If you plan on studying information technology, LDS Business College offers seven emphases and one certificate. Students can graduate in two years.
Emphases
- Software Development
Learn the ins and outs of software development, including Windows, mobile, and web development. Software quality assurance is a big part of the program.
- Database Administration
Database Administrators (DBAs) are critical to any organization, whether large or small. As the amount of data that companies collect and maintain continues to grow exponentially, the role of the DBA becomes critical to ensuring that data is accessible, confidential and secure. Graduates will be able to design, implement and maintain databases, applying knowledge of database management systems.
- Network Engineering
All organizations require a network infrastructure in order to conduct business. Successful graduates will install, configure, support and protect an organization’s infrastructure, whether it’s a local area network, wide area network or Cloud model. They will implement systems that will monitor the network’s viability and availability as well as ensure that the network infrastructure is safe from external attacks.
- Server Administration
A server administrator, or system administrator, works with a variety of back-office devices that are used for things such as hosting databases, hosting websites and other network services used by the organization. Network services must be maintained, updated and protected, and it is the Server Administrator who has the primary responsibility of maintaining a smooth operation.
- Business Intelligence
Business intelligence analysts use data to figure out market and business trends for companies to increase profits and efficiency. They may work directly for a company, or as a consultant. Business intelligence analysts gather this data through a number of ways. They mine a company’s computer data using software. They look at competitor data and industry trends to help develop a picture of where the company stands within the industry. Business intelligence analysts identify ways an organization can improve and reduce costs.
- Cyber Security
Most companies pay big money to ensure that their data and corporate secrets remain secret. In addition, governmental regulations are becoming more and more aggressive towards businesses that do not protect customer information, or medical organizations that do not protect customer health information from attack. This degree prepares students to enter the world of corporate espionage and data protection.
- Systems Analysis
Systems analysts are like software architects. They have to understand as much about the business processes of their company as they do about programming. The systems analyst has to understand programming concepts, but usually does not actually do the programming — similar to an architect in relationship to a general contractor.
Certificate
- Technical Support Engineer
This certificate is designed to help someone get into the IT industry as quickly as possible. It is available 100% online for those who need a little more flexibility in taking classes. Students can choose to take some of these classes in a traditional classroom setting, but they have the flexibility to choose what is best for their schedule.
This certificate also prepares the student to sit for several industry certification exams. The final exam for all of these courses is an industry certification exam, which means that, if the student scores high enough on the final exams, they could receive an industry certification for each course. This could provide up to 6 different industry certification that can be added to their resume.
Spencer DeGraw, the LDS Business College information technology program director said: “The students that really learn in the IT program are the ones that spend a lot of time on their laptop computer. They do their assignments but play with the work a bit more to understand better.”
Internships can be used as one of the IT program elective courses. LDSBC students are currently working for companies like UNISYS, Rio Tinto, EMC, CSS, DMBA, ICS and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others are managing the technology efforts for small to mid-sized businesses.