Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media

Specialization in Information Technology (IT)

The specialization in information technology is available to students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the Eli Broad College of Business, and the College of Engineering. These three colleges jointly offer this specialization. The Eli Broad College of Business is the primary administrative unit.

The specialization is designed to provide students with a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of the role and basic mechanics of information technology in contemporary society. Students will develop core competencies in their primary area of study and will broaden their horizons as they interact with others from different academic backgrounds. Students completing the specialization will be well prepared for employment in technology-oriented environments and will understand the evolving impact of information technology on society.

Prerequisites

To be considered for admission, a student must have been formally accepted as a junior to a degree program in one of the participating colleges.
Applicants must have completed both:

CSE 101 or 103 or 131 or 231
MTH 103 or 106 or 110 or 116 or 124 or 132.

Application Process

It is recommended that students seeking admission to the specialization should contact their college-advising center.

Selection will be conducted through an application process. Students are encouraged to apply at the time they reach junior standing. Admission is based on a combination of cumulative grade-point average, stated interest and experience in information technology. Students are required to provide a written statement and resume.

Apply online for the IT Specialization.

Students will be notified of their application status via e-mail.

Degree Requirements

With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements of the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. In certain cases, prerequisites for specialization electives may be waived with advance approval. Students should consult with their college advising office. Upon completion of the requirements of the Specialization in Information Technology, the student should note their participation on their application to graduate through the Resistrars Office - this will prompt the certification process. After the certification is approved by the Dean of the College, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student’s transcript, not their diploma.

Students must complete the requirements specified below (19 credits):

All of the following courses (12 credits)
1. CSE 201 Fundamentals of Information Technology (3)
2. ITM 311 Systems Analysis and Design (3)
3. ITM/CAS/EGR 444 Information Technology Capstone (3)
4. TC 201 Introduction to Media and Communication Technology (3)
At least six credits from the following courses (7 credits)
1. ACC 321 Accounting Information Systems (3)
2. ADV 354 Interactive Advertising Design (3)
3. ADV 456 Interactive Advertising Management (3)
4. CSE 131 Introduction to Technical Computing (3)
5. CSE 231 Introduction to Programming I (4)
6. CSE 232 Introduction to Programming II (4)
7. CSE 490 Technology Base of Information Systems (1-3)
8. ITM 309 Business Information Systems and Technology (3)
9. ITM 412 Marketing Technology and Electronic Commerce (3)
10. ITM 413 Fundamentals of Business Data Base Systems (3)
11. ITM 414 Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (3)
12. ITM 490 Independent Study in Information Technology Management (1-3)
13. ITM 491 Special Topics in Information Technology (1-3)
14. TC 210 Media and Communication Policy (4)
15. TC 361 Data Communication (3)
16. TC 365 Intro to Network Management (3)
17. TC 462A Wireless Networks and Applications (4)
18. TC 462B Social Computing (4)
19. TC 462C Electronic Commerce (4)
20. TC 464 Network Security (3)

Note: The information enclosed here should be viewed as a general overview of the academic program for this degree. It should not be viewed as the final authority on degree requirements. Make sure to consult your academic advisor to clear your specific program of study.

Questions?

Additional information about the program may be obtained from:

Corey Moore

Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University