Information technology newest major at UIU
FAYETTE, Iowa (October 10, 2007) – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the two fastest growing career fields today are in information technology (IT) and health care. Another survey indicates by the year 2010, ten million workers will be needed in IT-related industries. Upper Iowa University (UIU) is now prepared to address both needs.
Two years ago, on its Fayette campus, UIU started an RN-BSN program which has already expanded to the Des Moines Center. This fall, with the remodeling of the Edgar Fine Arts building, Upper Iowa added classroom and laboratory space for an information technology major.
To enhance this degree program, UIU went wireless, equipped the IT classrooms with laptop computers, employed a separate teaching network supported by multiple servers, networking routers, and switches capable of simulating and defending cyber security attacks and supporting various other administrative activities. UIU’s IT environment is supported by the latest proprietary and open source software suites.
Dr. Joseph Elarde, UIU’s new assistant professor of information technology, explains that information technology is about managing or supporting the computing infrastructure. “In today’s business environment, every person has a computer," he says. "Information technology is the hub for managing networks, e-Commerce websites, and cyber security, building and maintaining servers, database administration, and project management.” He adds, “And because IT is the hub, communication skills are just as important as the technical knowledge. It is imperative that the IT person be able to communicate respectfully with every person within that organization--from the president on down.”
Elarde says IT careers are very diverse and a degree in IT is for any student with a logical mind, an interest in computers and developing good people skills, and who does not want to sit at a desk all day. “We have designed our program at Upper Iowa to take our graduates from a degree to employment,” he says. “The curriculum is modeled to include work study and internships in order to bridge this gap.”
For more information on UIU’s IT degree program, feel free to contact Dr. Joseph Elarde direct at 800-553-4150 or elardej@uiu.edu.
For complete information about Upper Iowa University and its other degree programs, go to www.uiu.edu.