Industries of all types depend on cloud computing, Big Data, and computer networks to store key information and carry out basic operations. Information technology professionals are becoming the keystones keeping companies up and running while ensuring continued customer trust. The University of La Verne designed the online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree with these marketplace demands in mind.

Created for the working professional wanting to advance in their field or pivot to an in-demand occupation, La Verne fully online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program delves into a spectrum of computing, network architecture, database management, and security concepts. The goal is to produce adaptive professionals that can align information technology solutions with business objectives to help a company grow and function in today’s global economy.

The online BS in Information Technology program provides a balanced, comprehensive education rooted in theory, research, applications, and hands-on learning. In helping students aspire to academic and professional success, this program:

• emphasizes how essential computer science knowledge, applications, and research can be used to solve technology-based problems
• encourages strong critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and communication throughout
• covers legal, ethical, and professional standards related to information technology
• instills an attitude of lifelong learning, particularly the continued pursuit of knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to progress through the field
• requires the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer science–based solutions throughout the coursework, an internship, and a senior project

Curriculum

Based on the number of credits transferred and the courses taken per semester, the online BS in Information Technology may be completed in as few as 18 months.

La Verne structures the online bachelor’s degree in information technology around prerequisite and core courses, all of which can be completed entirely online. General education requirements also make up a portion of the course load. All students working toward this degree must complete or transfer a course equivalent for RCS 100 College Writing A with a “C-” or better and need to fulfill La Verne’s 44-hour residency and community engagement requirements.

The degree’s prerequisite courses (14 semester hours) lay down a solid baseline in general information technology, business ethics and statistics, and discrete mathematics. From here, these ideas segue into the core requirements (49 semester hours). These higher-level classes offer a comprehensive overview of programming languages, digital strategies, web publishing, computer networks and systems, project management, cybersecurity, information systems, and database management.

Review the complete curriculum.

Careers in Information Technology

Information technology is a rapidly changing field. Because practically all companies rely on a network of some kind, demand for dedicated professionals has soared. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates openings for computer and IT workers will grow 12 percent between 2018 and 2028, and most available positions require a bachelor’s degree.

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in information technology? Although career paths may vary, graduates are set up for:

• technical assistance roles;
• database administration;
• network or systems administration;
• network architecture;
• cybersecurity;
• systems analysis;
• computer forensics;
• web design and development;
• computer programming;
• software and mobile app development;
• and more.