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Information Technology

Franklin University Information Technology degree banner Program OverviewProgram DetailsWhy Choose Franklin

Support business operations with technical know-how

Challenge with reward. That’s how information technology (IT) professionals describe their careers. From infrastructure to applications to security, IT is the technical cornerstone for business operations support. It’s also is one of the fastest-growing fields, with an anticipated growth rate of 26% through 2020.1

That’s why we built our Information Technology degree completion major to suit a broad range of career paths. Thanks to Franklin’s start-to-finish IT Program, graduates find employment in nearly every type of industry, from government to enterprise, to nonprofit to corporate, to business to healthcare.

Learn from working professionals through a best-in-class curriculum

Franklin’s Information Technology curriculum equips you with the mission-critical skills employers are looking for in the areas of network and systems administration, infrastructure management, information security, database administration, IT project management, and desktop support.

Our faculty employs industry standards such as Project Management Institute’s PMBOK Guide and Cisco Systems CCDA certification in their teaching, and our program is consistently evaluated by industry experts like Sean Amon, Associate Vice President for Network Engineering at Nationwide Insurance.

Become an IT champion with expert knowledge

Our online information technology curriculum will add depth to your existing IT knowledge and experience. You’ll learn how to administer Windows Server 2008, Unix, Linux, Oracle 10g, Firewalls, Cisco switches and routers, IP addressing, WAN, and Wireless LAN. You’ll be introduced to programming languages like Perl, Shell, and PowerShell. You’ll also be prepared to build, connect, and manage the systems and devices of major computing platforms.

And, just as important, Franklin will equip you to effectively communicate your work to business leadership, stakeholders, end users and others, preparing you to be an IT champion for everything from daily operational activities to new technologies.

Transfer previously earned credits in related courses

Franklin accepts many industry certifications in lieu of select coursework for transfer credit, including CCNA for networking, PMI for project management, RHCA/RHCE for Unix, and MSCA/MCSE for Windows.

You may also be eligible to transfer previously earned credits in courses related to databases, computer graphics, operating systems, networks, web design and implementation, multimedia technologies, programming, and other approved IT-related areas.

Or, if you don’t have previously earned credits or specialized certifications, credits earned in a Franklin associate degree program apply directly to this Bachelor of Science (BS) program.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online or pursue available coursework at one of our eleven Midwest locations. Regionally accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

1Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Gain The Skills Employers Desire

  • Network & Systems Administration
    • Monitor network and system efficiency, reliability, and security, including servers, laptops, desktops, printers, scanners, copiers, and software applications
    • Ensure availability and accessibility of network and systems resources for authorized personnel
    • Design high-availability application servers that provide fault tolerance and load balancing to ensure maximum uptime
    • Design and manage the LAN/WAN infrastructure, including switching, routing, virtual private networks, remote access, and firewalls
    • Install and configure kernel, file system, memory, and peripheral devices in a UNIX environments
    • Audit systems and software, reviewing performance, throughput, availability, and exceptional incidents
    • Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve network performance issues
    • Anticipate future network needs and identify proactive solutions
    • Analyze system logs and capacity data to identify potential issues
    • Oversee network user directory services, email account creation and deletion, security permissions, and daily backups
    • Analyze system hardware and software configuration, monitor usage and performance, and research and recommend information technology systems, software and equipment installations, and upgrades
  • Infrastructure Management
    • Construct and manage internal and external storage systems
    • Design data centers according to best practices in facilities set up, power and cooling, disaster recovery, servers, storage, VOIP, network operations, and virtualization
    • Define data growth factors based on a clear understanding of business needs, and implement matching storage infrastructures
    • Manage deployment, delivery, and support of infrastructures, including hardware, software, communications, and networks
    • Oversee infrastructure-related projects, such as hardware upgrades and network optimization
    • Maintain strict control of data storage activities and resources, including daily and system backups and recoverability
    • Work with key stakeholders to prioritize the selection of new hardware and software
    • Plan and implement new technologies, making modifications and deletions to existing data center environments
  • Information Security
    • Ensure software is designed and implemented according to best practice standards, avoiding security-related logic flaws and other adverse consequences
    • Research, analyze, and understand log sources of key devices, such as firewalls, routers, anti-virus products, and operating systems
    • Manage network monitoring tools to prevent the corruption of information systems
    • Understand how to apply threat modeling to identify relevant security threats
    • Ensure the effective use of application security controls using tools and techniques, such as source code analysis, vulnerability scanners, and manual testing
  • Database Administration
    • Administer, enhance, and maintain Oracle database systems
    • Oversee database activities, ensuring accuracy, availability, performance, and integrity
    • Implement backup procedures to protect data from unauthorized users and applications
    • Recommend and develop scalable database solutions in support of business objectives
    • Analyze business requests for data and data usage, researching best-in-class data feed sources
    • Resolve database performance and capacity problems, replication, and other distributed data issues
    • Manage data dictionaries, database structure and layout, and install, upgrade, and manage database applications
  • IT Project Management
    • Direct end-to-end information technology (IT) initiatives, including managing project scope, determining risk and dependencies, and allocating resources
    • Manage, plan, organize, and schedule protocols for multiphase IT projects
    • Oversee quality control through project lifecycle, ensuring that team members and partners meet project deadlines
    • Manage scope changes, resources, budget, timelines, risk, and mitigations
    • Communicate relevant project information and status updates to project team members and key stakeholders
    • Employ structured project management methodologies to accomplish specific project outcomes
  • Desktop Support
    • Ensure end-user software and applications run efficiently and meet business needs
    • Coordinate software and hardware installations and upgrades
    • Aid customers and staff members in resolving errors resulting from the use of applications
    • Perform root-cause analysis and document workstation problems, resolutions, and error trends to inform long-term solutions.
    • Monitor post-implementation performance of new installations
    • Ensure security compliance by obtaining and applying appropriate security patches
    • Manage crisis situations, which may involve troubleshooting complex technical hardware or software problems

