Information Technology (B.S.)
Marymount's information technology (IT) program offers a solid foundation of knowledge across the system life cycle — defining requirements, developing software, administering and securing a computer network, and successfully managing IT projects. The curriculum addresses hardware, software, databases, networks, security, quality assurance, and project management. Students will focus in one of the following specialization areas:
Applied Cybersecurity
This specialization is primarily for transfer students who have transferred three or more specific cybersecurity courses from a community college or four-year program. It can also be selected by students who wish to enter the many parts of the cybersecurity field that do not need a strong computer networking focus.
Applied IT
This specialization is for students who wish to study computers in the context of an application area, such as biology, education, or economics.
Computer Science
This specialization is for students who would like to design and build software products or design and build complex, secure networks.
Data Science
This specialization is for students who wish to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to collect, store, find, and interpret "big data."
Forensic Computing
This specialization is for students who wish to investigate computer incidents and prepare evidence for use in a court of law.
Health IT
This specialization is for students who aim to work in the health care industry, using technology to improve patient care.
Information Systems
This specialization is for students who wish to provide technical support to system users, and design and manage websites, usually in a business context.
Interactive Media
This specialization is for students who would like to design websites using audio and video components.
Networking and Cybersecurity
This specialization is for students who wish to specialize in network administration and the protection of today's computer systems.
Upon successful completion of the information technology program, students will be able to
- function as IT professionals using a broad knowledge of IT to successfully analyze problems and implement IT solutions to these problems both in an internship and in a job after graduation;
- apply specific skills in a segment of the information technology field (such as software testing or cybersecurity) allowing students to compete successfully for internships and entry-level jobs and to work effectively in these areas;
- demonstrate proficiency in at least one programming language, but be able to learn additional programming languages based on a knowledge of programming principles, and participate in programming competitions;
- demonstrate proficiency in a variety of skills such as computer repair, computer networking, database design, and cybersecurity through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences sufficient to obtain industry certifications; conduct a capstone project that includes research in a an aspect of information technology (hardware, software, data, or cybersecurity) and apply that research to a current information technology concern for businesses or society in general; compose and construct written documents and give presentations articulating business IT needs, identifying solutions, and considering decision implications, with arguments backed by data;
- work successfully in a team environment both as a team leader and as a participant of a team, and communicate effectively with team members who do not have a technical background;
- conduct themselves as responsible professionals and global citizens who are aware of ethical issues and societal needs and who can determine the most ethical response to common dilemmas in the field; and
- possess the knowledge and skills required to pursue life-long learning, including advanced degrees in areas relating to information technology and to adapt to an ever-changing, global technological and business environment.
Students are also prepared for industry-wide certification, such as A+ and Net+, from CompTia, and Certified Software Tester (CSTE) from the QA Global Institute. Students who specialize in forensic computing study the field using topics required for the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiner’s Certified Computer Examiner certification. Students who specialize in networking and cybersecurity are prepared for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications for Cisco Systems and the Security+ certification from CompTia. The computer science specialty provides the preparatory work necessary to enter Marymount’s M.S. in information technology’s software engineering track and prepares students for the IEEE Certification of Software Development Professionals (CSDP).
Students are advised to consider a minor depending upon their specialty. Students choosing the applied IT or applied cybersecurity specialty should consider a minor tied to their intended application area, such as biology or economics. Students specializing in computer science might consider a minor in mathematics, offered through the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. Students specializing in forensic computing or networking and cybersecurity may wish to minor in criminal justice. Students specializing in information systems should consider a minor in business administration. Students specializing in interactive media should consider the web design minor.
The full-time faculty for this program conduct research in cybersecurity, data management, open source software, natural language processing, human computer interaction, technology for health care, mobile application development, and other areas. Adjunct faculty work in areas such as requirements analysis, computer crime investigation, hardware design, software development, database management, cybersecurity, and operations management. Students can benefit from a breadth of research and experience in the IT field and participate in such activities as the cybersecurity and programming competitions and undergraduate research.
Internship Prerequisites: A minimum of 90 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a grade of C or better in IT 323 Junior IT Seminar are required in order to register for the internship.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- is required in any course within the information technology major that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course. A minimum grade of C is required in IT 423 Senior IT Seminar and in IT 489 IT Capstone Project.
Residency Requirement: Students must complete 21 credits of their IT major or specialty courses at Marymount.
Degree Requirements — Information Technology
This degree requires from 120 to 122 total credits.
