Today and in the future, all businesses need graduates who can work with and manage modern computer systems at a technical level. Employees who are proficient in both information technology and functional areas of business have a wide range of career options. The increased use of mobile computers and personal computers in the home, the expanding PC networks in the workplace, and the omnipresence of the Web are continuing to create many new career specializations. SUNY Delhi's array of Information Technology (IT) programs is designed to provide students with the necessary applied knowledge and skills to pursue specific interests and career and educational goals. Students gain experience and develop expertise in a variety of areas depending on their program choice. 

The Instructional Program

The B.T. programs in Information Technology prepare graduates for employment in career fields as professionals who are proficient in the business application of computer technology and who are able to develop effective information systems to solve real-world problems. Students gain a solid grounding in object-oriented software design methods, network design, database applications, and web and applications development. The programs provide specialized, in-depth training in key areas of information-technology application through a combination of lecture, laboratory, and real-world experiences. The programs also provide professional training for students who wish to combine IT with other disciplines, and prepare students for graduate study and research in appropriate areas.

The B.T. programs require 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 programs. As a result, prior to graduation, students will have that rare opportunity of bridging the gap between theory and practice through their internship experiences. Faculty assist in finding job opportunities, but each student assumes responsibility for securing an internship position. Before graduating, students will have already developed important and successful lifelong contacts.

The Network Administration program enables graduates to plan, develop, organize, manage, and integrate computing resources into properly functioning LAN, WAN, and wireless networks, with special focus on the structure and operation of the Internet. Additional upper-level coursework is taken in management, business, and communications. Each student can also augment their IT education with courses from applications software and/or web development. A full-semester internship is required.

The bachelor's degree program described above does not replace the associate's degree program in computer information, but rather builds upon it. Students may enter as freshmen or apply for transfer into the program after earning an associate's degree, provided they meet the entry performance qualifications. It is not necessary to have been previously enrolled in a computer information program. As in any field, increased levels of education and experience improve one's chances for professional and managerial advancement.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Delhi Computer Club, which provides an extracurricular organization for students interested in the broad range of computer-related technologies. Activities include LAN-based computer gaming, website development, special computer projects, and opportunities to provide technical support to both the campus and the community. Students complement their academic experience by sharing their interests and engaging in a variety of technical pursuits.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1505

General Management Core

Liberal Arts and Sciences Core

Computer Information Core

Unrestricted Electives

Notes

1 Technical electives include courses with an ACCT, BUSI, or CITA prefix (by advisement).

Additional Note:

*Liberal Arts and Sciences courses or subject areas marked with an asterisk represent State University and SUNY Delhi General Education (GE) requirements. For more information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog or consult with an academic advisor.

Admissions Requirements

Freshman applicants to the Information Technology programs 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, business, 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.)

Program Objectives

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 and other major commercial software (e.g., Linux).
2. Understand and apply the terminology and concepts associated with computer systems hardware and software through the installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of systems software.
3. Exhibit problem-solving skills through writing, testing, and debugging programs, and develop a good grasp of the development of computer applications with rapid-development tools in an object-oriented environment, using Visual Basic or Java as a foundation.
4. Demonstrate understanding of data communications concepts, terminology, and hardware and software associated with the Internet. Survey and evaluate network media, access methods, and topologies. Topics include end-user perspective, network operating systems, cabling, hardware protocols, internetworking, software, design, and administration.
5. 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, applications support, and documentation.
6. 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 Windows and Linux.
7. 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.
8. Perform system integration and the construction of system components designed to provide capabilities for cooperation among various levels of management in the accomplishment of given tasks. Topics covered include communications, synchronization, and representation of data. Methods of system integration and design for interoperability will be covered.
9. 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.
10. Carry out a planned program of educational experiences under direct supervision of an owner, manager, or supervisor of information technology in an organization.
11. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the different types of accounts: assets, liabilities, equities, revenues, and expenses. Prepare financial statements and maintain accounting records.
12. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of business organizations, scientific management, decision making, business forecasting, and economic analysis.
13. Understand the principles and practices of organizational communications and effective public relations.
14. Develop an ability to communicate in written form using technical styles and terminology to convey technically complex issues to a professional audience.