As an undergraduate majoring in Computer and Information Technology at Marshall University, you can choose to specialize in one of our areas of emphasis, which include Computer Application Development (Software Development or Instrumentation), Computer Forensics (Network Security and Administration or Computer and Multimedia Forensics/Investigations), Web Application Development (Web Programming or Database Administration), or Game Development (computer and console game development). For additional information on each of these areas, click here. Or, to view specific course requirements for all of the Computer and Information Technology areas of emphasis, click Here.

Potential Market
Students in Computer Information Technology will be prepared for careers in Industry, Government, and Education. The integrated nature of the educational experience means students are broadly educated and flexible in dealing with unforeseen problems that interrupt information flow. They are also effective communicators able to interact effectively with clients, coworkers and managers.

Where CIT Graduates are Employed

• US Dept. of Treasury - Bureau of Public Debt
• West Virginia State Auditor
• Marshall University
• Rahall Transportation Institute
• NiSource Inc. (formerly Columbia Gas)
• Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd.
• XBlock Systems, Huntington
• Terradon Communications Group
• Ashland Inc. Employees Credit Union
• McMillion Research
• Citizens Conservation Corps of WV
• DSD Laboratories - Center for Reengineering & Enabling Technology
• Strictly Business Computer Systems
• Several in Graduate School
  

Capstone Experience
All CIT students participate in a capstone experience which helps to provide real-world experience with IT problems. Students work toward solutions on projects that they and an advisor agree upon. Previous Capstone Project Examples:

• Virtual Student Advisory System for IST program
• Online Classifieds Service
• Content Management System
• Networking a School
• Establishing and Understanding Network Security
• Honors News Online: Database-driven News Site
• Multimedia Action Center
• Rampart++
• Amrtaka:  An Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem
• Creation and Rollout of an Online Game
• An Evaluation of Personal Firewalls
• Performance Tracker Amazon.com
• Autonomous Character in Video Games

Jobs, but for what pay? *Source-http://www.salary.com/, Nov. 2005
Below is a sample jobs available to CIT graduates:

• Telecommunications Analyst/Manager (average salary range - $29,000 - $50,000)
• Software Programmer (avg. $37,000 - $54,000)
• Software Tester (avg. $47,000 - $66,000)
• Software Engineer (avg. $45,000 - $90,000)
• Web-based Application Developer (avg. $54,000 - $85,000)
• Database Admin. (avg. $58,000 - $88,000)
• Network Administrator (avg. $35,000 - $57,000)
• Certified Network Engineer (avg. $48,000- $87,000)
• Computer Forensics Investigator/Analyst (avg. $60,000 - $100,000)
• GIS Analyst ($29,000 - $37,000)
• GIS Project Leader ($47,000 - $63,000)

Why Students have Chosen CIT and the IST Program

• “I chose the CIT program at Marshall because it seemed to be connected to its students and in-touch with current trends. The faculty is genuinely interested in developing not just productive students, but effective people. They are also focused on keeping the curriculum modern and relevant. The curriculum is well balanced – allowing for development within the many concentrations, creation of useful projects, and exploration beyond technical subjects. Completing the CIT program helped prepare me for life after college in ways I am still realizing. Since the program focuses on concepts, I have been able to apply what I learned to the various new technologies and projects I have encountered in my work as a web developer. I originally came to the CIT program to pursue the networking concentration and Cisco certification. However, exposure to programming and encouragement from the faculty caused me to switch my concentration. I found the problem-solving and quick rewards of programming to be very satisfying. The CIT faculty found many opportunities for students to develop useful projects, both volunteer and paid. These real world experiences along with the capstone project have been extremely valuable. I even found my web development job through a faculty reference.” Nicholas Slate, Terradon Communications Group, Class of 2005
  
• “The IST program is a great program that offers the skills required to enter the competitive job market.” Ryan Huddleston, Cross Lanes, WV
  
• “I felt this major would equip me to enter the workforce with the skills needed to be successful in an ever-changing environment.  It’s important to have a grasp of logic and fundamentals, but it is also good to have knowledge with specific technologies.  This major provides the best balance of both.” Brian Williams, Crown City, OH
  
• “The IST program at Marshall University was exactly what I was looking for - a tailored program that encourages you to truly integrate your skills to better develop your knowledge in both the science and technology fields. IST has great professors that are willing to work with you on a personal level, excellent facilities, and the flexibility of being able to take courses of interest opposed to having a strict curriculum - these are all traits that give this program its allure. I can honestly say that this program not only prepared me for my real world job, but it also provided me with the knowledge and experience to further my education in a Masters program. As a young student not knowing what I really wanted to focus on in college, this program gave me the opportunity to fully explore my options and also provided me with the guidance to follow through with those options. If you are looking to build upon your love for math and science along with computers and technology, I would highly recommend the Integrated Science and Technology program at Marshall University. ” Andrew Rieser, Fairmont, WV, Class of 2004
  
• “I can't imagine myself anywhere else than in ISAT. The program is the only one in the state that had everything I wanted to learn.” Ben Fonner, New Martinsville, WV
  
• “I pursued an IST major because I enjoy problem solving and like to understand how things work.” Adam Mottesheard, Poca, WV
  
• “I enjoy going to college here, and my particular department has some very good teachers.” Lindsay Dale, Proctorville, OH
  
• "I graduated from CIT in December 2005. My focus was Computer Networking, but because of this program, there was plenty of emphasis on Computer Programming as well. Since March of 2006 I have held the title of C++ Programming Specialist for a company called International Security Network, Inc. located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Had I not acquired the fundamental knowledge of C++ in college, my current job would be non-existing. I just owe a lot of thanks to this department for making me well-rounded in the technology field." Christopher Weaver, International Security Network, Inc.