Information and Communication Technology - Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
(120 credits)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a distance education degree completion program. The program focuses on the knowledge and experience that is required to design, implement and manage a variety of information systems. The curriculum includes the study of:
- Networking and Network Security,
- Information Security,
- Application and Operating Systems Software,
- System Integration,
- Database Design and Management.
Graduates of the program can expect to enter the workforce with titles that include Systems or Network Administrator, Project Manager, Database Administrator, and Computer Support Specialist.
The ICT program is a distance education program and does not require any on-campus visits. Students who are successful in distance education programs typically are self-motivated, do not rely heavily on face-to-face instruction, work independently, and can remain on schedule. Students must have familiarity with and access to:
- a high-speed Internet connection,
- a sound card, 12G of RAM minimum,
- a microphone/Webcam,
- Microsoft Operating System 8.1 or newer and Office ®.
This program was not designed to be an engineering or engineering technology program, although there is a significant overlap with the engineering technology IET program offered by the department. Thus, the ICT program differs from all other baccalaureate programs offered by departments in the College of Engineering. The ICT program is accredited under NMSU's umbrella accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The program is designed to be a two-year degree completion educational path to a baccalaureate degree for graduates of computer and technology-related associate degree programs from community colleges or other two-year institutions. It is also a viable degree path for students who have completed the freshmen and sophomore years of computer or technology-related programs at four-year institutions including New Mexico State University.
Students must complete all university degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits to total at least 120 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework. The General Education requirements may be completed with transfer credits from any previous institutions.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education 1 | ||
| Area I: Communications | 10 | |
English Composition - Level 1 1 | ||
English Composition - Level 2 1 | ||
Oral Communications 1 | ||
| Area II: Mathematics 1 | 3 - 4 | |
| College Algebra (or equivalent via transfer credit) | 3 | |
| Area III: Laboratory Sciences 1 | 8 | |
Two Laboratory Science Electives - each must be 4 credits with a lab component | ||
| Area IV: Social and Behavioral Sciences 1 | 3 | |
| Area V: Humanities 1 | 3 | |
| Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts 1 | 3 | |
| General Education Elective 1 | 3-4 | |
| Viewing A Wider World 1 | 6 | |
| Departmental/College Requirements | ||
| OECS 185 | PC Maintenance and Repair I | 3 |
| or E T 160 | Windows Fundamentals for IET | |
| Choose one Structured Programming course from the following: | 3 | |
| Java Programming | 3 | |
| Computer Science I | 4 | |
| Software Technology I | 3 | |
| Software Technology I (Recommended) | 3 | |
| Java Programming I | 3 | |
| Program-Specific Requirements | ||
| ICT 320 | Introduction to Internet Protocols | 3 |
| ICT 339 | Introduction to Digital Forensics and Incident Response | 3 |
| ICT 360 | Operating Systems for ICT | 3 |
| ICT 362 | Software Technology II | 3 |
| ICT 364 | Windows Enterprise Administration | 3 |
| ICT 377 | Computer Networking I | 3 |
| ICT 435 | Senior Project | 3 |
| ICT 450 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| ICT 457 | Introduction to Information Security Technology | 3 |
| ICT 458 | Web Development and Database Applications | 3 |
| ICT 460 | Multimedia Tools and Support | 3 |
| ICT 462 | Linux System Administration | 3 |
| ICT 463 | Advanced Linux and Python Scripting | 3 |
| ICT 477 | Computer Networking II | 3 |
| Second Language: (not required) | ||
| Electives, to bring the total credits to 120 2 | 33-31 | |
Select 33 credits from typical content courses from an A S or AAS 2, 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Students may need to take any prerequisites needed to enter MATH 1220G College Algebra.
- 2
Transfer students are expected to have completed two years of college-level work that includes the General Education requirements for Areas I - VI. Viewing a Wider World courses will form part of the required 48 upper-level credit hours taken as part of the ICT program at NMSU.
- 3
Elective credit may vary based on prerequisites, dual credit, AP credit, double majors, and/or minor coursework. The amount indicated in the requirements list is the amount needed to bring the total to 120 credits and may appear in variable form based on the degree. However, students may end up needing to complete more or less on a case-by-case basis and students should discuss elective requirements with their advisor.
A Suggested Plan of Study for Students
This roadmap assumes student placement in MATH 1220G College Algebra. The contents and order of this roadmap may vary depending on initial student placement in mathematics and previous English coursework that was transferred in. It is only a suggested plan of study for students and is not intended as a contract. Course availability may vary from fall to spring semester and may be subject to modification or change.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer 30 Credits 3 | 30 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Transfer 33 Credits 3 | 33 | |
| Credits | 33 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Choose one Object-Oriented Programming course from the following: | 3 | |
| Java Programming | ||
| Computer Science I | ||
| Software Technology I | ||
| Software Technology I (Recommended) | ||
| Java Programming I | ||
| ICT 360 | Operating Systems for ICT | 3 |
| ICT 377 | Computer Networking I | 3 |
| OECS 185 or E T 160 | PC Maintenance and Repair I or Windows Fundamentals for IET | 3 |
| MATH 1220G | College Algebra (Area II) 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ICT 320 | Introduction to Internet Protocols | 3 |
| ICT 339 | Introduction to Digital Forensics and Incident Response | 3 |
| ICT 364 | Windows Enterprise Administration | 3 |
| ICT 477 | Computer Networking II | 3 |
| ICT 462 | Linux System Administration | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ICT 362 | Software Technology II | 3 |
| ICT 435 | Senior Project | 3 |
| ICT 450 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| ICT 458 | Web Development and Database Applications | 3 |
| Viewing a Wider World 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ICT 457 | Introduction to Information Security Technology | 3 |
| ICT 460 | Multimedia Tools and Support | 3 |
| ICT 463 | Advanced Linux and Python Scripting | 3 |
| Viewing a Wider World Course 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Students may need to take any prerequisites needed to enter MATH 1220G College Algebra.
- 2
Transfer students are expected to have completed two years of college-level work that includes the General Education requirements for Areas I - VI. Viewing a Wider World courses will form part of the required 48 upper-level credit hours taken as part of the ICT program at NMSU.
- 3
Elective credit may vary based on prerequisites, dual credit, AP credit, double majors, and/or minor coursework. The amount indicated in the requirements list is the amount needed to bring the total to 120 credits and may appear in variable form based on the degree. However, students may end up needing to complete more or less on a case-by-case basis and students should discuss elective requirements with their advisor.