Academic Catalog

Informatics | Bachelor of Arts: Information Networking and Telecommunication

Program Summary

General Education34
Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement10
INT Core18
Concentration Core & Electives36
Open Electives 122
Total Hours120
1

Open electives are the credit hours required to reach a minimum of 120 total hours and 45 upper-level hours.  The number listed assumes all courses are completed at FHSU as listed.  This number may vary if students transfer courses, or have individual substitutions allowed.  Students should speak with their advisor if either situation applies to determine if the number will vary, and to ensure they enroll in a minimum of 45 upper-level hours.   

Students entering within 1 year of high school graduation will take UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar and may apply that hour in the open elective category.

 Program Requirements

General Education

All undergraduate degrees require completion of the Kansas Systemwide General Education

Courses identified with GE on this page may satisfy a general education requirement in addition to the identified degree requirement.  Students who apply a degree requirement to satisfy a general education requirement will typically add an equal number of hours to the the university elective category.  This flexibility may allow you to complete a minor or certificate within the 120 hour degree.  Transfer students and students majoring in programs with approved exceptions are especially encouraged to select these courses in completing General Education requirements to maximize the likelihood of completing the degree with 120 credit hours.  

General Education34-35

 BA Language Requirement

All FHSU students pursuing a BA degree are required to take two consecutive non-English language classes. Students taking beginning Spanish or French classes may be able to apply the first class to the Arts and Humanities area of the general education requirement.  

Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement10
INT Core
INF 250Introduction to Web Development3
INF 300Foundations of Informatics3
INF 405Research Methods in Informatics3
INF 430Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership3
INF 490Capstone Seminar in Informatics3
INF 610Public Policy, Law, Ethics in Telecommunications3
Total Hours18

Concentrations 

Computer Networking and Telecommunications (Online & On Campus)

Our Computer Networking and Telecommunications graduates are designing the communication networks of tomorrow. They go on to work in engineering, design, support, managerial, sales, consulting, and regulatory positions.

Computer Networking and Telecommunications - FHSU Informatics-HD from Tiger Media Network on Vimeo.

This concentration can include courses you need to sit for these certifications:

Our program provides extensive networking expertise and depth. We offer small class sizes and access to faculty. Our laboratory and computing environment is supported by leading companies such as Cisco and VMware. Regardless of where your skills are at when you enter, you'll leave with a competitive resume. Nearly 100 percent of our graduates are placed in their field of study.

The Computer Networking and Telecommunications concentration is offered both on campus and online. Some electives are offered only on campus or online.

Concentration Requirements: Computer Networking Technology
INF 291Internetworking I3
INF 292Internetworking II3
INF 360Programming with Python3
INF 393Internetworking III3
INF 671Linux in Networking3
INF 680Network Architecture and Data Communications I3
INF 681Network Architecture and Data Communications II3
Emphasis Electives
Select five of the following: 115
Computer Science I
Computer Science II
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Cartography: Theory and Applications
Intermediate Geographic Information Systems
Management Information Systems
Windows Server Administration
Programming with Python
Readings in Informatics
Problems in Informatics
Internship in Informatics
Big Data Analytics
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
Front End Web Development I
Database Design and Programming
Back-End Web Development I
Mobile Web Development
Law of Cyberspace
Global Telecommunications Policy
Modern Telephony
Wireless and Cellular Systems
Linux in Networking
Advanced Linux in Networking
Seminar in Informatics
Foundations of Information Systems Security
Fundamentals of Network Security
Network Security Firewalls
Advanced Routing
Advanced LAN Switching
Project/Program Management
Information Systems Design and Development
Total Hours36
1

Work with your advisor to choose five courses from the below list to meet your goals.

Cybersecurity (Online & On Campus)

The job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry are booming. According to CyberSeek.org, as of April 2022, there are 714,548 job openings across the United States. This Cybersecurity program allows students to focus on becoming Cybersecurity Analysts, gaining an understanding of how to analyze today’s cyber threats and how to react to them.

