Washington University of Science and Technology · Courses
IT
25 courses with the subject IT, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
IT 201Introduction to Information Systems (4.5
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces the topic of information systems (IS) and how organizations use information systems. Topics in this course include: an overview of basic IS hardware and software, business process reengineering, collaborative computing, electronic commerce, the impacts of IS upon organizations and society, and ethical use of information systems, types of information systems, and how to analyze and design information systems. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course explains the basic principles of how computers work, providing an understanding of essential hardware, software, and networking components associated with computers (with a focus on PCs). Topics include the history of computers, processors, motherboards, memory and storage, graphics, sound, other adapters, and input and output devices. An overview of operating systems and common software packages, as well as methods for connecting computers to each other and to the Internet, is covered. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ certification, emphasizing practical, hands-on experience and real-world applications. Prerequisite: None
IT 204Information Literacy and Computer Applications (4.5
/45 contact hrs) The course provides students with a comprehensive grasp of vital digital and information literacy skills essential in today's tech-driven society. Covering core concepts in computer hardware, software, cybersecurity, cloud computing, databases, and operating systems, the course offers hands-on experience crafting word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation documents, bolstering practical digital proficiency. By imparting these skills and fostering the ability to navigate the digital terrain, evaluate information sources critically, and communicate effectively in the digital era, the course empowers students to emerge as digitally literate, ethically aware, and responsible individuals within an increasingly interconnected global context. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces practical mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies for real-world applications. Topics include critical thinking, financial literacy, statistical reasoning, and probability. Students will develop skills in analyzing arguments, managing finances, interpreting data, and assessing risks to make informed decisions in personal and professional contexts. The course emphasizes quantitative reasoning and builds confidence in using mathematics as a tool for everyday problem-solving. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course offers a practical introduction to database concepts using Microsoft Access. Students will explore the essential role, functionality, and operations of relational databases in managing information. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on activities, the course covers core principles of relational database design within the context of a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Students will apply these principles to create and develop database applications, including user interfaces, forms, data analysis, and data presentation, gaining valuable skills for managing and utilizing data effectively. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces students to personal computing hardware, operating systems, and software applications. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of computing, current and future uses of computer technology, PC hardware, Windows/Mac OS/Linux operating systems, applications software, networking, and the Internet. Developments in the computer industry will also be discussed. Additionally, this course will cover materials used for the CompTIA A+ Certification. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces students to computer science (the study of how to describe and predict properties of information processes) and computer engineering (the study of how to implement and automate information processes using current computer technologies). Computer science and computer engineering are two sides to the same coin. We would not have modern medicine, the Internet, modern mass transit, or logistics without computer science. In short, we would not have the modern world without it. The course then divides into two sections. The computer science portion introduces the concepts of algorithms, recursion, computability, problem complexity, data and procedures, and abstraction. The computer-engineering portion introduces computer hardware, software, networks, programming, and repair. Prerequisite: None 94
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces the student to the principles and practices of software development. It focuses on cultivating critical problem-solving skills and mastering programming logic in structured and object-oriented design using modern tools. By course completion, the student will have the ability to identify essential programming terminology, understand programming mechanics crucial for future programming courses, describe structured design building blocks, illustrate structured design using appropriate notation like pseudocode flow-charting, and grasp the core concepts of object-oriented design. Prerequisite: None
IT 345Impact of IT on Individuals, Organizations, and Society (4.5
/45 contact hrs) This course critically assesses the institutional forces that shape and create the demand for information technology (IT). The course will facilitate the integration of students' views into a coherent, realistic perspective on a technological society. Students will be challenged to consider and assess the evolution of technology and society and their mutual impact. Emphasis will be placed on individual and social impacts both within the business organization and externally. It will also discuss how IT consumption impacts the economy and society. The course will help participants think about how changing social and economic conditions determine what technologies are consumed and how they are consumed, who consumes them, and where they are consumed. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) The course focuses on the technologies, uses, benefits and risks associated with intranets (internal business networks), extranets (private, multi-organizational networks) and the Internet (public). Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course is designed to explore computer security and how it can protect computer networks from malicious threats such as viruses and attacks by hackers. Students will gain knowledge of different types of threats to computer networks and how to implement protection elements to prevent an unstable environment. Focused on current security protocols, risk management, and ethical hacking principles, this course equips students with the foundational knowledge necessary for the CompTIA Security+ certification. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) The objective of this course is to introduce students to systems analysis and design. This course emphasizes the strategies and techniques of systems analysis and design for producing logical methodologies for dealing with complexity in the development of information systems. The course approaches the development of information systems from a problem-solving perspective. Focus is placed on all parts of Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Requirements & Planning, Analysis & Design, Implementation, Transition & Operations, and finally Retirement or End of Life. