2025-2026

Information Technology, Bachelor of Science

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, offered by the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, provides opportunities for focused study in information technology and opens doors toward a more complex understanding of both the subject and current practice.

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • 88 units of major requirements which includes 12 units of pre-professional requirements.

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 121
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Purpose Statement

Computing is at the core of modern society's systems. These multifaceted hardware and software systems are prevalent in every aspect of modern life. In our private lives, these systems provide entertainment options, means to stay connected with others, access to healthcare and banking, and better transportation options. In business, they provide faster and multiple mediums for communication, improved decision-making, distribution, and management of resources, and better support for customers and business operations. These systems are complex, and the financial and reputational risks posed by their outages are substantial. At the same time, there is a shortage of workers with the skills needed to secure these systems.

The BS-IT degree provides exceptional career flexibility and a broad range of opportunities in information technology with an emphasis on databases, networking, system administration, web technologies, and programming. Coursework prepares students with the technical skills to analyze and understand the components of information technology systems, processes to implement them, and design computational systems for the collection and storage of data. The degree also incorporates IT project management, User Interface Design, and Cybersecurity to prepare students for best practices in the IT field. This degree also provides a solid foundation for further study in an MS or PhD program. 
 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program¿s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  • Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals.

Major Requirements

  • This major requires 88 units distributed as follows:

    • Pre-Professional Requirements: 12 units
    • Professional Requirements: 58 units
    • Upper-Division Electives: 18 units


    Take the following 88 units:

Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program

    • This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.

    • Students enrolled at the Online campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and start a Master of Science in Information Technology at NAU.

    • Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.

      Be sure to speak with the Master's Program Director/Coordinator regarding your interest in the accelerated plan.

    • Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:

    • Major Requirements

      This major requires 88 units distributed as follows:

      • Pre-Professional Requirements: 12 units
      • Professional Requirements: 58 units
      • Upper-Division Electives: 12 units
      • Graduate-Level ITC Coursework: 6 units


      Take the following 88 units:

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.