About The iTAC Division

Overview

Programs in the iTAC Division have been developed for those students wishing to work in informational technology fields, in computer and network security, and in the many creative design and communication industries that are emerging as digital technologies expand. Design-related careers include, among others, the fields of Multimedia Design, TV and Video Production, Print and Broadcast Journalism, and Photography and Graphic Design. The use of Information Systems and Technology in business and industry continues to increase steadily, as does the number of employees, administrators, and staff who are routinely exposed to computers and associated devices. The increased presence - throughout all of the nation’s enterprise - of computers and related technologies has, therefore, created educational and employment opportunities unknown a scant few years ago. Information-related careers include the fields of Information Technology, Project Leader/Manager, Web Application Developer, Systems Analyst, Database Specialist, E-commerce Analyst, Network Specialist, Security Technician, Security Analyst, and Information Assurance and Computer Forensics Specialist, among many others. Recent Department of Labor surveys have universally supported the notion that the nation’s demand for IT professionals outweighs supply across all industry segments. Wilmington University’s Division of Information Technology and Advanced Communications programs involve courses that are taught, using an appropriate balance of theory and practice, in state-of-the-art computer labs and extensively equipped studios.

Philosophy

The mission of the Information Technology and Advanced Communications Division is to explore the conceptual and practical aspects of information technologies and to address problems of design in media communications from a creative, technical, and managerial perspective such that students will become competent practitioners, able in the use of technology and capable of assuming a leadership role in its stewardship and implementation. Toward those ends, the faculty is committed to providing an academically challenging, aesthetically pleasing environment that will foster the development of creative and innovative projects to meet the challenges of a constantly changing profession.

Students in the Computer and Network Security Program (BS) will be able to:

• Apply the ethical principles required of computer professionals:
• Demonstrate technical knowledge in Information Assurance necessary to prepare for an entry level position in the Computer and Network Security field;
• Analyze requirements for Information Security projects using best practices and current methodologies;
• Deploy the process used to analyze, design, Implement, test and deliver Information Assurance projects;
• Demonstrate knowledge of best practices used to manage Computer and Network Security projects; and
• Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid.

Students in the Information Resource Management Program (BS) will be able to:

• Apply the ethical principles required of computer professionals;
• Demonstrate technical knowledge in Information Technology necessary to prepare for an entry level position in the field;
• Analyze requirements for Information Technology projects using the best practices and current methodologies (systems analysis);
• Employ the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process used to analyze, design, implement, test and deliver Information Technology projects;
• Demonstrate knowledge of best practices used to manage Information Technology projects; and
• Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription to services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid.

Students in the Media Design Program (BS) will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetics of design and its importance In the world of communications and technology;
• Practice professional and ethical behavior;
• Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid;
• Demonstrate personal skills in self-management and problem solving;
• Participate in on-the-job preparation for a professional position in his/her chosen field; and
• Provide a portfolio of work that illustrates his/her skills and potential.

Students in the Studio Production Program (BS) will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetics of design and its importance in the world of communications and technology.
• Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid.
• Practice professional and ethical behavior
• Demonstrate personal skills in self-management and problem solving; and
• Participate in on-the-job preparation for a professional position in his/her chosen career field.

Students in the Web Information Systems Program (BS) will be able to:

• Apply the ethical principles required of computer professionals;
• Demonstrate knowledge in technologies of the web necessary to prepare for an entry level position in the field (intermediate & advance web applications development.)
• Analyze requirements for web applications using best practices and current methodologies;
• Prace the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process used to analyze, design, implement, test and deliver web applications (senior project or internship);
• Demonstrate knowledge of best practices used to manage software develop projects for the web (software project management); and
• Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, Including subscription to services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid.

General Purpose

The Division of Information Technology and Advanced Communications (iTAC) programs are designed to address a wide range of career needs surrounding the informational technology fields in general, and in the media arts and design industries. The diversity of activities and occupations within these professions has little tradition of formal training, and the accelerated rate – and constancy – of change has been nothing short of phenomenal, challenging the emerging academic disciplines in many ways other than sheer pace. The interrelationships of the various parts of the professions, the traditions of the different media, and the power and influence of their professional bodies make it a difficult professional and workaday world to understand. These difficulties are compounded by the new and rapidly changing technologies that are quickly being integrated into all areas. While there is inevitably some divergence in the advice that is received from established professionals in the fields, there is also considerable agreement. To establish oneself in this competitive world, the ability to “sell” oneself, to be adaptive and work well in teams, to demonstrate a creative flair, and to be visually aware and technically competent, are all important and allied attributes. The importance of these personal design and communication skills and of the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with emerging technologies and information resources is reflected in the various programs through emphasis on “core skills”, all of which are fully integrated into the practical, hands-on assignments associated with iTAC.

The Program of Study

All Information Technology and Advanced Communications programs observe a rigorous academic regimen involving core areas of study. The Information Resource Management (IRM) degree closely follows the guidelines as created by a joint effort between ACM (Association of Computing Machinery), AIS (Association of Information Systems), and AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals). It includes a Business and Management Core of 24 credit hours, 6 credit hours of Technical Support, and a General Studies core of 39 credit hours to provide a well-rounded academic program. The IRM degree consists of 33 core credit hours in the management of technology plus 18 credit hours of free electives, while the Web Information Systems degree consists of 39 core credit hours and 12 credit hours of free electives.

The Computer and Network Security degree concentrates on 45 core credits focusing on security and information assurance, buttressed by a support core of 21 credits including 9 credit hours of related electives. Coupled with 39 credits of General Studies and 15 credits of free electives, students have the ability to tailor the degree toward specific career interests within the profession.

The design-oriented programs of study use the Associate of Media Art and Design degree as their core for the freshman and sophomore years. The associate degree is comprised of a General Studies core of eleven courses (33 credit hours) and a Media Design and Technology core of nine courses (27 credit hours).

Each four-year degree program involving a design-emphasis continues with two more General Studies courses (6 credit hours) plus a design core and specialized career tracks. The Media Design degree includes a Media Design core of 10 courses (30 credit hours) and offers career tracks in Multimedia, Photography and Print consisting of 17 courses ( 51 credit hours). The Studio Production degree involves a Studio Production core of 16 courses (45 credit hours) and a choice of career tracks in Digital Film-Making, or Television and Journalism each consisting of 12 courses (36 credit hours).

The General Studies core provides a foundation in English, the fine arts, and the social sciences. The Media Design and Studio Production cores explore those areas of technology and design that integrate within the media communications field. Finally, the career tracks provide a focused concentration in the student’s major field of study.