Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Western Kentucky 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 Kentucky colleges that offer information technology degrees.

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Western Kentucky University

310 College St, Barbourville, KY

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is situated on a hilltop campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is a public research university with top research faculty and many nationally recognized academic programs. Some of the top WKU programs include journalism, business, education, broadcasting and engineering.

WKU, which is comprised of four campuses and Study Abroad/overseas programs, is the fastest growing university in Kentucky. High school juniors and seniors who are high achievers can enroll in the Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Sciences at WKU.

WKU has more than 170 academic study areas at the undergraduate and pre-professional levels. WKU offers associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor's degrees. There are 50 graduate programs to choose from.

WKU offers flexible programs through its University College, which are suited to non-traditional students such as working adults or those seeking lifelong learning. Flexible classes are offered at locations across the mid-state area.

History

Western Kentucky University was established in 1906 as one of two teacher training institutions - the Western Kentucky State Normal School in Bowling Green. Classes commenced in 1907. Eventually this state-supported school took over the Southern Normal School, and its owner, Henry cherry, became WKU's first president.  

In 1911, the school moved to the Hill, which is the present site of its main campus. The curricula continued to focus on teacher training for 10 years. The school was approved to grant four-year degrees, and in 1922, was approved to grant four-year degrees.

In 1927, Western merged with Ogden College. In 1930, Western's name was changed to Western Kentucky State Teachers College. In 1931, the first master's degree was offered.

The curriculum began to broaden beyond teacher training, and the name was changed to Western Kentucky State College in 1948.

In 1963, Western merged with the Bowling Green College of Commerce, which became a separate college within Western's structure. The Graduate School at Western also had separate status. In 1965, three more colleges formed:  the College of Education, the Ogden College of Science and Technology, and the Potter College of Liberal Arts. In 1966, the name was changed to Western Kentucky University.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Kentucky University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. WKU also offers a Winter Term in the month of January. Its summer semester is divided into two sessions in June, and two sessions in July.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Health and Human Services
• Gordon Ford College of Business
• Ogden College of Science and Engineering
• Potter College of Arts & Letters
• University College
• Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
• Honors College

Student Life

Students at Western Kentucky University enjoy a wide range of student services, including:

• Academic Support Services
• Advising
• Library
• Testing
• Tutoring
• Campus Safety
• Campus Security
• WKU Store
• Career Services
• Counseling Services
• Disabilities Services
• Health Services
• Veterans Affairs
• Community Links
• Study Abroad 

Students at WKU are encouraged to join one of the many student clubs and organizations that are available for participation. Students may also log onto the WKU-O Blog to find out more about student clubs and activities on campus. There is a Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI) on campus that teaches students interpersonal skills and the knowledge they will need to engage in leadership activities on campus.

On campus housing is available in one of the WKU Residence Halls, and there is a range of dining options available.

Traditions

The traditional school colors of Western Kentucky University are red, black and white. The athletic teams are called the WKU "Hilltoppers" or the WKU "Lady Toppers" for the women's teams. The mascot for WKU is "Big Red," a large, red, furry creature that was designed by a WKU student in 1979. Big Red represents the Spirit of Western.

There is a tradition of the "Red Towel at WKU, which began with the late basketball coach, E.A. Diddle. Coach Diddle used to clutch and wave a red towel throughout all Hilltopper basketball games. Now the Red Towel has become synonymous with outstanding basketball, and fans at WKU sporting events will wave red-colored towels in the air as they cheer for "Big Red."

Athletics

The Western Kentucky University "Hilltoppers" and "Lady Toppers" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross country
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

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

Satellite Campuses

The campuses of Western Kentucky University include its main campus at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and satellite campuses at:

• Glasgow
• Owensboro
• Elizabethtown 

WKU also sends students each term to Harlaxton College in Grantham, England.

Community Life

WKU has outreach programs that allow students and faculty to interface with community business and industry, local organizations and more. The Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) offers both credit and non-credit classes to students of all ages. DELO partners with local businesses to plan special events, provide customized training, and develop degree programs that meet the needs of the organization.

The ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships brings campus and community together to enrich both higher education and public life. ALIVE CCP facilitates collaborative efforts that address local, regional, and global needs while also enhancing the level of student learning and educational experience.

Students Enrolled in the Information Technology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Kentucky University offers a bachelor'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).