create dynamic content and animations. Students will learn the JavaScript language including programming constructs, objects, using the document object model (DOM), form validation, and other dynamic effects. In addition, students will learn to perform event handling, and how to create and call functions. This course will involve students in hands-on learning and development of web pages and sites containing JavaScript. Prerequisites: ITI 2800 or permission of instructor.

ITI 2830—Web Site Design and Scripting II (3)

Builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Web Site Design and Scripting I. With its project-centric approach, students learn advanced techniques of Web Site production/administration as well as demonstrating their working knowledge of HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, and database integration. The focus of this course revolves around the creation of websites from the ground up. Concepts of prototyping, flow-charting, and information architecture are instilled while students build fully functional websites in both individual and team environments. Prerequisites: ITI 2800 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3000—Human-Computer Interaction (3)

Designed to teach how humans interact with hardware and software interfaces. Students will be introduced to the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive systems and the human factors that influence them. The students will learn analysis and design techniques that will help them to evaluate users, styles, tasks, and other factors of the human-computer interface. How human behavior and cognition influence the human-computer interaction and information processing is a focus of the course. The course provides a foundation for students to be able to build effective computer interfaces that support human needs and improved productivity. Students are also introduced to HCI history and current research. Prerequisites: ITI 2000 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3500—Object-Oriented Programming in C++ (3)

Designed to provide an in-depth, hands-on introduction to designing and developing software using the C++ programming language. Extensive lab time for programming will help to develop skills needed when developing software in the business and science environments. Some database programming is also included. Prerequisites: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3520—ASP Programming (3)

Designed to enhance student skills in the development of web-based applications. The emphasis of this course will be on active server pages (ASP) using the .NET framework that is part of .NET Visual Studio. Students will create and integrate functionality into ASP web forms. Extensive lab work in the Visual Studio .NET product in developing ASP .NET applications using HTML, CSS, and ASP objects is covered. The configuration and deployment of ASP applications is also introduced. Prerequisites: ITI 2800 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3530—Introduction to C# Programming (3)

Designed to provide an introduction to the Microsoft Visual Studio environment for designing and developing software using Microsoft's Visual C# programming language. Desktop and basic Web based solutions are discussed to provide the basics of the Microsoft Visual environment. Extensive lab time will help develop the skills necessary to design software solutions in a broad business environment.

ITI 3540—PHP Programming (3)

Designed to supply students with a practical approach to PHP Web Development. This course teaches the core language and implementation of PHP/MySQL scripting. Students will learn the PHP language and practices through the building of Content Management Systems for web applications. The integration of MySQL databases and outputting database information to XML via PHP is also covered in this course.

ITI 3550—Program Design and Data Structures (4)

Cross listed as MAT 2800.

ITI 3710—Database Programming (3)

Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in selected server-based relational technologies with a significant market presence. Oracle, DB2, or MS SQL Server will receive significant coverage in the course. Emphasis will be on procedure languages such as PL/SQL, stored procedures, triggers, and other programmed database objects. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when programming databases in the business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 2100 and ITI 2700

ITI 3770—Access Database Development (3)

Provides an in-depth, hands-on introduction to developing database applications using Microsoft Access. Students will design and create databases, forms, modules, macros, queries, and reports using the Integrated Development Environment provided with Access. Prerequisite: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3800—Graphic Design and Imaging I (3)

Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and developing graphics and images primarily for Web-based use. Students will gain experience with industry software used for design and imaging such as PhotoShop and Fireworks. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when designing and developing images in the business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 1500 or permission of the instructor.

ITI 3810—Graphic Design and Imaging II (3)

Designed to be a continuation of ITI 3800, Graphic Design and Imaging I. In this advanced studio-based class, students implement creative solutions for the fields of advertising and marketing. Students further their knowledge of corporate identity, trademarks, and visual presence while gaining an understanding of the cultural impact of their work. Emphasis is given to typographic implementation for challenging projects.

ITI 3820—Introduction to Multimedia (3)

Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and developing multimedia applications for Web-based use. Emphasis will be on video and sound. Students will gain experience with industry software used for designing multimedia such as Flash, Director, and Dreamweaver. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when designing and developing multimedia applications for the Web in the business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 3800 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3830—Introduction to Digital Gaming (3)

Designed to expose students to the history and inner-workings of game production. Students will learn sophisticated techniques in order to create games for the Internet as well as real-time 3D game environments. Concepts of game programming are also learned. Through hands-on learning students gain exposure to the tools and processes used in game production. Prerequisites: ITI 2100 or ITI 2300 or permission of instructor.

