Information Technology Track
What is Information Technology?
Information Technology (IT) focuses on building and managing secure information systems that run our modern world. The IT professional is the expert who helps users in an organization make sense of the technology around them.
Important areas in Information Technology include: Networking, Security, Database Administration, Web Site Design/Programming, and E-Commerce.
Why should I Choose to Study Information Technology?
People working to solve every major challenge facing our world today turn to technology in their search for solutions. With a background in IT, you can:
- Manage the large databases of genetic information stored in our DNA to help biologists conquer disease;
- Interface imaging equipment to other high tech equipment for health procedures;
- Build, administer and support networks for gaming, e-commerce, social networking, on-line music and movie distribution, search engines, mobile computing;
- Build and maintain web sites and services.
- Technology permeates most of what we do so opportunities are limitless!
Will I get a job after graduation?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that 6 out of the 10 fastest job growth areas for the next decade are in computing. The Bureau also estimates that the professional IT workforce will grow at more than twice the rate of the overall workforce and account for 1 in 19 new jobs.
New growth areas: % Increase in Jobs
Computer Software Engineers +46.1
Computer Software Engineers, Apps +48.4
Database Administrators +38.2
Network and Computer Systems Admin. +38.4
Data Communications Analysts +54.6
Why should you study IT at Merrimack?
- Our curriculum is based on the recommendations of leading IT professionals (The Association for Computing Machinery - 2005).
- Our program provides a strong coverage of current technology, together with a strong Liberal Arts foundation that will help you effectively communicate within an organization.
- Our classes are small so you get personal attention.
- You can opt to take advantage of our cooperative education program where you will gain practical “real world” experience while earning money and making professional contacts.
- You can work individually with faculty on research projects.
- You can broaden your IT knowledge with courses in one of the following applied concentrations: Business, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Digital Media (from Fine Arts) and Electrical Engineering. Other focus areas could include: Biology and Psychology.
- Our program provides you with many options so you can choose what works best for you.
- Our goal is to prepare you for the work environment or graduate school. Our mission is to prepare you for life as a technology innovator and leader!
The Information Technology Curriculum:
CSC 1510 Introduction to Information Technology
CSC 1610 Computer Science I
CSC 2520 C on Unix I
CSC 2530 C on Unix II
CSC 2620 Computer Science II
CSC 3200 Net Centric Computing
CSC 3500 Human Computer Interaction
CSC 3510 Information Technology Systems
CSC 3720 Computer Architecture
CSC 3810 Database Principles
CSC 3920 Data Communications
CSC 4860 Data Networking
CSC 4910 Software Engineering
2 major Electives
MTH 1111 Basic Statistics
MTH 1314 Discrete Mathematics
EEN 1200 Digital Fundamentals
FAA 3870 Design and Animation for the Web
Writing Intensive class from the Girard School of Business
For more information please contact: Prof. Mary G. Noonan, Chair, Department of Computer Science, noonanm@merrimack.edu, 978 837 5145.