Why study Information Technology : Networking/Systems?

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program explores all aspects of computing technology. As an academic discipline, Information Technology focuses on meeting the needs of users within organizational and societal contexts through the selection, creation, application, integration and administration of computing technologies.

The BSIT program at the University of Cincinnati offers the following concentrations:

• Data Technologies
• Game Development and Simulation
• Networking and Systems Administration
• Software Application Development

Our students will have ample opportunity to apply their knowledge through the development and creation of an IT solution by their senior year and learn from current professionals through their co-op experiences.

What is Networking and Systems Administration?

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology offers a concentration in Networking and Systems Administration, which supports smooth operation, administration, integration, and security of computing resources. Computer networking involves designing, implementing, securing, and managing data pathways through configurations of routers, switches, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, wireless access points, and other network devices. Systems administration is the management of operating systems such as Windows and Linux servers; Windows, Mac OS, and Linux desktops; and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.

*This program is offered on campus and online. Please check the curriculum maps for when courses are offered. Speak to our Undergraduate Admissions Professional to explore which modality works best for you!

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed. 

Minoring in Information Technology : Networking/Systems

A minor in information technology (IT) provides solid knowledge and skills for students who are non-IT majors. The minor program requires the completion of 18 semester hours of IT courses that includes IT1050, Fundamentals of Information Technology. The remaining courses are to be selected by the student and approved by the academic advisor. This flexibility enables students to focus the minor in IT on their personal interests and career goals. All courses must be taken through the School of Information Technology in CECH.

Major Maps

Please see the appropriate BSIT curriculum page below and select the major map for Networking/Systems.

• On Campus
• Online

Advising

CECH Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-2336
cechssc@uc.edu

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree was the first BSIT program in Ohio and one of the first ten in the nation to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. The program is uniquely designed to provide hands-on experience in the core foundation of information technology. Almost all major courses are hands-on, requiring projects and lab experience. Students participate and complete a two-semester senior design experience, in which they develop a real-life IT solution and present it to the community in the annual IT Expo. 

In addition to the unique hands-on experience in the classroom, the IT program requires five semesters of cooperative education (co-op). Beginning their sophomore year, students alternate semesters of paid work in the IT industry with semesters of classroom instruction. The fulltime paid co-op working experience positions IT graduates to have over one year of work experience at the time of their graduation, making them highly competitive for career opportunities. The UC co-op program provides local, national and international placement opportunities. 

The IT program emphasizes problem solving, communication, hands-on skills, innovation and integration in which the technology serves the mission and interest of the users and the organization. 

Special Programs

Honors Program—The University of Cincinnati honors program offers small, interactive classes that allow students to receive personalized instruction and to learn more effectively. The honors program enriches the educational experience of top students through course work and out-of-class experiences. Special topics courses allow honors students to broaden their intellectual horizons regardless of the discipline in which they are majoring. Students may also earn honors credit through experiential learning. Incoming freshmen are eligible to be invited to participate.

Student Organizations—To develop professionally and showcase leadership talents, many professional and social organizations exist in the college. In the School of Information Technology, there are two organizations: the Information Technology Student Association (ITSA) and Women in Information Technology (WIT).

Study Abroad—Study-abroad opportunities exist through the UC International Programs office. Students can study anywhere in the world on any type of program as long as they work with UC International Programs, get approval from their academic adviser and bring back a transcript with passing grades from an accredited institution. There are four different types of study-abroad experiences: UC programs, exchange programs, program providers and direct enrollment.

Cooperative Education (co-op)—The five semesters full time paid co-op working experience provides students with unique technical and interpersonal skills that highly prepare them for career opportunities of their choice. Local, regional and international companies in all types of industries and all sizes participate in this program, offering IT students unique opportunities. The income received helps many students graduate debt-free. 

Information Technology Expo (IT Expo)—This annual community event is a unique tradition of the IT program at UC. Senior students present the IT solution they developed in their senior project to the community in an expo-like environment. Students learn how to communicate the complex technical solution and its impact and value to the public. Faculty, students, and invited guests also present research at the symposium. Projects are judged by local industry and each year, multiple awards are presented.  

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)

Please note: If a potential student is interested in this major and does not meet these minimum standards, they are strongly encouraged to meet with a CECH Academic Advisor to develop an academic plan and discuss a more holistic approach to the admission process.

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges of the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)

Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services at (513) 556-2336.

International Student Requirements

The information technology program welcomes international students. Admission requirements are the same as university admission requirements for international students and the equivalent of the freshmen and transfer requirements of the program.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and program requirements.
• Obtain the required university grade point average for the program.
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted graduation deadline for the semester

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Freshmen:

• Early Action Deadline: Dec 1*
• Rolling Deadline: Mar 1
• Confirmation Deadline: May 1

* Your application must be complete by this date in order to be considered for scholarships and the Honors Program.

Transfers:

• Application Deadline: July 1
• Confirmation Deadline: Aug. 1

Spring Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

• Application Deadline: Nov. 1
• Confirmation Deadline: Dec. 1

Summer Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

• Application Deadline: March 1
• Confirmation Deadline: April 1

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET.