Dec 11, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2015-2016 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition

Computer Science, Information Technology Concentration, B.A.


Within the Department of Software and Information Systems, the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science are fulfilled by completing specific concentrations of courses designed for students interested in pursuing a career in Cyber Security, Financial Services Informatics, Information Technology, Software and Information Systems, Software Engineering, or Web Development.  These concentrations are designed to best prepare students to match the diverse requirements of employers.  It also prepares students to pursue graduate studies in related areas.  The focus of these concentrations includes:

  • Web and Mobile Applications Development
  • Software Engineering (design, integration, testing, and assurance)
  • Information Security and Privacy
  • Human - Computer Interaction
  • IT Infrastructure Design
  • Emerging Technology
  • Financial Services Informatics

Under this program, the requirements for the B.A degree may be fulfilled by completing the traditional program (i.e., the Concentration in Software and Information Systems ) or any of the other five concentrations.  The traditional program emphasizes advanced programming and mathematics skills.  It is intended for students who have a general interest in information technology and who want to maintain maximum flexibility in course selection and job opportunity.  The Concentration in Cyber Security  emphasizes the detection and mitigation of security threats in information systems.  The Concentration in Information Technology  emphasizes usability, security, and reliability of IT infrastructures, as well as writing and communications skills.  The Concentration in Software Engineering  integrates mathematics and computer science to achieve classical engineering approaches to software system problem solving.  The Concentration in Web Development  emphasizes software development using Internet and World-Wide Web technologies that are increasingly the default model for business-customer interaction.  These five concentrations prepare students for a wide variety of jobs or graduate studies.  The Concentration in Financial Services Informatics  is designed to meet the needs of the financial services sector with a unique combination of finance and information technology courses, industry internships, and sponsored capstone projects.

A common feature of this degree program is that students in all concentrations must complete a course in critical thinking (PHIL 1106 ) and a course in ethics that addresses issues of information technology. A special section of LBST 2211  (Ethical Issues in Personal, Professional, and Public Life) will be designated as Ethical Issues: Technology (EI:T). Software and Information Systems majors who complete this section of LBST 2211  (identified as ITIS 2211  for registration purposes) will fulfill both departmental and General Education Requirements for a course in ethical issues and cultural critique.

Degree Requirements


The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science with a Concentration in Information Technology requires 120 credit hours.  

General Education Courses


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education program .  Students in this major should plan on taking the following courses that meet general education and major requirements.

Restricted Elective Courses (6 credit hours)


Select approved ITIS or ITCS courses numbered 3000 or above.

Unrestricted Elective Courses (21 credit hours)


In addition, each student, in consultation with his or her academic advisor, must complete at least 21 credit hours by either:

  1. Completing the requirements for a minor chosen by the student even if doing so requires more than 21 hours (if the minor can be completed in less than 21 hours, the remaining hours become unrestricted electives) OR
  2. Completing a series of courses in a major that does not offer a minor.  These courses must form a coherent body of study related to developing applications of information systems.  The courses selected must include a minimum of 9 hours of upper-division courses.

In completing this requirement, students must comply with all prerequisites and other applicable academic regulations for courses offered by any department, even if doing so requires exceeding the 120-credit hour minimum necessary for graduation.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours


Honors Program


For details about the College of Computing and Informatics Honors Program, visit the program page .

Suggested Curriculum


For a suggested curriculum progression toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.