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.
| IT 110 | Information Technology in the Global Age * | 3 |
| IT 120 | Cybersecurity Principles * | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 130 | Java Programming | 4 |
| | OR | |
| IT 125 | Web Development | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 205 | Computer Technology * | 3 |
| IT 210 | Software Engineering * | 3 |
| IT 223 | Sophomore IT Seminar | 1 |
| | | |
| IT 230 | Advanced Java Programming | 4 |
| | OR | |
| IT 225 | Advanced Web Development | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 227 | Mobile App Development | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 229 | Python Scripting | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 305 | Computer Networking | 3 |
| IT 310 | Database Technology | 3 |
| IT 323 | Junior IT Seminar | 1 |
| IT 345 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 |
| IT 355 | Software Testing, Documentation, and Quality Assurance * | 3 |
| IT 400 | Internship * | 6 |
| IT 423 | Senior IT Seminar | 1 |
| IT 489 | Capstone Project * | 3 |
| MGT 123 | The Business Experience | 3 |
| MSC 345 | Project Management | 3 |
| MA 132 | Statistical Analysis * | 3 |
| MA 121 | Math for Liberal Arts * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| MA 171 | Calculus with Precalculus A * | 4 |
| | OR | |
| MA 181 | Calculus * | 4 |
| | OR | |
| MA 260 | Discrete Mathematics for Information Technology * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| MSC 300 | Advanced Business Statistics * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| MSC 310 | Decision Analysis | 3 |
| PH 305 | Business Ethics * | 3 |
| | One (1) information technology elective | |
All majors also complete coursework in a chosen specialty as follows:
Applied Cybersecurity Specialty
Five (5) cybersecurity-related courses approved by the program director from the following:
| | Two (2) to five (5) courses of cybersecurity transfer credits | |
| IT 229 | Python Scripting | 3 |
| IT 315 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| IT 335 | Corporate Cybersecurity | 3 |
| IT 390 | Cybersecurity: Attack and Defend | 3 |
| IT 360 | Topics in Information Technology | 3 |
Applied IT Specialty
Five (5) courses approved by the program director representing an IT application area
Computer Science Specialty
| IT 315 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| IT 320 | Structure of Programming Languages | 3 |
| IT 340 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| MA 181 | Calculus * | 4 |
| | One (1) information technology or mathematics elective | |
Data Science Specialty
Forensic Computing Specialty
| ACT 201 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| CJ 209 | The Criminal Justice System * | 3 |
| CJ 310 | Policing in American Society | 3 |
| CJ 320 | Cybercrime and Digital Terrorism | 3 |
| IT 370 | Computer Forensics | 3 |
Health IT Specialty
| HIM 115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HIM 125 | Health Information Systems | 3 |
| HIM 365 | Integrated Health Care Technology * | 3 |
| IT 380 | Electronic Document and Record Management | 3 |
| LA 250 | Legal Aspects of Health Care | 3 |
Information Systems Specialty
| ACT 201 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| LA 248 | Business Law I | 3 |
| MGT 304 | Organizational Management | 3 |
| IT 380 | Electronic Document and Record Management | 3 |
One election from any of the following disciplines: accounting, information technology, graphic design, management, management science, or marketing.
Interactive Media Specialty
| CMD 103 | Adobe Photoshop | 1 |
| CMD 105 | Video Editing | 1 |
| CMD 203 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| CMD 205 | Video Production: Promotional and Informational Communication | 3 |
| CMD 308 | Web and Social Media Design | 3 |
| CMD 404 | Performance Media Lab * | 3 |
Networking and Cybersecurity Specialty
Sample Degree Plan — Information Technology
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
Year One — Spring
| IT 110 | Information Technology in the Global Age * | 3 |
| | | |
| IT 130 | Java Programming | 4 |
| | OR | |
| IT 125 | Web Development | 3 |
| | | |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| PH 100 | Introduction to Philosophy * | 3 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course * | 3 |
Year Two — Fall
| IT 205 | Computer Technology * | 3 |
| IT 210 | Software Engineering * | 3 |
| IT 223 | Sophomore IT Seminar | 1 |
| | | |
| MSC 310 | Decision Analysis | 3 |
| | | |
| EN | Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course * | 3 |
| PH 305 | Business Ethics * | 3 |
Year Two — Spring
| IT 230 | Advanced Java Programming | 4 |
| | OR | |
| IT 225 | Advanced Web Development | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 227 | Mobile App Development | 3 |
| | OR | |
| IT 229 | Python Scripting | 3 |
| | | |
| HI | Introductory History (HI-1) core course * | 3 |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| | One (1) information technology elective | |
Year Three — Fall
| IT 305 | Computer Networking | 3 |
| IT 310 | Database Technology | 3 |
| IT 323 | Junior IT Seminar | 1 |
| | One (1) specialty course | |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course * | 3 |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2), or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
Year Three — Spring
| IT 345 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 |
| IT 355 | Software Testing, Documentation, and Quality Assurance * | 3 |
| MSC 345 | Project Management | 3 |
| | One (1) specialty course | |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) or Natural Science (NS) core course * | |
Year Four — Fall
| | Two (2) specialty courses | |
| IT 400 | Internship * | 6 |
| IT 423 | Senior IT Seminar | 1 |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2), or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
Specialty Course: See Major Requirements for specialty options and course selections.
Year Four — Spring
| | One (1) specialty course | |
| IT 489 | Capstone Project * | 3 |
| | Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course * | |
| | Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course * | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Specialty Course: See Major Requirements for specialty options and course selections.
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and the Course Descriptions for further information.