Information Technology Programs
Undergraduate degrees
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), the Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Cybersecurity, and the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) with a concentration in Applied Data Analytics are fully online programs offered by KU’s School of Professional Studies.
The IT and cybersecurity bachelor's degree options combine technical expertise with problem-solving and communication skills to plan, configure, implement, integrate, secure, and maintain computing and information technology solutions for an organization's computing infrastructure.
Information technology is distinctly different from computer science, which focuses on abstraction, algorithm development, scientific programming, and compilers.
The degree completion programs are designed for recent community college graduates and working professionals who seek to upgrade their technical knowledge. It also prepares students for graduate study in information technology.
A professional with an undergraduate degree in information technology might:
- Design and build data communication networks.
- Write and test code for applications and software programs.
- Provide support to users and organizations.
- Implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems.
The Bachelor of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in Applied Data Analytics is designed for transfer students and degree completers who are interested in jobs in data analytics. The program provides a strong foundation in professional management and data analytics, and prepares students to meet their career goals in this high demand field.
Today, businesses across every industry are collecting massive amounts of data to gain actionable, fact-based learning to make better decisions. Data analysts can help their organizations optimize processes, maximize profits, better understand their customers, and improve marketing.
Undergraduate minors
KU’s minors in IT and applied cybersecurity covers a variety of professional disciplines and allow students to tailor their degree completion program to their academic and career goals.
Graduate degree
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program provides the ultimate qualification for IT and computing professionals. KU’s IT master’s degree and certificate programs deepen graduates’ understanding of IT and computing technologies to advance their careers and include advanced management knowledge and skill development.
Students pursuing an MSIT degree or graduate certificate at KU learn to:
- Develop technical knowledge and managerial skills in IT.
- Support versatile thinking and confident leadership in IT.
- Understand the big picture and make strategic IT decisions that address technical and business demands.
Students also have the option to pursue a graduate certificate in cybersecurity or software engineering and management.
Graduate certificates
The Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Assurance (ISA) is a 12-credit graduate-level certificate designed to provide advanced knowledge of
- Information security concepts
- Governance
- Fundamental and emerging technologies in network security and computer systems security
- Proficiency in security policies, procedures, risk management, and audit
The purpose of this graduate certificate is to offer a practitioner-oriented credential in the information security area to students who are seeking an opportunity for more focused study.
The Software Engineering and Management certificate program is designed primarily for industry practitioners who are involved in software engineering who would like to enhance their formal education in software engineering and acquire the most modern development practices without completing a full master's degree.
The program is also for individuals who have formal education in computing and would like to acquire software engineering education to apply for software engineering positions.
The two graduate certificates offered at the KU Edwards Campus allow full-time professionals to focus their skillset and use their specialized knowledge to grow and advance in specific fields.
Program format
- Undergraduate: Online
- Graduate degree: Hybrid
- Graduate certificates: Hybrid
The information technology degrees and certificate programs are supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT).
Career Outlook
As information technology opportunities continue to expand, professionals are needed in nearly every business sector. Graduates may find careers as quality assurance analysts, testers, software data engineers, network engineers, management analysts, business system analysts, and system administrators. Positions with the fastest growth between 2021 and 2024 include:
Potential Careers
Database architect
Software developer
Computer and information research scientist
Computer and information system manager
Information security analyst
Technology leader
IT career snapshot
Snapshot of overall growth and job availability in information technology*
IT career data
Top employers include FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elevance Health, Deloitte, Citigroup, Amazon.
Top skills listed in job postings: management, communications, leadership, planning, and operations.
*Source: Lightcast. Data is not specific to KU programming or graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these roles or income.
