Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and Information Technologies

This program is a Selective Program. Application requirements are included in the description below.

TSI Liable

A bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Technologies teaches students about important computer topics like programming, networks, and cybersecurity. This education prepares graduates for various jobs in the technology field, such as creating software, managing computer networks, or protecting digital information.

The program emphasizes developing professional skills in technical communication, ethics, and teamwork alongside technical knowledge. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in both private and public sectors or to continue their education in graduate programs.

Career Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states "computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently". 

Potential Job Titles

• Information Systems Director
• Computer Programmer
• Software Developer
• Security Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Systems and Networking Manager
• Application Analyst
• Web Developer
• Chief Information Security Officer

Bachelor of Applied Technology Requirements

Application Requirements

1. Demonstrate proficiency in state mandated general knowledge content through approved means; i.e., Texas Success Initiatives (TSI), with program specific exemptions accepted.
2. Applicants are eligible for admission if they meet one of the following criteria:
   1. An ACT Composite of 19 (minimum of 16 in all areas) or above (SAT 910 or above).
   2. Applicants with prior college level coursework must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or provide evidence of extenuating circumstances, to the Dean for Math, Science & Bachelor Programs, for waiving the requirement.
   3. Provisional Acceptance, for students scoring a minimum ACT Composite of 15 (SAT 740 or above) or minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 may be granted by the Dean for Math, Science & Bachelor Programs upon completion of a personal interview with the prospective applicant.

Degree Completion Requirements

Minimum Completion Requirements

• Complete the appropriate course of study for a Bachelor of Applied Technology program as specified in the College catalog. Developmental or other non-credit coursework does not apply toward graduation requirements.
• South Texas College will accept a maximum of 90 credit hours of applicable course work transferred from another accredited college or university toward a Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree granted by South Texas College.
• Completion of 30 credit hours in 3000 - 4000 level courses of which at least 24 credit hours must be completed at South Texas College.
• Maintain a minimum average of “C” (2.0 GPA).
• Pay all debts to the College prior to graduation.

Degree Components

Lower Division-Requirements

STC Core Curriculum (42 Credit Hours)

The student is required to take 42 credit hours from the STC Core Curriculum. Students must take MATH 1414 College Algebra to fulfill the Mathematics component of the Core Curriculum.

Students beginning the Bachelor of Applied Technology Program upper-level coursework upon completion of an approved Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree must complete an additional 27 general education credit hours in order to fulfill the forty-two (42) credit hour general education Core Curriculum required at South Texas College.

Students beginning the Bachelor of Applied Technology Program upper-level coursework after completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree will have fulfilled the Core Curriculum requirement for bachelor degree graduates.

Technical Support Areas (48 Credit Hours)

The student is required to complete 48 credit hours of technical specialty coursework from an approved Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree. The 48 credit hours must include the courses (18-20 credit hours) listed below. The approved A.A.S. degrees are as follows: Information Technology, Cybersecurity Specialist, Architectural and Engineering Design Technology, and Business Administration. Coursework from other A.A.S. degrees will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Note: Students entering the BAT program with a completed Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree may apply their field of study coursework toward the 48 credit hour technical specialty requirement.

Upper-Division Requirements

Prerequisites for Upper-Level Coursework

• Junior Standing
  • Completion of an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or completion of sixty (60) credit hours from a regionally accredited institution; or
  • Completion of an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Senior Standing
  • A minimum of ninety (90) credit hours from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 in previous coursework.

Required Computer & Information Technologies

Major Courses (30 Credit Hours)

1. Graduates will be able to develop server-side web-based applications for business organizations.

2. Graduates will be able to develop computer networks with an emphasis on the client/server model.

3. Graduates will perform ethical hacking and offensive strategies to learn how to secure a network properly.

4. Graduates will be able to design and utilize  relational databases.

5. Graduates will be able to develop applications in a general purpose object-oriented programming language.

Through the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and Information Technologies outcomes, the student will be able to:

• Develop web-based applications.
  • Design, develop, and secure dynamic and data-driven web applications utilizing server-side technologies and database management. CITP 4316
• Develop computer networks.
  • Install and troubleshoot Linux servers and manage Windows servers using system policies, profiles, security, and performance monitoring. CITP 3306
• Secure network infrastructures.
  • Identify, implement, and maintain network security, data defense, access control models, authentication, encryption, hashing, and proper security documentation. CITP 3312
  • Maintain database integrity through encryption, access control rules, migration, and backup/recovery procedures. CITP 3321
  • Differentiate and implement various security tools in the defense of a computer network and conduct penetration testing. CITP 4330
  • Select and apply reverse software engineering tools to system security, software design, malware analysis. CITP 3311
  • Analyze proper handling of digital evidence, cyber laws and regulations, and methods of detecting concealed digital information. CITP 4346
  • Monitor, audit, analyze, and revise computer and network security systems to ensure appropriate levels of protection are in place. CITP 4347
  • Develop a threat model, conduct a vulnerability analysis, and use penetration tools to exploit weaknesses in a computer system. CITP 4348
• Design and utilize databases.
  • Manipulate, define, and maintain the components of a relational database, such as records, table structures, schema objects, and security. CITP 3320
• Develop applications in modern programming languages.
  • Apply exploratory data analysis, fundamental machine learning models, and ethical considerations in artificial intelligence.  CITP 3304
  • Utilize system design tools, data storage, arithmetic expressions, modular programming, and object-oriented methodologies. CITP 3305
  • Utilize Python libraries, supervised machine learning algorithms, and object-oriented programming. CITP 3309
  • Utilize file input/output operations, control structures, and application development. CITP 3310
  • Create a working software product according to required specifications and design documentation and evaluate its intended functionality. CITP 4340
  • Create applications that incorporate graphical user interfaces, artificial intelligence, and other programming methodologies, such as modularity, encapsulation, information hiding, abstraction, and polymorphism.  CITP 4349
  • Create event-driven applications with graphical user interfaces, databases, and programming methodologies, such as modularity, encapsulation, information hiding, abstraction, and polymorphism. CITP 4350
  • Apply data science and machine learning techniques to analyze, classify, and detect cybersecurity threats. CITP 4331
  • Communicate technical information, apply skills in an internship, and participate in a team project. CITP 4301

TSI Liable

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Students entering the BAT program with a completed A.A. or A.S. degree may apply their Field of Study coursework towards this requirement. Any additional hours needed to complete the 48 credit hours of Technical Specialty coursework should be taken from one of the approved A.A.S. degrees in the following areas: Information Technology, Cybersecurity Specialist, Architectural and Engineering Design Technology, and Business Administration. Coursework from other A.A.S. degrees will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

TSI Liable

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Four Year Course Sequence