Within the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) major, there are three options. At the time when a student is requesting entrance into the IST major, an option must be chosen.

Each option offers specific skills and areas of knowledge in the information technology field. The links below will highlight the specific knowledge and skills, courses, and additional information for each option.

Please note, not all options are available at all campuses, so be sure to check for availability at your campus.

Information Systems: Design and Devlopment Option (ISDEV)The ISDEV option focuses on developing a range of technical skills including object oriented design and programming, software development and production cycle, user-centric design and development, design and development of software that runs on distributed platforms, and working with development tools used in the software development market.

Information Technology: Integration and Application (ITINT)The ITINT option focuses on the use of IT to support organizational functions. Using concepts and models from both the ISDEV and ISPP options, this option is intended to “fill the gap” between the other options. You will learn how organizations work and how information technology can be used as strategic resources to support their innovation, mission-critical activities, and business functions. Specialized topics covered in this option include value chain, process modeling, workflow analysis, change management, enterprise systems, and middleware solutions.

Information Context: People, Organizations, and Society (ISPP)The ISPP option focuses on the human dimension of information technology, providing students with the skills and knowledge to understand how people influence the design, development, diffusion, use, and management of information technology. Students in this option also will learn how information technology is implicated in social change and the effects of these social changes for individuals, communities, organizations, economies, nations, and global environments.