Undergraduate FAQs

Where can I get more information on the program?

Contact an undergraduate advisor:
CCI Advising Center
Address: 4115 University Center, Bldg. C
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2651
Phone: (850) 644-7278
Email: advising@cci.fsu.edu

I am already an FSU student in another major on campus. How do I change my major to IT?

FSU Students interested in changing majors should make an appointment with an advisor in the Advising Office.  Students may make an appointment by calling (8500 644-7278.  Students must have an FSU GPA of 2.0 or higher and be on track with mapping to change their major to IT. Students do not need to submit an application to the School to be admitted to the major.

Is there a minor in Information Technology available?

Yes, students can obtain a minor in Information Technology.

Can I do the program online?

No, the IT degree is only available on campus and cannot be completed online or through distance learning.

Am I required to have a minor?

No, students in the School of Information are not required to complete a minor. However, a minor is recommended as a way for students to focus their electives in a specific area. Minors are unofficial at FSU; they do not appear on a student’s transcript or diploma.

Am I required to do an internship for the major?

No, students are not required to do an internship for the degree, but the College does encourage all students to pursue an internship as part of their major program.

Do I have to have my own computer to be in the major?

Yes, all new students in the Information Technology major are required to provide their own laptop computer and appropriate software. Specific information may be found within the Hardware and Software Requirements section.  The College does provide certain software to students.

What are the prerequisites to the Information Technology major?

The prerequisites to Information Technology are:

  • MAC1140, Precalculus Algebra
  • STA2023 or STA2122, Introduction to Statistics
  • ECO2013, Principles of Macroeconomics
  • PHI2630, Ethical Issues and Life Choices
  • PSY2012, General Psychology
  • CGSxxxx, any database course
  • COPxxxx, object-oriented programming course
  • COPxxxx, any programming course

All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher before a students may be formally admitted into the major

How many credit hours are required to complete the major?

The major requires a minimum of 42 credit hours in IT. The following classes are all required for the major:

  • LIS3021, Technical Communication for Information Professionals
  • LIS3353, Technologies for Information Professionals
  • LIS4910, Information Technology Project
  • LIS4708, Perspectives in Information Technology

In addition to these courses, students must take a total of 30 hours of electives in IT. Students should consult an advisor each semester regarding their course selection.

In addition to the major requirements, students must also complete all other University requirements for the degree. Undergraduate degree requirements can be found in the Undergraduate General Bulletin found at the Registrar’s Office web site at http://registrar.fsu.edu/.

How I can tell if classes I have already taken or plan to take will count for some of the prerequisites?

If you have questions about whether a specific course you have taken will satisfy an IT prerequisite, please contact an advisor in the College. Please provide the course prefix and number, the course title, and the name of the institution where the course is being offered. In some cases, it may also be necessary to provide a course description and/or syllabus.
Contact an undergraduate advisor:
CCI Advising Center
Address: 4115 University Center, Bldg. C
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2651
Phone: (850) 644-7278
Email: advising@cci.fsu.edu

I am not a student at FSU right now. How do I apply to the University?

Admission to the University is processed entirely by the FSU Office of Admissions. For admission information and requirements, please visit their web site at http://admissions.fsu.edu/ or call (850) 644-6200 to speak with an admissions officer.

Prospective students do not need to submit a separate application to the School of Information. Students may select Information Technology as their intended major on their application to the University.

ITransfer students must be on track with Mapping to be eligible for admission to the major. See the “What is Mapping?” question below for additional information.

What is Mapping?

Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system to ensure that students are on course to earn their degrees in a timely fashion. As of summer/fall 2007 all students will be mapped, or tracked, in their respective major.

The “sample schedule” on the left hand column of your academic map is a recommended schedule and is not required. However, during your academic career you will also have to take “milestone” courses. These milestones will also be listed on your academic map in the right hand column. You must successfully complete these milestone courses by the end of the term listed.

If you do not successfully complete the required milestone course by the end of the term listed, you will be considered “off course” in your intended major. After you are off course once you will have a hold placed on your registration. You will need to meet with your advisor to have the hold removed. If you are “off course” for two consecutive terms you will be removed from the major.

There are no milestones that must be met for the summer semesters. Summer terms are not mapped and may be used by off course students to catch up on their milestones.

The academic map for the Information Technology major may be found in the at Academic Program Guide

Note for Transfer Students: Transfer students with an AA degree from a Florida community college are expected to enter the University on Term 5 of the Map. In order to be eligible for admission to the major, transfer students must have completed all mapping milestones through Term 4 at the time they transfer

How is IT different from MIS or Computer Science?

Careers in computing and technology-related professions are among the fastest growing and most rewarding and address a wide variety of issues of increasing importance in today’s society. FSU enables students to take advantage of career opportunities in computing related fields with several programs including Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology and Management Information Systems. These programs have some similar characteristics but have different goals, prerequisites and graduation requirements.

Computer Engineering within the College of Engineering:

  • Studies the hardware devices and software components used in the design of electronic, information processing systems.
  • Prepares students for advanced graduate-level training or a professional career in or built upon a variety of computer engineering application areas including digital systems, digital signal processing, computer networks, and VLSI design.

Computer Science and Software Engineering within the College of Arts and Sciences:

  • Is the scientific and mathematical study of computing and computer systems
  • Prepares graduates to work in a wide range of computer-related careers and for graduate study in computer science

Information and Management Science within the College of Business:

  • Is a business degree. Courses cover basic business processes and functions (e.g., finance, accounting, marketing); introductions to several programming languages; tools for the design and analysis of systems databases, information systems, and communication systems; and experience in using these tools to create business systems

Information Technology within the School of Information:

  • Is a professional degree that prepares graduates to apply information technology, manage information, communicate effectively, and work productively with people
  • Prepares individuals to work with individuals and organizations to determine their information needs and design, create, and manage information systems that meet those needs

To see complete course listings and to learn more about these exciting programs please refer to the online undergraduate bulletin and the program web sites or talk to your advisor.

What types of organizations would hire an IT graduate?

IT professionals are found in almost every organization, from large to small, in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Potential employers include IT Businesses, Business and Professional Associations, Public Relations Firms, Communication Firms, Research Organizations, Universities and Colleges, Consulting Firms, Information Industry (Publishers and other media outlets), Planning Agencies, and Government Agencies.

What is the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree?

The B.S. in Information Technology provides graduates with expertise in the foundational information technologies; the ability to identify the user’s (whether individual or organizational) requirements for information technology; the ability to identify current and emerging technologies and how they may be applied in a variety of situations; the ability to work in project teams in order to implement IT solutions; and be well-versed in project management methods for complex environments. Through the curriculum, you will develop information fluency, independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills and learn to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and colleagues.

What are the career opportunities for graduates with an undergraduate degree in IT?

The B.S. in IT degree prepares you for a career as an IT professional. The demand for IT professionals is already great and continues to grow. Specifically, the B.S. in IT program offered by the School of Information draws on the service tradition of the field of information studies to train IT professionals who can make a difference in their organizations, by focusing on the development of user-centered information technologies. By focusing on the needs of the user and ensuring that the technologies that they develop meet those needs, IT professionals are best able to serve their organization and reinforce the importance of their contributions. Specific career opportunities include: information architect, network administrator, technical editor/writer, usability analyst, content manager, systems analyst, technology coordinator, and web developer/administrator.