Prospective students often ask, What is Information Technology?  At NJIT, IT is the convergence of telecommunications and computing.  In fact, it is the applied computing degree at NJIT.  The discipline addresses the integration, design, deployment and management of computing and telecommunication resources and services, as well as the development of technology infrastructures in organizations. The field of information technology is interdisciplinary, with applications to all aspects of the economy. Information technologists solve complex hardware and software problems requiring fundamental knowledge and competencies with the processes of needs assessment, technology transfer, and user support.

Students choosing to major in information technology are those who are interested in applying computing and telecommunication tools to a specific domain. NJIT has developed the BSIT program with an array of concentrations that prepare students to enter the information economy. The program requires completion of a common IT core, concentration courses, electives, and a capstone project. Each program concentration requires students to understand hardware and software, but the area of emphasis depends upon the student's individual interests.

Why another computing-related program at NJIT, you might ask.  While this program focuses primarily on the applications and hands-on aspects of computing and information technology, other programs focus on the theory of computer performance, evaluation of systems, underlying hardware architecture or a specific focus to an area of application such as business.  The IT program, on the other hand, provides a balanced approach to software and hardware applications, supported with an array of concentrations in many fields.

The four years of the IT program have been carefully structured to meet the following goals:

• Year 1: breadth and depth of information technology;
• Year 2: tools and applications of information technology;
• Year 3: software and hardware infrastructure of information technology; and
• Year 4: management and synthesis of information technology.

Your choice of concentration will provide a coherent set of courses, focusing on an application area of Information Technology relevant to you.  The capstone project is a culminating experience that integrates the student’s IT and concentration expertise that may be implemented in collaboration with NJIT industrial partners.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

James McHugh
Information Technology Program Director