You’ll begin with a broad introduction to the information age, then jump into subjects like database technology and network management, to name a few. From there, you’re off and running—learning about leadership, project management, and how technology shapes our world.

Simply put, the IST major teaches you how to problem-solve using information technology and gives you the skills to quickly understand and adapt to constantly-changing technology.

Once you have satisfied the basic requirements of your major, you will be able to specialize in one of the following IST options:

• Information Systems: Design and Development: This option focuses on expanding the skills needed to develop advanced information technology systems using state-of-the-art tools and techniques.  This option is most focused on the design and development of different technologies and could lead to a career with Microsoft, IBM, Dell or another company that creates new technologies.
• Information Technology: Integration and Application: This option will prepare you to use information technology to realize a variety of system-based goals (such as reliability, accessibility, and efficiency).  This option is more balanced blend of technology and people skills.  Many students in this option seek careers in an area called consulting.
• Information Context: People, Organizations, and Society: This option focuses on how information technology affects social change and the delivery of information to the consumer.  This option is the one most focused on people and how they are affected by technology and how they affect the use and design of technology.