2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog School of Information Technology
Admission/Retention Requirements
A student may enter a major or minor in the School of Information Technology as a new freshman, a transfer student, or as a change of major at Illinois State University. Students should contact the Information Technology undergraduate advisor or University Admissions for minimum admission requirements.
For Computer Science and Information Systems Transfer Students: Proficiency with the Java programming language is expected in 200-and 300-level Information Technology courses and is usually obtained by completing IT 168 and one of IT 178, IT 179 or IT 275.
For Cybersecurity and Computer Networking Transfer Students: An IT 168 equivalent can be completed in Java or C++.
For any student who enrolls in a course in the School of Information Technology, a grade of C or better is required in all prerequisite courses. For majors, only courses in which the student has received a grade of C or better may be counted toward the hours required in the major, including supporting requirements. A student cannot pursue a double major in any two programs in the School of Information Technology. Also, a student cannot pursue both a major and a minor in Information Technology.
The School of Information Technology (IT) offers four degree programs: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, and Computer Networking. All IT majors require substantial interpersonal written and verbal communication skills as well as technical computing skills. The curricula have a strong practical emphasis on the application of computing solutions to real world problems. Practical skills and applications are balanced with exposure to the theoretical knowledge base that underlies the field of computing.
All programs prepare a student for a computing career, but there are important differences in the context of the work to be performed, the types of problems to be solved, and the types of systems to be designed and built. Computer Science focuses on algorithm development and writing programs that others will use. Cybersecurity focuses on all aspects of information assurance, including protecting networks, servers, databases, and private information. Information Systems focuses on integrating hardware and software authored by others into a coherent system to fulfill a business purpose. Computer Networking prepares students to build and optimize networks for best performance.
Starting positions for Computer Science and Information Systems include such job titles as programmer or programmer/analyst. Cybersecurity graduates will take jobs as security analysts, while Computer Networking titles include network administrator and network technician.
Department minors are intended to help majors in other departments focus on specific skills and electives which are relevant for their career needs. Minors are available in Information Systems and in Computer Science.
Each degree program requires a practical experience that may be satisfied by a directed project or an internship. An internship experience is the usual way for students to satisfy this requirement. IT 191 (1 hour) is required and prepares students for fulfilling this requirement. It is recommended that IT 191 be taken no later than the sophomore year.
The six (6) hours of Professional Practice credit counted toward the major will be graded. Any additional Professional Practice credit will be earned on a CR/NC basis. A maximum of 16 hours of Professional Practice credit (IT 391, IT 398) may be applied toward graduation. Students may not register for IT 398 during the last semester of their studies.
The School of Information Technology participates in the Minor in Cognitive Science program. Several courses offered by the School contribute to the minor. For further information, please consult the School undergraduate advisor as well as Interdisciplinary Studies Programs section.
Course Finder
Honors in Information Technology
The Honors Program seeks to facilitate customized learning for Honors students in their disciplines by offering the opportunity for students to engage in Honors education and to have Honors Learning Experiences in upper division courses. Honors students may choose to focus their Honors Learning in their major and pursue the Honors in the Major designation, which is awarded at graduation. Learn more about Honors in the Major.
Computer Science
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Computer Science
This degree is designed for students who wish to pursue a comprehensive study of computer science that blends theory, abstraction, and design in a variety of traditional and current areas. The Computer Science major prepares students to solve modern computing problems by providing a strong background in theory, design, hardware, and systems along with significant software development experience in multiple languages on multiple operating systems. It would also prepare students to pursue graduate studies in Computer Science. The Computer Science major is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The General Computer Science sequence of the Computer Science major should be selected by those students interested in traditional Computer Science graduate programs. Any student interested in graduate school should discuss options with faculty and an academic advisor during the junior year.
Students in the Computer Science major must complete one of the following sequences.
General Computer Science Sequence
The General Computer Science sequence is designed for students who wish to pursue a broad education in computer science. A minor is not required.
