About Lipscomb
Computing Degrees at
Lipscomb University
As a student at
Before the question is answered it is appropriate to explain what the majors offered by the Computing and Information Technology department are. After reading the descriptions below the answer to the question should become evident.
We offer you three different Bachelor of Science degrees in computing, they are: Computer Science, Information Technology Applications and Web Applications Development. If you obtain one of these degrees it does not mean you will be stuck in a cubicle writing program code all day. It does mean that we will prepare you for a variety of career paths such as: Database Administrators, Information Technology Administrators, Network Analysts, Operations Managers, Software Engineers, Systems Analysts and Designers, Telecommunication Analysts, Web Server Administrators, Website Designers, Internet Consultants, Programmers and Web Applications Developers to name just a few. What this means is that you will become an integral part of the organization helping to analyze, design and integrate IT into the general operations of the business. It is exciting and dynamic not to mention rewarding.
Remember four things while reading. One: Information Technology (IT) leads the world in innovation. Two: Eight of the ten fastest growing careers in the
The Computer Science major, which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree, means you will be prepared to design and implement software programs into larger information systems. You will understand how the programs you design and write will be incorporated into the larger systems and you will be able to implement the integration of those systems. There is a strong emphasis on computer programming and mathematics. Also, understanding hardware design and how to make technical applications i.e. computers, cell phones, microwaves, cars, and just about everything else you can think of. Future uses of IT will be smart refrigerators, smart cars, smart homes and smart cards. Computer Science will be at the forefront of designing those items and how humans will interact with them. Not too far in the future will be personal robots (in addition to manufacturing robotics) which means you will learn Artificial Intelligence and how that discipline interacts with humans and robotics.
The Information Technology Applications major, which also is a Bachelor of Science degree, prepares you for careers in the world of information systems analysis and design. Information Systems are used in practically every organization in the world today. Every time you make a purchase at a retail outlet you are interacting with an information system. When the item you buy is scanned it triggers a myriad of actions. That item is taken out of an inventory system, the cost of the item to the organization is matched to the selling price and profit (or loss) is figured. Reports are generated on which decisions on that item may be made, a reorder for that item may be triggered and even analysis of whether the company wants to continue selling that item may be made. Project management and how to integrate a project into the larger organization is emphasized. You will learn how to analyze, design and implement IT projects that consist of networks, databases (sometimes data warehouses), computer programs and all of the other components of information systems.
The entirely new Web Application Development major, also a Bachelor of Science degree, instructs the student how to design, implement and manage websites. You will learn how to use computer graphics to make web pages attractive and how to design a complex website. Inherent in Web Development is ecommerce and security of the websites. There are employers whose entire IT department is involved in Web Development. Organizations that do all or most of their business on the Internet need developers who can keep up with demand and consequently Web Application Developers are in very high demand.
The different disciplines share a base of courses through the first two years then courses become more specific to the major in the last two years.
Hopefully, the answer asked at the beginning of this has been answered. If it has not and you need to discuss your future in IT call me, Don Geddes, Ph.D., Chair Department of Computing and Information Technology at 615 966-6192 or email me at don.geddes@lipscomb.edu. I’d love to talk with you.
