Majors and Minors Home
About the Major
South’s information technology program prepares students to work in complex network and web environments to meet the needs of today’s organizations. That involves using technologies developed by computer engineers, computer scientists and information scientists.
Jobs in Information Technology
- Information technology consultant
- Computer forensic analyst
- Computer network architect
- Information technology support specialist
- Web developer
Related Programs
Robotic and Rocketry Team Launches Student on Information Technology Path
Working on her high school robotics and rocketry team in Troy, Alabama, introduced Caroline Bish to programming. It intrigued her from the start.
“I felt like it was both a different language and almost a puzzle,” she said. “That was the part that I fell in love with.”
She knew she would end up in STEM — science, technology, engineering or mathematics. “I have always been a science nerd.”
But which field? “Originally, I wanted to do computer science,” she said. “But then at USA’s orientation, I learned that there was a lot more math in computer science. And math isn’t really my favorite thing to do. I found out that information technology was where I wanted to go.”
Computer scientists develop computer systems. Information technologists master the use of those systems. The latter involves getting new software and hardware to work seamlessly with what’s already in place — a continual series of puzzles to solve.
“I love my teachers that I’ve met in my computer classes.”
Bish came to South partly because of the campus. “I like that it’s newer, more modern.”
Her experience as a student confirmed that positive first impression. “I love my teachers that I’ve met in my computer classes, and I love my teachers that I’ve met through my general education classes.”
In fact, “a couple of my favorite classes have been in the gen eds.” Physical geology intrigued her so much that she considered double majoring in IT and geology.
For her career, Bish explored data management and digital forensics (security). Mostly, she kept her options open and looked forward to the upcoming challenges.
“One of my teachers says that the best thing about technology is that it’s always changing, but then the bad thing about technology is that it’s always changing,” she said. “So you have to constantly grow and adapt. It’s never going to be a dull job.”
Did You Know?
- Information technology majors focus on one of three tracks: networking, web publishing or digital forensics.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, adding 667,600 new jobs.
- The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations as of May 2020 was $91,250.
Contact:
Angela Clark
Chair, Senior Instructor
Department of Information Systems and Technology
(251) 460-7539
Curriculum and Degree Requirements