The Field

Information Technology (IT) is nationally recognized as one of the hottest and fastest growing career areas today. The rapidly increasing use of personal computers in the home, the expanding PC networks in the workplace, and the omnipresence of the Web are creating many new career specialization areas. The Information Technology program is designed to provide students with the necessary applied knowledge and skills in areas of management, communications, and one of three specialization areas: Applications Software Development, Network Administration, and Web Development.

The need for IT programs and graduates to meet projected demand for information technology is clearly evident. Delhi’s IT program meets this need by providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills set to perform day-to-day operations and maintenance of computing applications. Students gain experience and develop expertise in the areas of applications software, network administration, and web development, depending on their selected program. In addition, their knowledge and experience in technology transfer, telecommunications, and interface design will make them especially valuable in the development and use of interactive media, web applications, and interoperable computing platforms and networks.

The Instructional Program

The program is designed to prepare students for employment in Information Technology career fields as professionals proficient in the use of computers and computational techniques and able to develop effective information systems to solve real-world problems. Students will have a solid grounding in object-oriented software design methods, network and connectivity issues, data repository techniques, and web programming, publishing, and applications development. The program provides specialized, in-depth training in key areas of information technology application through a combination of lecture, laboratory, and real-world experiences. The program also provides professional training for students who wish to combine IT with other disciplines, and prepares students for graduate study and research in appropriate areas.

In order to provide high quality preparation and practical education to men and women preparing for the challenging careers of tomorrow’s highly technical society, the IT program requires a one-semester internship that provides a unique technical educational experience designed to supplement theoretical and conceptual learning with hands-on training. This internship strengthens the practical thrust of the IT program. As a result, prior to graduation, Information Technology students will have that rare opportunity of bridging the gap between theory and practice through their internship experiences. By commencement, they may be well ahead of many of their counterparts in developing important and successful lifelong contacts.

Delhi’s IT program offers three programs of specialization: Applications Software Development, Network Administration, and Web Development.

The Applications Software Development program provides graduates with the skills to enter the workforce as IT professionals with special emphasis in programming language development and database design and implementation. After taking foundation courses in microcomputer systems and applications, instruction focuses on building application prototypes using object-oriented languages such as Visual Basic and C++ and database management systems like Oracle and SQL. Additional upper-level course work is taken in management, business, and communication. Each student can also augment their IT education with courses from networking and/or web development. Finally, a full-semester internship is required.

The Network Administration program enables graduates to plan, develop, organize, manage, and integrate computing resources from various vendors, including Microsoft and Cisco, into properly functioning networks: LAN, WAN, Internet, Intranet. Additional upper-level course work is taken in management, business, and communication. Each student can also augment their IT education with courses from applications software and/or web development. Finally, a full-semester internship is required.

The Web Development program focuses on programming, designing, and developing customized sites and pages for web-based applications primarily for the World Wide Web (and other internet and intranet applications). Emphasis is placed on both client-side and server-side development utilizing modern languages like Java and Javascript. Additional upper-level course work is taken in management, business, and communication. Each student can also augment their IT education with courses from networking and/or applications software. Finally, a full-semester internship is required.

The bachelor’s degree programs do not replace the associate’s degree programs in computer information, but rather are designed to build upon them. Students may enter as freshmen or go through the transfer process for acceptance into the program after earning an associate’s degree. It is not necessary to have been previously enrolled in a computer information program: the curriculum provides the technical training required to equip students for careers in information technology. As in any field, increased levels of education and experience improves one’s chances for professional and managerial advancement.

Bachelor of Technology Degree Requirements

Information Technology

B.T. Degree

SUNY Curriculum Codes:  1502, 1505, 1506

General Management Core

Liberal Arts and Sciences Core

Computer Information Core

Applications Software Development

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1502

Network Administration

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1505

Web Development

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1506

Degree Requirement: 131 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Freshman applicants for the Information Technology program must have had 4 units of high school English, 3 units of social science, 2 units of mathematics, 2 units of science, and a minimum 2.3 grade point average. An on-campus interview is recommended. Transfer students must have a minimum 2.3 grade point average and previous study in computers, applications, or information technology. Applicants must also possess demonstrable command of basic computer skills and literacy. (See Admission to Baccalaureate Programs in the Enrollment Services section of this catalog.)

*Note: Courses or subject areas marked with an asterisk represent State University and SUNY Delhi general education requirements. For more information, see the General Education Requirement and General Education Courses sections of this catalog, or consult with an academic advisor.

Technical Courses: Technical courses include those with an ACCT, BUSI, or CITA prefix.

Program Objectives (Applications Software Development)

A graduate of the Information Technology: Applications Software Development B.T. program should be able to:

