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.
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[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
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Web design and development
-
Information assurance and cybersecurity
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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)
SC&I interdisciplinary requirement (3 credits):
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)
Elective courses
(21 credits):
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.