Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Arkansas Tech University 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 Arkansas colleges that offer information technology degrees.

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Arkansas Tech University (ATU)

2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, AR

About
Arkansas Tech University, located in Russellville, Arkansas, was founded in 1909 by the Arkansas General Assembly. Originally known as the Second District Agricultural School and offered the equivalent of a high school education. By the early 1920's the school began offering post-secondary education and degrees, followed by the phasing out high school programs by 1931 and a name change to Arkansas Polytechnic College. In 1976 the school once again changed its name, this time to the current, to reflect its four year offerings and expanded role. In 2003 the school took over operations of Arkansas Valley Technical Institute, operating it as a satellite campus that offers associate degrees. The school has been investing heavily in the upgrading of its facilities and programs, having added over 30 new areas of study since 1993.

Academics
Arkansas Tech University offers a large number of programs that allow students to pursue the one that best suits his or her needs and goals. These programs result in associate, bachelor or master degrees. Associate degrees are primarily geared toward technical and career training, through transfer to a four year program is possible. Bachelor's degree programs take four years to complete, and are offered in a variety of fields. Minor degrees may be taken alongside a bachelor's degree, and offer the opportunity to study a second interest in an unrelated field, or to augment one's major. Master degree programs or more limited  number and require at least a bachelor's degree to be considered for admission.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Medical Assisting
• Nursing
• Journalism
• History

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Arkansas Tech University must supply a completed application, transcripts, standardized test scores, and proof of immunization. Students should have a minimum ACT score of 16, SAT score of 1060, or a composite COMPASS scores of 47 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students who meet these requirements will be considered for admission by a review board, and once completed, will notify the students of their decision. If admitted, the student will receive the information necessary to begin their academic life at the school.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must obtain a federal PIN and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will utilize the student's financial and tax information (or the student's family's if underage or a dependent) to determine financial need, program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year before the school's posted financial aid deadline. Students may be asked to provide additional financial documentation prior to the disbursement of funds to ensure the accuracy of the FAFSA.

Students Enrolled in the Information Technology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Arkansas Tech University has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

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).