The information technology and informatics (ITI) major is a 39-credit program offered by the Department of Library and Information Science. This major emphasizes the evaluation, implementation, use, and management of information technologies for a wide range of organizations and corporations, as well as the social and organizational aspects of information and communication technologies. The major unites theories drawn from the humanities and social sciences with practical computer-based competencies. This combination prepares students to work in a diverse and highly competitive marketplace that demands individuals who understand the social, economic, and organizational impacts of technology locally and globally. The course of study combines rigorous thinking, problem-solving, and technology skills in a program that is based on sound research and current technology applications.

Upon successful completion of the major, students will be able to demonstrate these learning goals of the ITI program:

• [CREATE] Develop new technological solutions to real-world problems through innovative, collaborative, and computation approaches.

• [COMMUNICATE] Communicate to professional stakeholders utilizing evolving technological platforms.

• [CRITICAL THINKING] Analyze the ever-changing interactions of people and technology, regarding pertinent social, cultural, philosophical, ethical, legal, and economic issues.

•   [COORDINATE] Evaluate, implement, use, and manage information technologies for a wide range of organizations and corporations.

Career Opportunities

New Jersey's growth industries--technology, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and finance--are driven by innovative applications of information technology. Graduates of the major in information technology and informatics seek positions in sectors such as government, health care, education, consulting, and finance where technology skills and an understanding of organizational and social informatics make them valuable employees. Examples of where ITI graduates have launched their careers include:

• Information technology analysis
• IT consulting and project management
• Technology policy analysis
• User experience analysis and design
• Web design and development
• Information assurance and cybersecurity
• Networking and systems administration and support

Admission to the Major

Admission to the information technology and informatics major is highly competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Minimum requirements for admission include

• completion of at least 15 credits at Rutgers, or 15 transfer credits, with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better;
• a grade of C or better in the required prerequisite course 04:189:103 Information Technology and Informatics (or an equivalent transfer course);
• a grade of C or better in Expository Writing or an equivalent course or placement; and
• completion of the application including a personal statement.

The admissions committee considers the following criteria when reviewing student essays: (a) evidence of your interest in the major; (b) your future plans and their relationship to the major; (c) your strength as a writer; and (d) any other qualities that make you a strong candidate for admission to the ITI major. Applications are available on the school's website at: https://comminfo.rutgers.edu/admissions/undergraduate. Students may be admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters; check the website for the application deadlines each semester. Students are strongly encouraged to consult the school's website for up-to-date information regarding admissions procedures.

Major Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C or better in 04:547 courses in order for those courses to count toward the major.

Prerequisite survey course required before admission to the major (3 credits):

04:189:103 Introduction to Information Technology and Informatics (3)  

Either
04:189:101 Introduction to Communication and Information Processes (3)
or
04:189:102 Introduction to Media (3)

Core courses (12 credits):

04:547:200  Social Informatics (3)
04:547:201  Information Technology Fundamentals (3)
04:547:202  Object-Oriented Programming (3)
04:547:210  Management of Technological Organizations (3)

ITI students must select seven elective courses from the course listing for the ITI major.

Optional pathways:

Several optional areas of focus are available within the information technology and informatics program, including cybersecurity and information assurance, data management and information visualization, and web design. These guided pathways allow students to develop more in-depth knowledge and skills in focused areas.  Please check the website for current offerings and course options.

Internships and Other Educational Opportunities

The ITI program encourages students to complete a 3-credit internship, which includes both work experience and an academic component. The program offers an independent study option to students who want to investigate a particular topic more fully under the supervision of a faculty member. High achieving students who qualify may apply to participate in a senior thesis.  Students interested in the senior thesis must first take Application Research for Information Technology (04:547:300) and then conduct a research project, taking the Senior Thesis Course (04:547:465).

Course Transfers

A maximum of 6 transfer credits may be counted toward the information technology and informatics major. Only courses with a grade of C or better will be accepted for transfer.

Courses that students have taken at other New Jersey colleges, which are articulated through the NJ Transfer system and recorded on a student's transcript with an ITI course number, will be counted toward the major. However, such courses do count as transfer courses to the major and therefore a maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the major.

Students who wish to have a course they have taken elsewhere at Rutgers or externally at another university considered as one of their required or elective courses in the ITI major must submit a request for transfer equivalency in writing to the SC&I Office of Student Services. To submit such a request, the letter of petition must include a copy of the full syllabus of the course, a copy of the student's transcript showing the grade achieved, a note which ITI course it is requested to replace, and the reasons for consideration. The courses are evaluated in terms of their very close match of content and skills to the ITI course, the level of the course, and the grade achieved, which should typically be a B or better. Students will be notified in writing of the outcome of the petition.

Dual-Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program for ITI Majors

This degree pathway allows students to earn a bachelor's degree with an ITI major and a master of information (M.I.) degree in five years of continuous, full-time study, or longer if completed part-time. Students who have completed at least 90 credits in their undergraduate program can be considered for admission into the dual-degree pathway to the M.I. degree.

ITI majors who are admitted into the dual-degree pathway take two graduate courses in each of the fall and spring semesters of their senior year. Those courses are selected based on student goals and M.I. program requirements. These four courses (12 credits) count both as an undergraduate (ITI electives) and fulfill graduate (M.I.) requirements as long as the student earns a grade of B or better. Upon successful completion of coursework in the senior year, dual-degree students will graduate from the undergraduate program and transition into the graduate program as a M.I. student.

Details about the application process and degree requirements are on the school's website.