Information Technology University of Cincinnati

Overview

The Information Technology program at the University of Cincinnati provides broad foundation in the areas of software application development (Web, mobile, enterprise and desktop), networking and systems administration (including technologies for data centers and storage), database management (design and administration) and digital media (development of digital images, audio and video to support IT solutions) and cybersecurity. The students' experience is culminated by the senior design experience - a two-semester exploration developing a real-life IT solution. Students present their senior projects to the community in an IT technology expo at the end of the spring semester of every year. 

In addition to the broad foundation, each student gains in-depth knowledge and skills in one of four areas: networking and systems, software application development, cybersecurity and coming in fall 2017 game development and simulation . 

Career Prospects

The Networking/Systems concentration combines courses in the complementary areas of computer networking and systems administration, both of which support the smooth operation, administration, integration, and security of computing resources. The computer networking area involves designing, implementing, securing and administering the pathways by which information flows between computing devices by configuring the devices, routers, switches, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, wireless access points, etc. Systems administration, on the other hand, is managing the operating systems of the many different computing devices, such as servers (Linux, Windows, etc), desktops (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc), smart phones and tablets (Android, iOS, etc). This includes administering and securing users' access to applications and data in the complex connected world of the enterprise.

The Software Application Development concentration equips students with skills to develop software solutions for users and organizations. It covers the complementary areas of desktop applications, Web applications and mobile applications. Students learn how to develop software solutions and gain skills in some of the most commonly used development platforms (Windows, Android, Java and Mac). The software application track cover broad array of software applications such as personal productivity, entertainment, games, business productivity, enterprise integration, platform development and integration among others. Courses in the desktop areas cover technologies such as Java and C# (.NET) that enables users to develop complex software running different operating systems. The Web application courses cover technologies for the client side (the Web pages), business logic (modules that implement different users and organizational rules and regulations) as well as infrastructure (modules that connect the Web application with database systems, security among others). Technologies such as Java Enterprise Edition and Microsoft .NET framework (C# and Active Server Pages) are covered. The mobile applications courses focus on developing software applications that runs on smart phones, tablets and other handheld devices. Students learn about the major operating systems for mobile devices such as Apple iOS, Google Android among others. In addition, students learn to use different integrated development environments (IDEs) and different tools for software design (Unified Modeling Language or UML) and software testing. 

The Cybersecurity concentration will prepare graduates for one of the fastest growing and most rewarding careers in IT.  Students will learn both theories and hands-on skills of software and hardware security tools to design secure systems and protect enterprise information and network assets. They will gain expertise in investigating computer related crimes and identifying the resources exploited by cyber-criminals and terrorists. They will also learn how to apply standards, models, and best practices to solve real world issues and draft security policies to mitigate risks and threats of today’s IT infrastructure. The Cybersecurity track focuses on practical skills that are required by IT security professional positions, including but not limited to vulnerability analyst, incident response specialist, penetration tester, intrusion detection specialist, and secure code auditor.