Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Northern Illinois 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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Northern Illinois University

Also known as Northern Seminary

410 Warrenville Road, Suite 300, Lisle, IL

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located on a 765-acre campus in DeKalb, Illinois, 65 miles west of Chicago. NIU is comprised of seven degree-granting colleges and 39 academic departments, offering 63 undergraduate programs and 78 graduate programs. Graduate programs include masters, doctoral and professional degrees.

NIU also offers themed learning communities (TLC) that offer interdisciplinary study programs. The university has recently launched two new interdisciplinary bachelor degree programs that are focused on making positive change in the world. The new Environmental Studies major provides broad-based knowledge in current and crucial environmental issues such water conservation, the development of alternative energies, climate change and environmental policy. Graduates of the program will have career options in research, small business, industry, all levels of government, and non-profits. The new Community Leadership and Civic Engagement major will provide leadership and advocacy training for work within non-government organizations, or non-profits.

In addition to its main campus in DeKalb, NIU operates education centers in other locations in the region such as Hoffman Estates, Naperville and Rockford, Illinois.

NIU is ranks among the top 50 universities in the nation for the flexible education, support and financial assistance it provides veterans, receiving top marks as a "military friendly" school from G.I. Jobs Magazine.  NIU programs in social mobility for low-income students and public service are very highly ranked.

NIU also receives high marks as a research university, and offers excellent research opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates at NIU can participate in university research through programs such as "Research Rookies," "USOAR," and "URAP."

Flexible scheduling options and weekend classes are offered on campus and at all learning centers, as well as online.

History

Northern Illinois University was chartered in 1895 and opened for enrollment in 1899. It opened as the "Northern Illinois State Normal School" as a teacher training institution. In 1955, it became "Northern Illinois State College" with a broader curriculum and mission and, in 1957, became "Northern Illinois University."

Though its curriculum developed and expanded to offer comprehensive academic programs, through its history Northern Illinois University has remained committed to its original mission: to prepare excellent teachers and to provide affordable higher education to Illinois families.

Academics

The academic calendar for Northern Illinois University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
• College of Health and Human Sciences
• College of Law
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• College of Visual and Performing Arts

Student Life

Students enrolled at NIU have the opportunity to participate in more than 200 student clubs and organizations on campus, as well as local chapters of 36 fraternities and sororities.  The range of interests represented by the various student clubs includes leadership, government, academics, music, intramural sports, volunteer work, and more.

NIU student services offered on campus include athletic centers, a pharmacy, healthcare clinic, childcare center, career advising, writing center, tutoring, and diversity resource center, among others.

Traditions

The NIU school colors are cardinal and black, and the school mascot is the Husky. The NIU athletics teams are known as the "Huskies."

Athletics

The NIU "Huskies" athletic teams compete in 17 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

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

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU offers many courses at its three regional learning centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville and Rockford. NIU also offers courses through partnerships with local community colleges in Elgin, Rock Valley and Waubonsee.

Community Life

NIU faculty and students are very involved in community service through many NIU programs, including NIU Cares Day, Spring Break Service Trips, Community After-School Programs, and Mentor Projects.

The local community of DeKalb is a city surrounded by suburbs and rural farms, with miles of cornfields. Local and traditional attractions include the DeKalb Corn Fest in August and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival in October. Many new retailers and restaurants have opened in the area, offering a variety of shopping and dining. The region is also known as the "modern healthcare corridor."

Students Enrolled in the Information Technology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Northern Illinois University offers a master'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).