Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Computing, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Information Technology

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions (UWO#2) 
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline (UWO#2) 
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts (UWO#1) 
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles (UWO#8, 10) 
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline (UWO#1) 

Related Links

Computing - Information Technology, BS Flowchart

Computing - Information Technology, BS Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42-43
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements54
Electives23-24

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
Select one of the following:3-4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Elementary Statistics I
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15-16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours42-43
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Core Courses
CPSC 130Introduction to Computing and Programming 13
CPSC 146Programming Principles 13
CPSC 207Shell Commands and Scripting 13
CPSC 300Challenges of Computer Technology 13
CPSC 311Discrete Computational Structures 13
CPSC 323Fundamentals of Database Systems 13
CPSC 423Computer Networks 13
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I 13
Subtotal24
Information Technology Core Courses
CPSC 217Advanced Web Programming 13
CPSC 237Mobile App Development for Smart Devices 13
CPSC 315Internet of Things (IoT) 13
CPSC 317Server-Side Scripting 13
CPSC 327Administration and Security 13
CPSC 427IT Capstone Project 13
Subtotal18
Information Technology Electives
Select two courses in sequence from one of the following areas:6
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity in the Era of Evolving Technology 1
Practical Computer Security 1
Management
Organizational Behavior 1
Any MGMT course 300 level or above 1
Information Technology Electives
Select two additional courses from the following (one must be 300 level or above):6
3D Modeling for Computing 1
Selected Computer Languages 1
Advanced Programming Principles 1
Practical Computer Security 1
Introduction to Computer Forensics 1
Data Mining and Data Analysis 1
Data Visualization 1
Advanced Web Technologies 1
Internship 1
Risk Assessment and Fraud Prevention 1
Subtotal12
Total Hours54
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes (Learning Community, Capstone Course, Semester Projects)
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Service Learning Courses
  4. Internships
  5. Volunteering (Summer Day Camps, Semester Workshops for K-12 students, Robot demos for visitors/local school districts)
  6. Industry Awareness Night

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

COMPUTING - BS (6420)
Concentration in Information Technology (643C)
This program is effective as of Summer 2024
Revised 01.02.2024
UCC 11.28.2023

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
CPSC 130 Introduction to Computing and Programming 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
MATH 120
Intermediate Algebra
or Science of Life
3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours16
Spring
CPSC 146 Programming Principles 3
Select one of the following: 3-4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Elementary Statistics I
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Social Science Inquiry 3
 Hours15-16
Second Year
Fall
CPSC 207 Shell Commands and Scripting 3
CPSC 217 Advanced Web Programming 3
STAT 152 Elementary Statistics I 3
SCI 101 Science of Life (or IT Elective) 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 323 Fundamentals of Database Systems 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
CPSC 300 Challenges of Computer Technology 3
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
CPSC 237 Mobile App Development for Smart Devices 3
CPSC 311 Discrete Computational Structures 3
CPSC 317 Server-Side Scripting 3
Select one of the following: 3
Cybersecurity in the Era of Evolving Technology
MGMT3xx/4xx
Management Elective
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 315 Internet of Things (IoT) 3
CPSC 327 Administration and Security 3
Select one of the following: 3
Practical Computer Security
Organizational Behavior
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
CPSC 423 Computer Networks 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 427 IT Capstone Project 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 3
IT Elective or Free Elective 4
 Hours13
 Total Hours**119-120
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

**

Jr. or Sr. Computing major with 3.0 GPA. Application required

IT Elective Courses

CPSC 1253D Modeling for Computing3
CPSC 236Selected Computer Languages3
CPSC 246Advanced Programming Principles3
CPSC 301Practical Computer Security3
CPSC 333Introduction to Computer Forensics3
CPSC 405Data Mining and Data Analysis3
CPSC 406Data Visualization3
CPSC 417Advanced Web Technologies3
CPSC 450Internship3
CSS 354Risk Assessment and Fraud Prevention3

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 6420
Concentration Code: 643C
Revised Date: 04.29.2022