Computer Information Technology Why Choose Computer Information Technology? To assure relevance and enduring value, our Computer Information Technology (CIT) program has been designed to align with industry standards established by computing professionals. In addition, we have drawn upon our tight linkages with industry to assure that our labs and our required internships provide the level of hands-on experience that ensures our students are sought after by employers, who recognize Ferris as a source of skilled, knowledgeable IS/IT graduates who can hit the ground running and grow from there. The CIT degree includes the expectation that students will earn several industry certifications as well, providing an additional specialized skill set to enhance the graduate's value. The Computer Information Technology program is for students who want to work in the business world and give technical assistance to computer systems end users in businesses and organizations. Individual business departments, corporations, and multi-national enterprises need professionals who can apply their technical skills to problem-solve computer systems issues within the business environment. The CIT curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of core business functions, and provides the skill sets required for computer support specialists, help-desk support, network and computer systems administration, and computer security. This curriculum prepares you for industry certifications such as CompTIA's A+, Network+, Linux+, and Security+ certifications, and Microsoft's MCSA or MCTS. The handson approach in the bachelor degree gives students a real-world look at their professional field. Career Opportunities The need for computing professionals and executives in the country is growing as companies become more global. Job growth rates for computing professions from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (US-BLS) can be summarized with one word: BIG. Today s market has big demand with big salaries for qualified professionals. Computing occupations are estimated to grow rapidly over the next decade many between 21% and 54% (US-BLS), far outpacing overall job growth in the United States. Employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 17% by 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software. Computer support staff will be needed to respond to the installation and repair requirements of increasingly complex computer equipment and software. Employment of support specialists in computer systems design and related firms is projected to grow 49 percent by 2022. Computer network support specialists typically do the following:
Test and evaluate existing network systems Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems Computer network support specialists, also called technical support specialists, usually work in their organization s IT department. They help IT staff analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer network problems. They play an important role in the daily upkeep of their organization s networks by finding solutions to problems as they occur. Solving an IT problem in a timely manner is important because organizations depend on their computer systems. Technical support specialists may provide assistance to the organization s computer users through phone, email, or in-person visits. Computer user support specialists typically do the following: Pay attention to customers when they describe their computer problems Ask customers questions to properly diagnose the problem Walk customers through the recommended problem-solving steps Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices Train users to work with new computer hardware or software, such as printers, wordprocessing software, and email Assist users in installing software Provide others in the organization with information about what gives customers the most trouble and about other concerns customers have IT professionals engage in procuring, securing, supporting, troubleshooting, and designing elements of the IT infrastructure. Their work covers a variety of contexts, from websites to databases and network applications, in organizations ranging from business and government to schools, health care, and more. IT professionals possess the ideal combination of knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise to support both an organization s technology infrastructure and the people who use it. They re responsible for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization. IT professionals create and manage websites and networks to provide a secure, efficient, and productive environment for everyone. Admission Requirements New students: 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and two of the three criteria below: (1) English ACT score of 16 or higher, or SAT Writing score of 370 or higher; (2) Math ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Math score of 460 or higher; (3) Reading ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Reading score of 430 or higher. Transfer students: Combined college or university GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 12 credit hours or more. Transfer equivalency for FSU's ENGL 150 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT English score of 16 or higher; Compass score 70 100. Transfer equivalency for FSU's MATH 115 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT Math score of 19 or higher; Compass Algebra score 46-74 and HS Algebra with 2.0.
Exceptions for new and transfer students: Applicants not meeting the above criteria but having a 2.35 high school GPA and at least a 16 ACT in Math and Reading and a 13 ACT in ENGLISH (2.00 overall GPA for transfer students) can be considered for conditional admission in a College of Business pre-program. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business dean s office. Pre-program students must complete a minimum of 12 FSU credits (excluding developmental courses) with a 2.35 GPA; courses must include ENGL 150 and MATH 115 before being considered for admission into their program of choice. Students must meet admission criteria for their chosen degree program by the time they have earned 30 credits. More Information: Additional guidance can be found on the College of Business web page under the Admissions tab. General Education Requirements All general University General Education requirements can be found here: http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/academics/gened/courses/gened-bachelor.pdf Please consult this link for a complete listing of General Education Electives: https://wwws.ferris.edu/academics/gened/courses/ Graduation Requirements The Computer Information Technology program at Ferris leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduation requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in all Ferris courses, a 2.0 GPA in the Business Core, and a 2.5 GPA in the CIT major courses. Students must complete all general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website. Also, students are required to show proof of passing the COMPTIA A+ certification and two of the following industry certifications (MCSA, MCTS, Network+, Linux+, Security+, CNA or CCNA) to graduate from the CIT program. More Information Accountancy, Finance & Info Systems 119 South Street, BUS 212 Big Rapids, MI 49307-2284 231-591-2434 AFIS@ferris.edu The College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and programs (ACBSP). Next Accreditation Review is February 2018. http://acbsp.org
Required Courses Credit Hours Computer Information Technology - 123 Credits Business Core Courses 30 ACCT 201 Princ. of Financial Accounting 3 ACCT 202 Princ of Managerial Accounting 3 BLAW 321 Contracts and Sales 3 FINC 322 Financial Management 1 3 ISYS 321 Business Information Systems 3 MKTG 321 Principles of Marketing 3 MGMT 301 Applied Management 3 MGMT 370 Quality-Operations Mgmt 3 STQM 260 Introduction to Statistics 3 BUSN 499 Integrating Experience 3
Computer Inforamation Techonlogy Major - 39 Credits Required CITS 150 A+ Certification 1 3 CITS 160 A+ Certification 2 3 CITS 250 Windows Client Administration 3 CITS 255 Windows Server 1 3 CITS 260 Windows Server 2 3 CITS 270 Network + 3 CITS 280 Linux Administration 3 CITS 320 Security + Administration 3 CITS 360 Windows Server 3 3 CITS 370 Virtual System Administration 3 CITS 480 Senior Project and Capstone 3 CITS 491 CIT Internship 1 TO 6 PROJ 320 Proj Management Fundamentals 3 Directed Electives (see Advisor) 9 Prior approval required for directed elective classes. Examples include a mix of programming courses, network courses, transferred courses from another program or institution, another program's minor, or other related Ferris academic program courses that provide skills necessary for managing or supporting IT resources.
University General Education Communication Competence 15 COMM 121 Fundamentals-Public Speaking 3 COMM 336 Tech and Prof Presentation 3 ENGL 150 English 1 3 ENGL 250 English 2 3 ENGL 325 Advanced Business Writing 3 Scientific Understanding 7 Lab Science Elective 4 Science Elective 3 Quantitative Skills Choose One: 3/4 MATH 114 Quantitative Reason for Pro 2 4 MATH 115 Intermediate Algebra 3 Cultural Enrichment Choose One: 9 PHIL 216 Introduction to Ethics 3 PHIL 316 Applied Ethics 3 Cultural Enrichment Electives 6
Social Awareness 9 ECON 221 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 ECON 222 Principles of Microeconomics 3 Social Awareness Elective 3 Additional General Education 2 General Education Elective 2 Minimum credit hours required for CIT Bachelor degree: 123 CIT students must be able to demonstrate competency in ISYS 105 topics or take ISYS 105. Students must pass the CompTIA A+ certification, and two other third party certifications pre-approved by their advisor. Students are expected to participate in a professional organization for at least two years. Suggestion: Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP.)