Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
INTRODUCTION
IT educators throughout the United States have paid attention to the IT industry. To
address the need for IT graduates with specialized skills, many of the leading universities have
created an IT program that allows the students to specialize or focus their studies. This
chapter will discuss some findings on the state of IT programs and their offerings and examine
in-depth one university's database specialization track.
BACKGROUND
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 2.9 million computer-related jobs in 2000, with
an expected 4.89 million computer jobs by the year 2010. Considering new jobs as well as
replacements, over 2.26 million additional people will be needed to fill these jobs (Hecker,
2001, p. 9).
WHERE ARE THE SPECIALIZED IT
PROGRAMS?
Starting with an attendance list from the Conference for IT Curriculum (CITC) II, we
explored the published curriculum from those institutes. In attendance at the conference were
IT educators from around the United States who had an interest in IT curriculum issues. An
IT curriculum is focused on the application of technologies to solve problems. To differen-
tiate, a traditional computer science curriculum is focused on algorithm design.
If we look at Table 1, we see that out of the 28 programs represented, 50% (14) had some
specialization available for students. Of the 14 programs that offered specializations, 45% (six)
of those offered at least a database specialization.
ANATOMY OF A DATABASE TRACK
With the Bureau's computer workforce projections, it is not surprising that computer-
related degree programs are in high demand. After many years of accepting all qualified
students who applied, our IT program has been forced in recent years to turn away some
highly qualified candidates, because our classes are full. In Fall 2001, there were 664 students
majoring in our program, whereas in earlier years, we had stabilized at around 400 students.
For many years, we have offered a general IT degree program that provides students
with a broad background in systems analysis and design, application development and
programming, computer networking, and database modeling and programming. Students had
a few computer electives that they could use to develop one or more areas of interest. The
curriculum was regularly evaluated and updated to respond to current industry needs and
trends.
As the program grew, so did interest in specializations within the department. In 1997,
our department created a Telecommunications and Networking specialization within the IT
degree. Students could choose between a general IT degree and the telecommunications
option. With the success of the telecommunications option, it was natural to expand the
specialization options into the remaining areas of faculty expertise — application develop-
