Information Technology Infrastructure

Program Description

The Major.  The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) degree with a major in Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI) responds to industry demand for information technology professionals who can fully meet the challenges and shifting priorities of a rapidly changing global business environment. Its learning outcomes are a unique balance between technical and theoretical competencies, and the ability to improve business processes as well as design, construct, and manage technology operations to serve business needs. 

This interdisciplinary program combines courses in systems and network infrastructure, data management, and regulation, with courses in finance, organizational and quality management, and leadership skills such as communication. The curriculum is sufficiently flexible to allow concentration in either network/systems administration or data management. The program is designed in partnership with University of Minnesota faculty and industry professionals. ITI practitioner faculty offer perspectives and insights based on extensive industry experience.   

The Certificate.   Career professionals may enhance their qualifications with one of three emphasis areas (network, data, or systems) in the 20-21 credit Information Technology Infrastructure Certificate.  

Courses.   Individual classes from the ITI curriculum offer in-depth knowledge in focused areas for students interested in professional development or exploration of career possibilities.

 

Student Benefits

Information technology has been identified as the fastest growing sector in the economy, and employment opportunities are expected to continue to be good. The knowledge and perspectives provided by ITI coursework enable students to advance to many higher-level technical, supervisory, and leadership positions, and in fact provide a significant workplace advantage, because these abilities translate into considerable added value for the broad array of businesses requiring networking, systems and data management professionals.

To meet their goals, students consult with an adviser to select the right course of study: the B.A.Sc., which is a nationally recognized baccalaureate degree; the minor; the certificate; or one or more targeted courses.


A course. A concentration. Or a degree.

It is important to consult with an adviser
to discuss your options: 612-624-4000,
1-888-330-8636, or cceinfo@umn.edu

Emphasis Areas

Network and Systems Administration
A Career in IT Infrastructure
Role
Systems administrators “provide the computing platforms, storage volumes, standard tools, and support services so that other units in an organization can deliver effective computer-based information services.”1 “Network administrators are basically the network equivalent of systems administrators: they maintain the hardware and software that comprises the network.”2
Responsibilities
• Design architecture for server and storage farms and networks
• Design and execute IT security/recovery plans
• Configure hardware and software
• Monitor and manage performance
• Forecast capacity needs and prepare budgets
• Provide second-level technical support
Opportunities
• Join one of the fastest growing professions in the global enterprise3
• Median base salaries from $59,0004
• Manage the complex technology systems underlying today's innovation economy5
The Essential Network/Systems Administration Courses in ITI
C
O
R
E		 INet 4021 Network Programming INet 4032
Storage
Design & Administration		 INet 4041 Emerging Network Technologies C
O
R
E
FOUNDATION
INet 4031 Systems Administration
INet 4011 Network Administration

*     *     *

Data Management
A Career in IT Infrastructure
Role
Data management is “the development and execution of architectures, policies, practices, and procedures that properly manage the full data lifecycle needs of an enterprise.” 6
Responsibilities 7
• Develop data models
• Design and implement databases and data warehouses
• Manage data resources to meet strategic and management needs
• Ensure accuracy, reliability, security, and accessibility of data resources
Opportunities
• Join one of today's fastest growing professions 3
• Manage one of the most valuable resources of this century: data
• Median combined salary and bonuses from $78,000 in 2006 4
The Essential Data Management Courses in ITI
C
O
R
E		 INet 4707 Practice of Database Systems INet 4131 Advanced Database Design INet 4061 Introduction to Data Warehousing C
O
R
E
FOUNDATION
INet 4032 Storage Design & Administration
INet 4031 Systems Administration

NOTES

1Systems Administrator, Wikipedia

2Network Administrator, Wikipedia

3U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

4InformationWeek Research, National IT Salary Study 2006

5The Institute for Global Futures. The Top Ten Trends of the Extreme Future

6Data Management Association (DAMA)

7U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook