Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Southwestern Illinois College teaches students the design of technological systems such as computing systems for the solution of business and research data and communications support needs. Students who graduate from the information technology degree program may pursue careers in IT technology, including IT network administrator, engineer, program manager, and more. Courses include principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, and more. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer information technology degrees.

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Southwestern Illinois College

202 East University Street, Suite H, I,& J, Urbana, IL

Southwestern Illinois College, located in Belleville, Illinois, was founded in 1946 as Belleville Junior College. The initial class was made up of 169 students, most of whom were World War II veterans. By 1966 the school had built a new campus, expanding its offerings and facilities.

SIC officially changed its name in 2000 to better reflect the area it served. The school has remained active in its expansion, forming campuses in Granite City and Red Bud, as well as many off campus sites in high school. The three campuses are linked through video telecommunication, allowing instruction in one campus to be followed by students at another.

SW Illinois College takes its role as an education provider seriously and is constantly looking for ways to improve and update its offerings to reflect changes and better serve the community. Programs for adult education and senior services are also in place to assist individuals of any age who wish to follow educational pursuits.

Academics

As a two year institution, Southwestern Illinois College offers programs that lead to associate degrees or certificates. Some of the programs are designed to assist students in pursuing a bachelor degree by providing the freshman and sophomore years of education. SWIC has agreements in place with four year institution allowing for the transfer of credits and admission to a four year program if certain academic prerequisites are met.

Technical and vocational programs are also available, and may result in a certificate or associate degree. These programs impart the skills and knowledge necessary to properly function in a job based in their field of study. Certificate programs typically lack the general education courses that are part of an associate degree curriculum and as a result are typically shorter than two years. Southwestern Illinois College has a large variety of programs to ensure that students will be able to pursue their career or educational interests.

Programs offered include:

• Pre-Law
• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Culinary Arts
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

Southwestern Illinois College has an open enrollment policy, allowing students to enroll without any prerequisites. Students interested in enrollment should submit a completed application along with all pertinent transcripts. Placement exams will also be administered to new students to help place them in the appropriate courses. The school recommends visiting a counselor to assist in program placement and course selection.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and scholarships. Students in need of aid must complete their financial aid file, which will hold information necessary to assist in the financial aid process.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed and submitted, and no discrepancies should exist between the FAFSA and the financial aid file. The SWIC financial aid application should also be completed in order to further assist students. Scholarships will be applied for separately through their respective administrative bodies, and may award funds for reasons other than need. All applications should be submitted to prior to any posted deadlines.

Athletics

The Southwestern Illinois College Blue Storms participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as part of the Great Rivers Athletic Conference (GRAC). SWIC competes against other community colleges in the region, as well as in national tournaments.

The school promotes athletics as a means for maintaining good health and developing useful skills. These skills include teamwork, discipline, and socializing. Students interested in participating in an athletic program should visit the Athletic Department to obtain all necessary forms and obtain try out dates.

Athletic programs offered include:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball (Women Only)
• Blue Storm Cheerleading (Women Only)

Students Enrolled in the Information Technology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Southwestern Illinois College offers an associate's degree program in information technology.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Description

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Computer Systems Analysts

Description

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Information Security Analysts

Description

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Software Developers, Applications

Description

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Software Developers, Systems Software

Description

Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

Computer Network Architects

Description

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).