To accelerate your opportunities and further your career, pursue a Masters of Professional Studies: Cybersecurity through the Dept of Informatics.

Concentration Requirements: Cybersecurity
INF 291Internetworking I3
INF 292Internetworking II3
INF 322Topics in Informatics (Approved Topic)3
INF 360Programming with Python3
INF 671Linux in Networking3
INF 686Network Security Firewalls3
INF 302Windows Client Administration3
or INF 305 Windows Server Administration
Emphasis Electives
Select 15 credit hours from INF courses 115
Total Hours36
1

Work with your advisor to choose courses to meet your goals.

Digital Media Production and Journalism (On Campus only)

In the Digital Media Production and Journalism Concentration students develop converged media skills. Curriculum includes traditional broadcast, but also digital media production to reflect the needs of today's media job market. If you're interested in production, you'll have unique opportunities in animation and motion picture production and can begin studio work as a freshman.

Our students and alumni regularly win awards and recognition, including Academy Awards for Visual Effects, Emmys, and National Association of Broadcasters and Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards.

Our graduates work at NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, CNN, Fox affiliates, Honeywell, Steven Spielberg's Amblin Imaging, Eagle Communications, Cox Media and at the New York Film Institute. Some even own companies:

  • KUTT 99.5 Radio
  • 12 Inch Design
  • Triumphant Productions
  • First Son Productions

.

INT Core substitution allowed in this concentration
Public Policy, Law, Ethics in Telecommunications
Law and Ethics in Journalism and Media
Concentration Requirements: Digital Media Production and Journalism
INF 140Introduction to Electronic Media3
INF 240Digital News Reporting3
INF 346Beginning Video Production3
INF 348Beginning Audio Production3
INF 349Convergent Media Lab3
INF 349Convergent Media Lab (Take Twice)3
INF 603Big Data Analytics3
Emphasis Electives
Select 15 credit hours from the following:15
Visual and Creative Design
Topics in Writing
Sport Information Managememt
Topics in Informatics
Electronic Newsroom Operation
Media Performance
Sports Announcing
Internship in Informatics
News Editing
Feature Writing
Media Continuity Writing
Advanced Digital Journalism
Media Management and Sales
Advanced Video Production
Graphics and Effects for Video and Film
Computer Editing of Video
Intensive Video Production
Front End Web Development I
Law of Cyberspace
Seminar in Informatics
Project/Program Management
Introduction to Music Technology
Recording Practicum
Total Hours36
1

Work with your advisor to choose four courses from the below list to meet your goals.

Health Informatics (Online & On Campus)

The Health Informatics concentration is designed to give those already working in the healthcare industry, or hoping to work in healthcare the ability to understand the needs and demands of patient care and information security.

As the healthcare industry increasingly transitions to web-based interfaces, electronic storage and retrieval of patient information, and more sophisticated networks for medical information management, the demand for medical professionals with technology training and expertise is growing. In larger markets, technology professionals with training and expertise specific to medical industries, patient care practices, and information security have created niche demand that is not being met.

Hospitals, clinics, specialty practices, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries are aggressively recruiting this kind of professional, with a uniquely mixed background. These new positions now have some of the highest salaries in the IT field.

.

Concentration Requirements: Health Informatics
INF 291Internetworking I3
INF 292Internetworking II3
INF 393Internetworking III3
INF 652Database Design and Programming3
INF 685Fundamentals of Network Security3
NURS 440Informatics for the RN3
NURS 442Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare3
Emphasis Electives
Select five of the following: 115
Windows Client Administration
Management Information Systems
Windows Server Administration
Topics in Informatics
Electronic Game Theory and Practice
Programming with Python
Readings in Informatics
Problems in Informatics
Internship in Informatics
Front End Web Development I
Back-End Web Development I
Modern Telephony
Wireless and Cellular Systems
Seminar in Informatics
Foundations of Information Systems Security
Network Security Firewalls
Advanced Routing
Advanced LAN Switching
Total Hours36
1

Work with your advisor to choose five courses from the below list to meet your goals.