1. Display a fundamental understanding of computers and computer information systems and be familiar with common computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and graphics.
2. Understand and apply the terminology and concepts associated with computer systems hardware and software through the construction of personal computers and the installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of systems software.
3. Demonstrate facility with microcomputer software used in business, including Microsoft Windows, commercial accounting software, familiarity with other major commercial software, and advanced word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
4. Utilizing either Visual Basic or C++ as a foundation, exhibit problem-solving skills using a programming language through writing, testing, and debugging programs related to various disciplines.
5. Demonstrate understanding of data communications concepts, terminology, and hardware and software associated with data communications systems.
6. Exhibit a good grasp of the development of computer applications using rapid development tools in an object-oriented environment and using Visual Basic or C++ as a foundation.
7. Understand and apply basic tools and techniques used by systems professionals and evaluate the individual and organizational impacts of information systems.
8. Understand database systems including the structure, organization, languages, special features, functions, and historical development of these systems, as well as design, write, test, and debug database applications.
9. In an object-oriented environment, use knowledge-acquisition techniques, write code and pseudo code, and fully develop, document, and implement applications, programs, databases, and systems.
10. Understand the decision-making process through the use of project management tools including milestone planning, cost budgeting and control, quality control, maturity modeling, risk assessment, status reporting, and change and administrative controls.
11. Implement, maintain, and control object-oriented system applications including, but not limited to, relational database concepts and methodology, SQL, ODBC, access programming with VBA, client/server concepts, and SQL server. The student will also become familiar with at least one object-oriented language and its interface system.
12. Implement, maintain, and control system guidelines, techniques, and principles of planning, implementing, and maintaining end-user information systems. The emphasis will be on organizational results, attaining efficiency and effectiveness, and achieving competitiveness with the external environment.
13. Carry out a planned program of educational experiences under direct supervision of an owner, manager, or supervisor of information technology in an organization.
14. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the different types of accounts (assets, liabilities, equities, revenues, and expenses) and be able to compare proprietorship, partnership, and corporation accounting procedures.
15. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of business organizations, scientific management, decision making, business forecasting, and economic analysis.
16. Understand the principles and practices of organizational communications and effective public relations.
17. Develop an ability to communicate in written form using technical styles and terminology to convey technically complex issues to a professional audience.

Program Objectives (Network Administration)

A graduate of the Information Technology: Network Administration B.T. program should be able to:

1. Display a fundamental understanding of computers and computer information systems and be familiar with common computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and graphics.
2. Understand and apply the terminology and concepts associated with computer systems hardware and software through the construction of personal computers and the installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of systems software.
3. Demonstrate facility with microcomputer software used in business, including Microsoft Windows, commercial accounting software, familiarity with other major commercial software, and advanced word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
4. Utilizing either Visual Basic or C++ as a foundation, exhibit problem-solving skills using a programming language through writing, testing, and debugging programs related to various disciplines.
5. Demonstrate understanding of data communications concepts, terminology, and hardware and software associated with data communications systems.
6. Exhibit a good grasp of the development of computer applications using rapid development tools in an object-oriented environment and using Visual Basic or C++ as a foundation.
7. Survey and evaluate network media, access methods, and topologies. Topics will include end-user perspective, network operating systems, cabling, hardware protocols, internetworking, software, design, and administration.
8. Have the ability to use a variety of network management tools to manage, monitor, support, and troubleshoot network operations, as well as have an understanding of performance issues, end-user accounts, data security, disaster recovery, supporting applications, and documentation.
9. Have the ability to design and implement network systems utilizing the various topologies, media, protocols, and network hardware, such as bridges, switches, and routers utilizing current software like Microsoft’s Windows 2000, Novell’s NetWare, and Unix.
10. Understand the decision-making process through the use of project management tools including milestone planning, cost budgeting and control, quality control, maturity modeling, risk assessment, status reporting, and change and administrative control.
11. Perform system integration and the construction of system components designed to provide capabilities for cooperation among various levels of management in the accomplishment of giving tasks. Topics covered include communications, synchronization, and representation of data. Methods of system integration and design for interoperability will be covered.
12. Implement, maintain, and control system guidelines, techniques and principles of planning, implementing and maintaining end-user information systems. The emphasis will be on organizational results, attaining efficiency and effectiveness, and achieving competitiveness with the external environment.
13. Carry out a planned program of educational experiences under direct supervision of an owner, manager, or supervisor of information technology in an organization.
14. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the different types of accounts (assets, liabilities, equities, revenues, and expenses) and be able to compare proprietorship, partnership, and corporation accounting procedures.
15. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of business organizations, scientific management, decision making, business forecasting, and economic analysis.
16. Understand the principles and practices of organizational communications and effective public relations.
17. Develop an ability to communicate in written form using technical styles and terminology to convey technically complex issues to a professional audience.

Program Objectives (Web Development)

A graduate of the Information Technology: Web Development B.T. program should be able to:

1. Display a fundamental understanding of computers and computer information systems and be familiar with common computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and graphics.
2. Understand and apply the terminology and concepts associated with computer systems hardware and software through the construction of personal computers and the installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of systems software.
3. Demonstrate facility with microcomputer software used in business, including Microsoft Windows, commercial accounting software, familiarity with other major commercial software, and advanced word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
4. Utilizing either Visual Basic or C++ as a foundation, exhibit problem-solving skills using a programming language through writing, testing, and debugging programs related to various disciplines.
5. Demonstrate understanding of data communications concepts, terminology, and hardware and software associated with data communications systems.
6. Exhibit a good grasp of the development of computer applications using rapid development tools in an object-oriented environment and using Visual Basic or C++ as a foundation.
7. Survey and evaluate network media, access methods, and topologies. Topics will include end-user perspective, network operating systems, cabling, hardware protocols, internetworking, software, design, and administration.
8. Install and administer WEB servers in a lab environment.
9. Utilize Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) to create dynamic and functional web pages.
10. Understand the decision-making process through the use of project management tools including milestone planning, cost budgeting and control, quality control, maturity modeling, risk assessment, status reporting, and change and administrative control.
11. Understand the use of programming languages and techniques for Web development.
12. Implement, maintain, and control system guidelines, techniques, and principles of planning, implementing, and maintaining end-user information systems. The emphasis will be on organizational results, attaining efficiency and effectiveness; and achieving competitiveness with the external environment.
13. Carry out a planned program of educational experiences under direct supervision of an owner, manager, or supervisor of information technology in an organization.
14. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the different types of accounts (assets, liabilities, equities, revenues, and expenses) and be able to compare proprietorship, partnership, and corporation accounting procedures.
15. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of business organizations, scientific management, decision making, business forecasting, and economic analysis.
16. Understand the principles and practices of organizational communications and effective public relations.
17. Develop an ability to communicate in written form using technical styles and terminology to convey technically complex issues to a professional audience.