Central Michigan University

Studying Information Technology at CMU

Central Michigan University's College of Science and Technology is a Michigan leader in the development of a program to prepare information technology professionals. As you consider your career options in this rapidly growing field, consider these key features of Central Michigan's information technology program:

• Small classes taught by professors with practical technology experience and multidisciplinary teaching backgrounds
• State-of-the-art laboratories with powerful computers that run advanced software applications
• Opportunities to apply your knowledge through an internship and capstone experience in an area of interest to you
• Excellent job placement and income prospects in one of the first information technology career programs in the state of Michigan
• Professional resources and contacts through the student chapter of the Information Technology Professionals

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM

The bachelor of science program in information technology is offered through the Department of Computer Science. The curriculum includes a solid nucleus of technology courses, related classes in mathematics, statistics and communications, and real-world experiences through an internship and capstone experience. You also will take courses in an area in which you hope to work. You will select a concentration in one of four specified areas or in a custom area of your choosing:

• Data Communications and Networking
• Database
• Interactive Multimedia Design
• Windows Application Development
• Custom

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

You will gain career experience in information technology during a three-credit internship and a three-credit capstone experience. The senior-year capstone experience may involve solving a real-world information technology problem on- or off-campus.

CAREER OPTIONS

As information technology becomes more complex, average users look to the expertise of information technology specialists in choosing and installing appropriate computer systems, trouble-shooting problems and tapping the full potential of their hardware and software. They rely increasingly on this line of computer professionals who are specially trained to assist them in the use of advancing technologies. Known by a variety of titles, IT professionals provide end-user support in almost all modern industries, from finance and retail to manufacturing, service, entertainment and transportation.

Growing demand for IT specialists parallels the explosion of World Wide Web applications and e-commerce, the widespread use of computers in business, government and other organizations, and the global networking of media and communications. The U.S. Department of Commerce has documented a severe shortage of IT workers and estimates that more than 100,000 additional IT professionals will be needed each year for the next five years, and the U.S. Department of Labor projects much faster-than-average job growth and excellent earning prospects for technology support specialists.

Graduates of Central Michigan's information technology program will find a variety of opportunities available. In a recent survey 100 percent of graduates with technology-related degrees reported receiving job offers or being accepted into graduate programs. First-year salaries were among the highest reported.

• Database Administrator
• Database Application Developer
• Webmaster
• Multimedia Specialist
• Technology Training Coordinator
• Computer Support Specialist
• System Consultant
• Network Administrator
• Computer Security Specialist
• Customer Services Technologists
• Internet Firewall Administrator
• Information Integrator
• E-commerce Technical Specialist

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Central Michigan University offers a variety of resources that support your classroom learning.

Library Resources: Central Michigan's Park Library contains nearly a million books, periodicals and documents. A $50 million addition and remodeling project, which was completed early 2002, provides advanced support for internet use, video distribution and interactive teleconferencing as well as better access to the print collections that have been the mainstays of the library's services.

Computer Facilities: All CMU residence hall rooms have internet hookups to use with your personal computer. Computer Labs with internet connections are located in your residence hall and at many other locations across campus. Many are open 24 hours a day. The computer science department operates several state-of-the-art labs where you can get hands-on experience on your own or through a work-study opportunity. The department hires 20 to 30 students each year to work in these labs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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