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College of Applied and Technical Studies

Information Technology

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
120
Approximate Tuition Cost
$30,500
Available Concentrations
Choose from 7 concentrations
*Based on the Tuition Guarantee Program for a full-time student taking 12-18 semester hours, if completing program in 8 semesters.

Information Technology Undergraduate Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree provides students with an applied approach that focuses on supporting end users in a variety of workplace settings by utilizing a range of computing technologies. The degree program gives students the tools to support computing and networking infrastructures and the needs of individuals and organizations, write programs necessary to help them render their tasks more efficiently on their desktop or mobile devices, utilize databases and write the web-based interfaces to pull the data, and code and deploy applications across the cloud.

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of computer and network infrastructures in small- to large-sized enterprises in such positions as web or software developer; hardware, network, cloud, virtualization technician or engineer; IT support specialist or consultant; help desk, network or IT project manager; security or forensic analyst; and systems, network or database administrator in all sectors of business, education, manufacturing, healthcare, non-profit and government.

Online Concentrations: Students declare one of the eight concentrations within the Information Technology major:
Application Development
The Application Development concentration provides students with the ability to program in languages typically utilized in contemporary business environments. Students will code in applications such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, C# and other industry-standard applications to develop programs employing event-driven and object-oriented techniques.
Cloud and Virtualization Technologies
The Cloud and Virtualization Technologies concentration gives students hands-on practice and competency in virtualization and cloud computing. In addition to gaining core IT skills, students focus on cloud technologies, virtual computer hardware platforms, networking, storage devices, security, scripting, emerging technologies, server administration and storage and infrastructure services. This concentration is for students who want to pursue a professional career in virtualization and cloud computing and prepare for industry-recognized certificates in the IT field.
Cybersecurity and Forensics
The Cybersecurity and Forensics concentration places an emphasis on security of computer and network systems, including forensic work to prevent and/or determine and correct security issues utilizing “cybersecurity” devices, procedures, tools, and solutions.
Database Design and Administration
The Database Design and Administration concentration focuses on skills needed to become a database manager. Topics include relational database design; working with database servers, users and permissions; SQL statements used for queries and reports; and incorporating databases into programming used in web-based and desktop forms.
Health Information Technology
The Health Information Technology concentration provides students with the tools to install, manage, troubleshoot and secure hardware and software systems in healthcare environments. The course of study includes health IT privacy, security, EHR Implementation and support, mobile device management, technology and application life-cycle management, organizational behavior, medical business operations, and regulatory requirements.
Integrated Information Technology
The Integrated Information Technology concentration is ideal for students who want a flexible course of study for positions that require IT staff to perform a wide range of technical duties.
Internet/Multimedia
The Internet/Multimedia concentration focuses on scripting, server-side form handling, web database integration, and interactive and dynamic multimedia internet development.
Networking
The Networking concentration focuses on configuring and maintaining network information systems and components in various network operating system and cloud computing environments that are prevalent in today’s businesses. The emphasis is on network administration (i.e. managing Active Directory and network services), servers, workstations, virtualization, security, troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance.

Program Structure

  • 120 credits total
  • 52-53 courses
  • Each concentration is 18 or 19 credits
  • Minimum C grade required to satisfy the writing-intensive requirements (IT 36318)

Information Technology Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents, and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma, or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

View Frequently Asked Questions

Important Dates

Aug
21
Classes Begin
Fall 2023 Semester
Oct
05
Fall Break
Fall Break

Information Technology Undergraduate Courses

Courses for the online BS in Information Technology prepare students for technical support roles in professional settings. Topics include cybersecurity, operating systems and networking technology, web technology, computer assembly and configuration, help desk support, and a variety of essential software applications. After selecting one of the seven concentration areas listed above, coursework will also include 18-19 credit hours in their chosen subject.

All undergraduate students must also complete courses that satisfy the Kent State university requirements in order to graduate.

View All Course Requirements

Information Technology Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost

$325.80 Lower Division Courses (81 ch)

$381.90 Upper Division Courses (39 ch)

$977.40 Lower Division Courses

$1,145.70 Upper Division Courses

$30,500 full-time1

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost

$335.80 Lower Division Courses (81 ch)

$391.90 Upper Division Courses (39 ch)

$1,007.40 Lower Division Courses

$1,175.70 Upper Division Courses

$31,500-$32,000 full-time2

1The flat-rate semester fee of $3,585.10 for LOWER division courses and $4,201.50 for UPPER division courses applies to full-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester. The approximate full-time tuition for this 8 semester program is calculated at 5 semesters of LOWER division courses ($17,925.50) and 3 semesters of UPPER division courses ($12,604.50), as an average.

2The flat-rate semester fee of $3,585.10 for LOWER division courses and $4,201.50 for UPPER division courses applies to full-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 12-18 semester credits or $120-$180). The approximate full-time tuition cost for this 8 semester program was calculated at 5 semesters of LOWER division courses ($17,925.50) and 3 semesters of UPPER division courses ($12,604.50), PLUS $960 - $1,440 surcharge, as an average.

For part-time semesters: The $325.80 per-credit-hour tuition rate for LOWER division courses and $381.90 for UPPER division courses applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students, PLUS a $10 per-credit-hour surcharge for non-Ohio resident undergraduate students, taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.

An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.

Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.

The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken.  Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person.  Program costs are subject to change without notice.

Other Programs You Might Like
The Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies degree is a completer program designed for students with an associate degree or some college-level coursework who wish to matriculate into a bachelor’s degree. The B.T.A.S degree integrates the practical application of technical skills and knowledge with the professional skills instilled in a bachelor’s degree program.
The Associate of Applied Business degree in Cybersecurity provides students with an applied approach to information security concepts. The degree program gives students the tools they need to address current security issues including risk identification, security testing and monitoring, and enterprise risk management.
The Associate of Applied Business degree in Business Management Technology provides students with a core consisting of communication, management, accounting, marketing, e-commerce, economics and liberal arts courses. Students may have the opportunity to participate in internships, which help to link theory with hands-on practice.

Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog

Check out one of our featured blog posts below
Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking, and other physical devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data.1 Basically, IT ensures that computers work well for people.
The world of tech can seem daunting. What jobs are there? And what’s the right job for me? Consider a degree in information technology (IT).
It should come as no surprise that over 80 percent of adults in the United States use the internet.1 In fact, over half the world’s population owns a smartphone—a technology that relies exclusively on broadband for many of its primary functions.2 So, with the proliferation of internet usage being what it is, you’d expect that a similarly high percentage of citizens have access to affordable and reliable internet.

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