View General Computer Science Sequence Course Requirements
General Computer Science Accelerated Sequence
The Accelerated General Computer Science Sequence is a pathway into the Master's Program in Computer Science. Accelerated programs offer high-achieving students the opportunity to complete their bachelor's degree and master's degree faster than each degree alone. Students accepted into the sequence will be allowed to take graduate courses during their junior and senior years that will count towards both the undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science. Qualifying students can apply to the accelerated program as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year. If accepted, the Accelerated General Computer Sciences student will take up to 12 hours of graduate-level credits during their junior and senior year. Students must then apply formally to the Graduate School in the spring of their senior year. Accelerated General Computer Science students taking graduate courses must follow all policies and guidelines set forth in the Graduate Catalog pertaining to their performance and progress toward the degree. Enrollment in the Accelerated Sequence does not guarantee final admission into the School of IT MSCS program. Admission is limited and is based on space availability and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
View General Computer Science Accelerated Sequence Course Requirements
Web Computing Sequence
The Web Computing sequence is designed for students who wish to study computer science with special emphasis on Web, mobile, and cloud computing. A minor is not required.
View Web Computing Sequence Course Requirements
Minor in Computer Science
This minor provides a solid foundation for using the computer as a tool in any discipline and may be of particular interest to majors in mathematics or the natural sciences. It provides an opportunity for students to gain knowledge in a specialized area such as graphics, parallel processing, or artificial intelligence. Total hours vary depending on which course options are chosen.
Minimum of 31 credit hours required
Take one of the following options
Take one of the following options
Take 3 elective courses from the following
Cybersecurity
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity Major is designed to give students the knowledge and tools necessary for protecting information and information systems. The major provides education for protecting the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information using technology, people, and policy. A minor is not required. Any student interested in graduate school should discuss options with faculty and an academic advisor during their junior year.
Information Systems
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Information Systems
The Information Systems (IS) Major is designed to prepare professionals in Information Systems including such areas as systems analysis and design. This degree focuses on the use of computer technology and information management methods to solve business problems. This requires an understanding of both the organizational context of the problem and the technologies, methodologies, and tools typically utilized. There are three sequences within this program: the Integration of Enterprise Systems Sequence, the Systems Development/Analyst Sequence, and the Web Application Development Sequence.
The Integration of Enterprise Systems Sequence is designed for students who wish to pursue both technical and practical skills in large-scale, multi-platform enterprise computing systems. The Systems Development/Analyst Sequence provides breadth and depth in analysis and design techniques preparing students to work in a variety of information technology environments, while the Web Application Development Sequence emphasizes the development of Web/Internet-based business information systems. The Information Systems program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The Information Systems major offers excellent preparation for a number of computer and management information systems master's programs. Students interested in an MBA program may want to combine this major with a Business Administration minor. Any student interested in graduate school should discuss options with faculty and an academic advisor during their junior year.
Students in the Information Systems major must complete one of the following sequences.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Decision Making Sequence
Artificial Intelligence involves a combination of computer science and large datasets to enable problem solving. In this sequence students will learn what AI is, how to evaluate the data on which it is based, ethical concerns and how to determine the usefulness of its applications.
View Artifical Intelligence and Decision Making Sequence Course Requirements
Integration of Enterprise Systems Sequence
The Integration of Enterprise Systems Sequence is designed for students who are interested in the areas of software development, project management, and application integration using large enterprise computing systems. This sequence provides in-depth knowledge regarding the integration of business applications on a large enterprise computing system. A minor is not required.
View Integration of Enterprise Systems Sequence Course Requirements
Systems Development/Analyst Sequence
The Systems Development/Analyst Sequence is designed for the student who will seek a position as an Information Systems professional developing business-oriented information systems. This sequence provides in-depth knowledge of analysis and design techniques along with electives in emerging technologies. A minor is not required.
View Systems Development/Analyst Sequence Course Requirements
Web Application Development Sequence
The Web Application Development Sequence is designed to give students a background for developing information systems in a Web/Internet-based environment. This sequence provides in-depth knowledge of Web development techniques and supporting technologies, along with related emerging technologies. A minor is not required.
View Web Application Development Sequence Course Requirements
Minor in Information Systems
The Information Systems Minor is designed for people who will use computers as tools in their chosen profession or provide limited computer support for their work group.
Minimum of 22 hours required
Take 1 course from the following
Computer Networking
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Computer Networking
Computer Networking is concerned with network technology, information systems, computer technology, business practices, and policy issues involved in data, image, video and voice transmission. This program prepares undergraduate students to enter the industry in entry-level positions with adequate preparation to assume management positions once work experience is gained. Graduates will possess an in-depth technical understanding of computer networks and telecommunication systems as well as an appreciation of the economic and public policy issues that are important in the design and development of local and wide area networks, and national and multinational telecommunication systems. A minor is not required.