Academic Programs

Whether you interested in TV, digital telecommunications, web or the behind-the-scenes efforts that make computers and networks run effectively, there is no doubt that the information highway is one of  the most important forces shaping today’s society. The Department of Informatics has a degree program that gives you the knowledge and skills you need to be on the cutting edge of rapidly advancing technologies.

The Department of Informatics offers several undergraduate degrees and a variety of minors and certificate programs, along with several graduate degree programs.  You can tailor your degree to your desired field by choosing from one of several of concentrations.

Information Systems Engineering 
Information Systems Engineering is a systematic and interdisciplinary means of approaching and exploiting information in and across physical, mathematical, business, social science, and information science disciplines.  It is the incorporation of complex information systems involving software, digital storage and retrieval, computer networks, Human Computer Interaction, Information Security/Information Assurance, digital design, and electronic media.

FHSU will begin accepting majors to this program in the fall 2012 semester. For information, contact the Department of Informatics at informatics@fhsu.edu.

Media Studies
Television anchors and radio broadcasters relay information to people all over the world. Media Studies majors develop valuable radio and television broadcasting skills and innovative production skills. Unlike similar programs, have the opportunity to begin studio work as a freshman, which helps you not only see if this career track is right for you, but it gives you highly desirable, practical experience. You also have unique opportunities in new media animation, including motion picture production. Students may choose an emphasis within this concentration, including:

Learn more about the B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications with a concentration in Media Studies.

Graduate students can obtain a Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Digital Cinema Studies or a Master of Science in Communication Studies with a concentration in Media Studies. To learn more, visit the Master of Liberal Studies or the Communication Studies Web site.

Computer Networking and Telecommunications
Interested in working with computers and networks? In this program, you will learn to engineer, design, support and regulate networking. Your course of study will be focusing on networks and related tools like switches, routers, servers, firewalls and intrusion detection devices. This concentration can include course work necessary to sit for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional, and Securing Cisco IOS Networks, among others.  Students may choose an emphasis within this concentration in their chosen area of expertise. Emphases include:

This program is available on campus or completely online. Learn more about the<B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications, concentration in Computer Networking and Telecommunications, including possible careers, program of study and student testimonials.

Graduate students can obtain a Master of Professional Studies in Computer Networking and Telecommunications.  To learn more, visit the Master of Professional Studies  Web site.

Information Assurance
Are you a problem solver?  The Information Assurance emphasis — a specialization you can pursue if you choose the Computer Networking and Telecommunications concentration — appeals to people who have vision to foresee challenges and who enjoy thinking strategically to address threats ahead of time. Students in this major will learn how to track computer crimes and prevent them from happening.

FHSU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, prestigious recognition reserved for a handful of institutions. Both undergraduate and graduate Information Assurance majors may note on their resumes that their education was obtained from a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, which sets the program apart from many in the country.

A variety of undergraduate and graduate degree options in Information Assurance are available, both on campus and completely online including a Master of Professional Studies in Information Assurance Management and a Master of Professional Studies in Cyber Security.  

Web Development 
Business, government, education, entertainment, and even organizations such as health care providers are increasingly using the World Wide Web as a vital communication and transaction tool. Web Development majors have the opportunity to learn Web development, e-commerce, work-flow, and Web-based database development. Students may seek Web development, coding, database, video and animation, and/or artistic design skills. Students can also prepare for the Certified Web Design Apprentice (CWDSA) and Oracle Certified Associate certifications.

Students may choose an emphasis within this concentration in their chosen area of expertise. Emphases include:

You can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Web Development, on campus or completely online. Learn more about the B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications, concentration in Web Development, including possible careers, program of study and student testimonials.

Graduate students can obtain a Master of Professional Studies with an emphasis in Web Development.  To learn more, visit the Master of Professional Studies Web site.

Management Information Systems 
Students wishing to change the world through information technology should also consider the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems. This degree meshes computing and information technologies with business, focusing on technical, strategic and ethical leadership in a global, technologically based economy.  Choose an emphasis within this major in either Business Applications Development or Business Systems Analysis. 

This program is available on campus and completely online.  Learn more about the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems including career options, course requirements and student testimonials

Graduate students may pursue a Master of Liberal Studies in Management Information Systems or the Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems.  Both programs are available on campus as well as completely online.  Visit the MLS  program Web site or the MBA program Web site to learn more.

Certificate Programs
A certificate adds value to your degree program by building your knowledge and experience in a particular subject, which gives you an edge in the workplace or allowing you to explore your passion within the field. Choose from certificate programs in:

• Web Development
• e-Commerce Web Development
• Internetworking
• Information Networking for Criminal Justice
• Business Information Systems 
• Mobile Application Development

Learn more about these certificate programs available through the Department of Informatics, including course requirements.