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces students to introductory computer graphics and to the OpenGL and WebGL programming interfaces. Image characteristics such as light sequencing, the human visual system, and object modeling are covered from a technical perspective. Business graphics applications will be emphasized in this course. Other topics include Graphics architectures, programming interfaces, pen-plotter model, image models, rasterization, geometric objects and transformation, classical and computer viewing, perspective and projection, vectorization, hidden surface removal, and other topics. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces the student to Web 2.0 design and development. This course will provide a basic understanding of the methods and techniques of developing a simple to moderately complex website. Using the current standard web page language, students will be instructed on creating and maintaining a simple website. Examples of concepts will be presented using specific languages and methods that include JavaScript, Java, AJAX, PHP, and others. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course builds upon fundamental programming skills, introducing advanced Programming functionalities and their applications across various technologies. Students will deepen their understanding of advanced functions, Programming optimizations, and modern coding paradigms. The course covers algorithm development, regular expressions for data extraction, and practical applications, software testing, web development, image processing, and scientific computing. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) The course emphasizes the fundamentals of relational database management systems (RDBMS) and their practical application in business environments. Key topics include database classifications, data models, entity-relationship (ER) and extended entity-relationship (EER) modeling, normalization, advanced data modeling, and SQL programming. Students will design and implement a real-world relational database and develop SQL queries to manipulate and retrieve data efficiently. Hands-on experience with industry-standard database platforms such as MS Access, Oracle, or MySQL (open source) is a core component of the course. Prerequisite: None 95
/45 contact hrs) The emphasis of theory is how IT affects business strategy, and how managers can apply IT as well as lead the organization to improve by leveraging IT. Given the high accountability placed on managers in this global, transparent, and interconnected economy, critical issues such as IT ethics, social responsibility, and security are also discussed. The teaching approach allows students to leverage business cases to understand IT theory. Students are encouraged to focus their graded assignments on situations relevant to their learning needs. Prerequisite(s): All core courses 82
/45 contact hrs) This course will cover the concepts, structure, and mechanism of operating systems. The following topics will be covered: processor scheduling; memory management, virtual memory; paging, file management; input/output management; deadlock management; interrupt structures, interrupt processing; device management; performance of operating systems; synchronization in a multi-programmed; operating systems and with virtual memory management, concurrent processes, and synchronization mechanisms; Formal principles are illustrated with examples and case studies of one or more contemporary operating systems. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This advanced course provides students with the concepts and fundamentals of network management. Topics to be covered include: data communication concepts and techniques in a layered network architecture, communications switching and routing, types of communication, network congestion, network topologies, network configuration and management, network model components, layered network models (OSI reference model, TCP/IP networking architecture) and their protocols, various types of networks (LAN, MAN, WAN, SAN, and Wireless networks) and their protocols, system & service monitoring – reachability and availability, resource measurement/monitoring – capacity planning/availability, performance, change management and configuration monitoring and security - ensuring that the network is protected from unauthorized users. Prerequisite(s): All core courses
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces the theory and design of database management systems (DBMSs). Topics covered include the internals of database management systems, fundamental concepts in database theory, and database application design and development. In particular, logical design and conceptual modeling, physical database design strategies, relational data model and query languages (SQL), query optimization, concurrency control and transaction management, privacy and security, will be covered. While we primarily concentrate on relational DBMSs, we may also touch on selected topics from the current database research literature, such as large-scale data management, big data, distributed data access, web databases, decision support systems, data warehousing, and data mining, based on available time and the interests of the students. Prerequisite(s): All core courses
IT 509Information Systems Analysis and Design (4.5
/45 contact hrs) This course introduces various information and communications technologies used in business environments. Students will research and practice using modern productivity applications. They will explore how information systems support problem-solving and strategic decision-making. Each week, students will apply these concepts to analyze and solve real-world business cases. Prerequisite: None
IT 513Enterprise IT Application and Integration (4.5
/45 contact hrs) Enterprise Architecture (EA) is designed to be the first exposure to foundational enterprise architecture (EA) concepts and practices. The course sets the “common language” for EA discussions for professionals new to the EA field, as well as functional business people, customers, suppliers, and others who desire an overview of enterprise architecture and the benefits it can bring to an organization. Prerequisite: None
/45 contact hrs) This course is designed to help students apply business analytics techniques to explore and analyze big data, enabling them to identify subtle, non-trivial relationships that are understandable, useful, and executable for business owners. Valuable insights gained through fact-based decision-making can be leveraged by managers across functional areas to achieve a competitive advantage. Specific topics covered in this course include predictive modeling, such as regression and decision trees; segmentation; forecasting; and text mining. A case approach will be used, with SAS as the primary analytical tool. Prerequisite: None
IT 517Software Project and Team Management 4.5 None
MSIT Concentration Courses (3 courses = 13.5 quarter credits) A number of high-level concentration courses are available to master’s degree students in order to provide them with emerging, contemporary, and diverse knowledge and skills. MSIT Program students may take concentration courses after completing the MSIT core courses. However, their academic advisor or the VP of Education may advise a student to take concentration courses before the student has completed taking the core courses. 1. IT Systems & Management (ITSM) 2. Data Management & Analytics (DMA) 3. Software Design & Management (SDM IT SYSTEMS & MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION (CHOOSE 3 + MIT 681)
