Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Illinois State 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 Illinois colleges that offer information technology degrees.

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Illinois State University (IIT)

10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL

Illinois State University (ISU) is comprehensive public university located in the twin-city community of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. It is in central Illinois, roughly 135 miles southwest of Chicago, and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis.

One of 12 public universities in Illinois, the academic departments of Illinois State University offer more than 160 majors and minors at the undergraduate level, and more than 40 master's, doctoral and specialist programs. The faculty members are recognized as scholars and experts in their fields and have been recognized at national and international levels.

The university's Milner Library contains more than three million holdings and special collections. Illinois State University's College of Applied Science and Technology is home to the oldest collegiate circus in the United States - the Gamma Phi Circus.

History

The University was founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, the first public institution of higher education in the state. It was established as a teacher education institution, but over the years developed into a comprehensive university with degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Academics

The academic calendar for Illinois State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is also a May Interim session, which is shorter than the traditional semester.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Applied Science and Technology
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business, Education
• College of Fine Arts
• Mennonite College of Nursing
• The Graduate School 

Student Life

Students at Illinois State University are encouraged to become involved in campus experiences beyond the classroom. There are more than 300 student organizations available on campus, as well as student activities such as cheering on the Redbirds athletics teams, choosing to take an "Alternative Spring Break," or getting involved in student government.

Student resources include intramural athletics and campus recreation, student center events, career events, civic engagement projects, College of Fine Arts events, wellness programs, and more.  Recent student events on the Illinois State University campus have included a resume critique walk-in, a shopping trip to the Woodfield Mall and IKEA, Music for the Holidays and A Night of One Acts.

Traditions

The traditional colors for Illinois State University are red, white and gold.  The nickname for the school's athletic teams was originally the "Teachers," but in 1923 was changed to the "Redbirds" to complement the school colors. The school wanted to name their teams the "Cardinals," but wanted to avoid confusion with the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball team.

There is a tradition at home games for student-athletes to touch the "Battle Bird," a sculpture of the "Redbird."

Athletics

The Illinois State "Redbirds" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track & Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Illinois State University is very active in hosting and co-sponsoring civic and political events on and off campus.  The Campus Communications Liaison is available to assist students and faculty with increasing opportunities for becoming engaged with the community.

Community Engaged Campus (CEC) is a relatively new initiative at Illinois State University to advance civic engagement as a core value on campus. In an effort to impact student education through a curriculum-based service learning and civic engagement program, the CEC program seeks to (1) facilitate an excellent working partnership between ISU's campus and the community and (2) ensure that Illinois State University students understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. The program works toward its goals by encouraging and supporting curricular activities that engage students in projects addressing human and community needs. The program is designed to help ISU faculty identify community agencies and organizations that have projects suitable for student involvement.

Students Enrolled in the Information Technology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. IIT has offered the following program levels for students:

• 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).