Information Systems (Online & On Campus)

With a concentration in Information Systems, you will develop knowledge about information systems and how they relate to other informatics areas. This degree prepares you for technology-track careers.

Built on the concept of media convergence, our program teaches digital media and journalism, computer networking, web and mobile application development, and cybersecurity. 

Our graduates work in business, government, education, entertainment, and health care organizations.

Concentration Requirements: Information Systems
INF 302Windows Client Administration3
INF 304Management Information Systems3
INF 305Windows Server Administration3
INF 330Business Intelligence3
INF 360Programming with Python3
INF 604Data Analytics I3
MIS 602Information Systems Design and Development3
Emphasis Electives
Select five of the following: 115
Computer Science I
Computer Science II
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Cartography: Theory and Applications
Intermediate Geographic Information Systems
Internetworking II
Internetworking III
Readings in Informatics
Problems in Informatics
Internship in Informatics
Big Data Analytics
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
Front End Web Development I
Database Design and Programming
Back-End Web Development I
Mobile Web Development
Law of Cyberspace
Global Telecommunications Policy
Modern Telephony
Wireless and Cellular Systems
Linux in Networking
Advanced Linux in Networking
Seminar in Informatics
Foundations of Information Systems Security
Fundamentals of Network Security
Advanced Routing
Advanced LAN Switching
Project/Program Management
Information Systems Design and Development
Total Hours36
1

Work with your advisor to choose five courses from the below list to meet your goals.

Web and Mobile Application Development (Online & On Campus)

With a concentration in Web Development, you'll have the opportunity to develop coding, design, and video and animation skills for the web and mobile devices. You'll also learn e-commerce, work-flow and Web-based database development.

Built on the concept of media convergence, our program teaches electronic media as well as Web tools, software, scripting languages and databases. We'll prepare you for the Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA) and Oracle Certified Associate certifications.

Our graduates work in business, government, education, entertainment, and health care organizations.

Concentration Requirements: Web and Mobile Application Development
INF 360Programming with Python3
INF 650Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction3
INF 651Front End Web Development I3
INF 652Database Design and Programming3
INF 653Back-End Web Development I3
INF 654Mobile Web Development3
INF 655Front-End Web Development II3
Emphasis Electives
Select at least 15 credit hours from INF courses 115
Total Hours36
1

Work with your advisor to choose five courses from the below list to meet your goals.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement
Two consecutive semesters of a non-English Language
All bachelor degrees require:
GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set)
A minimum of 30 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A
Successful completion of an upper division Writing and Information Literacy course (Most majors contain a course designated)
A minimum of 45 hours of recognized upper division credit
A minimum of 120 hours of recognized college credit

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
ENG 101 English Composition I (SGE010 - English Discipline Area) 3
COMM 100 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SGE020 - Communication Discipline Area) 3
INF 250 Introduction to Web Development 3
UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar 1
SGE030 - Math Statistics Discipline Area 3
Concentration Course 3
 Hours16
Spring
ENG 102 English Composition II (SGE010 - English Discipline Area) 3
INF 300 Foundations of Informatics 3
SGE040 - Natural Physical Science Discipline Area 4
SGE070 - Institutionally Designated Area: Personal and Professional Development 3
Concentration Course 3
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
SGE060 - Arts Humanities Discipline Area 3
SGE050 - Social Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area 3
SGE070 - Institutionally Designated Area: Critical Thinking 3
 Hours15
Spring
INF 430 Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership 3
Concentration Course 3
Directed Electives 3
SGE050 - Social Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area 3
SGE060 - Arts Humanities Discipline Area 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
INF 405 Research Methods in Informatics 3
Concentration Course 3
Directed Electives 3
Directed Electives 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
Spring
Concentration Course 3
Directed Electives 3
Directed Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
INF 610 Public Policy, Law, Ethics in Telecommunications 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Beginning Language Course 1 (Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement) 5
 Hours14
Spring
INF 490 Capstone Seminar in Informatics 3
Open Electives 3
Open Electives 3
Beginning Language Course 1 (Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement) 5
 Hours14
 Total Hours120

Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.

To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.

The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.