A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, (abbreviated BScIT or B.Sc IT), is a bachelor's degree awarded for the completion of an undergraduate course or program in information technology.
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program typically lasts three to four years. This degree is primarily focused on subjects such as software, databases, and networking. In general computer science degrees tend to focus on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing rather than emphasizing specific technologies. The degree is a Bachelor of Science degree with institutions conferring degrees in the fields of information technology and related fields. This degree is awarded for completing a program of study in the field of software development, software testing, software engineering, computer networking, web design, databases, and programming.
Many employers require software developers or programmers to have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, however those seeking to hire for positions such as network administrators or database managers would require a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology or an equivalent degree.[1] Graduates with an information technology background are able to perform technology tasks relating to the processing, storing, and communication of information between computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Information technology as field emphasizes the secure management of large amounts of variable information and its accessibility via a wide variety of systems both local and world-wide.
Depending on the institution, the a course of study in the same core curriculum may result in the conferral of other degrees such as:
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Generally software and information technology companies look for people who have strong programming skills, system analysis, and software testing skills.
Many universities or colleges teach practical skills that are required to become a software developer. As logical reasoning and critical thinking are important in becoming a software professional, this degree encompasses the complete process of software development from software design and development to final testing.
Students who complete their undergraduate education in software engineering at a satisfactory level often pursue graduate studies such as a Master of Science in Information Technology (M.Sc IT) and sometimes continuing onto a doctoral program and earning a doctorate such as a Doctor of Information Technology (DIT).
BSc IT ciricula cover a wide variety of subjects in Computer Science such as: [2] .[3]
In India, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 3-year undergraduate program. The Bachelor of Information Science degree is a distinctly different credential from a regular B.Sc. The Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, however is a 4-year program and the degree awarded is referred to as B.Tech or B.E.
Most public and private universities and colleges in Malaysia offer B.Sc IT degrees.
In Portugal, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree is awarded following a three year course of study without specialization.
In Bangladesh, the bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology is awarded following a four year course of study under the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
In Namibia, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degrees are awarded after three and four years with specialization in areas such as Business Computing, System Administration & Networks as well as Software Development. The Polytechnic of Namibia, University of Namibia and other educational institutions in Namibia are key producers of graduates in this field.
In Belgium, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 3-year degree after the compulsory education, but outside the universities; with specializing in certain fields, usually databases, network, realtime operating systems and/or web design. The graduated students can join a postgraduate cycle in order to get a Master of Science in Information Technology degree, this time in the university system.
In the Netherlands, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree is awarded after four years of study with specializing in a certain field
In Sri Lanka, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT) is either a 4-year degree with a specialization, called a major, with honors or a 3-year undergraduate degree without any specialization.
In the United States of America, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is awarded after a four-year course of study. Some degree programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).[4]
The importance of information technology is increasing as more and more companies are investing in developing IT. Applicants with a college degree in information technology qualify for employment as entry-level computer software engineers, website developers, network engineers, systems administrators, database administrators, information systems managers, systems analysts, and network systems professionals.[5] Specific titles and responsibilities relate to the academic and experiential requirements of the specific positions. It is clear that information technology can bring numerous improvements to organizations by minimizing routine tasks and increasing the productivity of daily operations. The undergraduate degree, as well as the post-graduate degree, can be pursued by un-traditional means such as distance learning, online education, et cetera.
Many workers in the field of computer systems design and other related services work in clean, quiet offices.[6] Some workers who work in facilities management and maintenance may work in computer operations centers. However with modern technology, some such work can be performed from remote locations via e-mail and the Internet. For example systems analysts may telecommute with their computers linked directly to computers at the location of their employ. Likewise computer support specialists can access a customer's computer remotely in order to identify and fix problems. Even software developers and consultants, often relocated to a customer's place of business while working on a project, may perform work from offsite locations. Widespread uses of information technology have changed the workplace environment, enabling telecommuting and reducing the frequency of business trips.[7]
Salaries of computer and information systems managers vary according to specialty and level of responsibility. The information below shows that every different position (in the job title) has different salary range[8]:
Job Title | Average Salary |
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Information Technology (IT) Manager | $101,121 - $138,466 |
Systems Administrator | $69,466 - $91,135 |
Information Technology Specialist | $40,512 - $78,773 |
Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | $97,425 - $123,737 |
Network Engineer | $82,227 - $102,873 |
Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | $111,283 - $134,327 |
In the information technology industries, employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations. Job prospects are excellent in this field compared to others. Overall employment of computer network, systems, project managers, information technology (IT), software engineer developer and database administrators is projected to increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018.[7] In addition, this occupation will gain 286,600 new jobs over that period. Growth, however, will vary according to specialty. Computer network, systems, and database administrators will continue to enjoy excellent job prospects. The main growth catalyst for the information technology industry is expected to be the persistent evolution of technology and business' constant effort to absorb and integrate these resources to enhance their productivity and expand their market opportunities. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow. The computer systems design and related services industry is among the economy's largest and fastest sources of employment growth. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow between 18 to 26 percent for all occupations through the year 2014.[9] In addition, graduates in information technology have more opportunities than other graduates as increasingly more organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. Many industries do not have the internal resources to effectively design, implement, or manage the products and systems which they require. When faced with such limitations, organizations often turn to the computer systems design and related services industry to address and resolve those limitations.
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