ITI 3860—Sound Design (3)

Designed to teach students the necessary skills to effectively communicate using the time-based medium, sound. During the course students learn the technical aspects of sound production while developing creative abilities to portray concepts in business and entertainment environments. Students will learn all the major aspects of digital sound production with a special emphasis on Web related work including multi-track recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and adding dynamics and effects. Prerequisites: ITI 1500.

ITI 3880—Video Art and Web Broadcasting (3)

Designed to teach students how to use video as a creative means of communication. Students learn camera and lighting techniques and non-linear video editing. Rigorous formal studies into the history of video art prepare students to create technically sound and creatively charged projects in the fields of business and entertainment. Prerequisites: ITI 1500 or permission of instructor.

ITI 4190—Organizational and Corporate Video Production (3)

Cross listed as COM 4190.

ITI 4800—Web Site Administration (3)

Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in administering the Web environment. Emphasis will be on installing and managing Web servers. Students will gain experience with industry leading Web servers such as Apache, WebSphere, and IIS. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when administering Web sites in the business environment. Prerequisites: ITI 2000 and ITI 2800.

ITI 4810—Introduction to E-commerce (3)

Designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and developing e-commerce Web sites. Students will integrate the skills gained from other Web technology and programming courses to build effective e-commerce sites. Extensive lab time will help to develop skills needed when developing e-commerce Web sites in the business environment. Prerequisite: ITI 2800 or permission of the instructor.

ITI 4820—Animation and Motion Graphics (3)

Designed to teach students the necessary skills to effectively create and use digital animation and motion graphics. In addition to animation history and theories, students will learn all the major aspects of creating three dimensional animation and motion graphics for business and entertainment. Hands-on lab work with industry leading tools is a significant part of this course. Prerequisites: ITI 3800 or permission of instructor. ITI 3880 strongly recommended.

ITI 4840—Advanced Multimedia (3)

Designed to teach students the necessary skills to integrate much of what has been learned and developed in other IT digital graphic and multimedia courses. The focus will include extensive work in the advanced uses of products such as Macromedia Flash. Action scripting, visual programming, and human centered interface design are also explored and developed. On completing this course, students will be prepared to communicate effectively using advanced multimedia techniques and knowledge of ActionScript programming, infused with purpose with their toolset of analytical and conceptual thinking techniques. Students will be skilled in making critical decisions to create innovative designs and programming of human-centered interfaces. Prerequisites: ITI 3800 and ITI 3820, or permission of instructor.

ITI 4900—Information Technology Internship I (1-3)

Students choose an organization to work hands-on in the information technology industry. A partner should be selected with the help of the placement office that will provide a substantial learning experience in the area of the student's interest. The student must complete a minimum of 55 hours of work experience for each credit hour. IT majors are expected to complete a total of 3 credit hours of ITI 4900 for graduation which requires a total of 165 hours of work in the information technology domain. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: IT Core and 6 credits in concentration.

ITI 4910—Information Technology Internship II (1-3)

An elective internship where students choose an organization to work hands-on in the information technology industry. The choice should be different than that used in ITI 4900, IT Internship I. A partner should be selected with the help of the placement office that will provide a substantial learning experience in the area of the student's interest. The student must complete a minimum of 55 hours of work experience for each credit hour. A maximum of 3 credit hours are awarded for this course which would require a total of 165 hours of work in the information technology domain. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: ITI 4900 and 6 additional credits in concentration.

ITI 4950—Information Technology Internship – Business (1-3)

For Business majors only. Students choose an organization to work hands-on in the information technology industry. A partner should be selected with the help of the placement office that will provide a substantial learning experience in the area of the student's interest. The student must complete a minimum of 55 hours of work experience for each credit hour. BBA IT majors are expected to complete a total of 3 credit hours of ITI 4950 for graduation which requires a total of 165 hours of work in the information technology domain. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: ITI 2000 plus 16 credits in IT concentration.

ITI 4970—Digital Portfolio Development (3)

Designed to facilitate the development of a digital portfolio, the essential ingredient in obtaining work in performance-based creative industries. Through an investigative process of coordinating job searches, students build a framework in which to build their portfolio to showcase their skills. The course culminates into a finished digital portfolio, formatted to be accessible in CD/DVD/Internet mediums.

ITI 4990—Special Topics in Information Technology (1-4)

Designed to provide an opportunity to present specialized topics in information technology that may not be covered in other courses due to the speed of change in the field. Additionally, the course provides a mechanism by which students may pursue an area of research or independent study in the field of information technology. Prerequisites: IT Core and permission of program director.