Career Opportunities

  • Help Desk Technical Specialist

    Help Desk Technical Specialists provide technical support by troubleshooting software, hardware and system problems, answering end-user questions, and resolving problems.

    View Salary Trends
  • Information Technologist

    Information Technologists maintain network and communication systems to ensure availability, integrity, and security.

    View Salary Trends
  • IT Support Generalist

    IT Support Generalists provide frontline technical assistance by assisting end users in resolving desktop, printer, network, email, and operating systems issues.

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  • Network Administrator

    Network Administrators provide hardware and software technical leadership to ensure that networks function at optimal levels.

    View Salary Trends
  • Systems Administrator

    Systems Administrators plan for and oversee the installation, support, and maintenance of computer systems to ensure uptime, outage response, and issues resolution.

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  • Web Security Administrator

    Web Security Administrators oversee computer system protection plans and protocols, implementing policies and programs to ensure the integrity and security of systems and data.

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  • Database Administrator

    Database Administrators configure, store, and monitor information to ensure data security and accessibility.

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  • IT Project Manager

    IT Project Managers lead and manage a wide range of technology projects, including system installation and upgrades, security initiatives, and application development.

    View Salary Trends

Employment Outlook

From 2010-2020 jobs in Information Technology are expected to increase by 26%.

In 2010 there were 105,456 job openings related to Information Technology. That same year, 12,255 students completed programs in Information Technology.

In 2010 there were 105,456 job openings related to Information Technology. That same year, 12,255 students completed programs in Information Technology.
Occupations Job Openings (2010) Expected Growth
(2010-2020)
Computer and Information Research Scientists 1,539 18.3%
Computer Systems Analysts 29,290 20.5%
Software Developers, Applications 31,689 26.5%
Software Developers, Systems Software 23,753 32.7%

Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Our Recipe For Your Success

Academic & Industry Experts

Classes are taught and designed by credentialed professionals with real-world experience.
 

  • Programs are designed by combining the insight of industry leaders with the academic expertise of our faculty, ensuring what you learn translates into on-the-job success.

  • Academic concepts and theories are brought to life through our teaching faculty’s professional expertise, and can be immediately applied in your career.

  • Faculty with industry experience teach our courses, not graduate students or life-time academics, so you learn not only the theories behind the practice but also how to apply them in real-world situations.

Relevant & Consistent Curriculum

What you learn is a reflection of the program you choose, not the format in which it’s applied.
 

  • All programs are designed for learning outcomes to flow from the program level into actual coursework.

  • This top-down approach allows credentialed professionals to customize assignments based on trending industry topics without deviating from a program’s core outcomes.

  • Regardless of your professor or the format of your class, you receive the same quality education.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Franklin's coursework teaches not only theories and concepts, but also how they apply to practical situations.

 

  • Professional course designers ensure that class activities such as learning simulations, case studies, interactive videos, and group exercises are relevant and appropriate.

  • A curriculum development team is dedicated to making sure all courses are intuitively designed so content is taught in a logical manner that facilitates your success in the classroom and beyond.

Continuously Evolving Programs

Consistent program reviews ensure our programs stay at the forefront of industry trends.
 

  • Survey results and feedback from student and faculty assessments are reviewed regularly so that our programs are always improving and up-to-date.

  • A structured review process helps identify industry gaps that guide curriculum enhancements allowing our academic and industry experts to regularly implement new industry trends.

  • Regular assessment provides hard data that is used to improve student learning and teaching methods.

Get the details

Read course descriptions, learn about degree options, and meet program faculty.

View Program Details