You’re fascinated by the way multiple parts work together to make entire systems operate. You want to connect to something bigger.

You understand the need for technologies to integrate and the need for collaboration among the people operating them. It’s your desire to connect others to their work, combined with your desire to make information systems operate effectively, that pushes you toward a greater calling.

Completing your Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology from PLNU will give you the practical skills needed to provide businesses and individuals with IT solutions — making a more connected world possible.

Be the Bridge Between Technology and People

Gain a hands-on understanding of systems — technical and personal. Be equipped to use information technology to solve business problems. Enable communication between computer systems and lead collaboration among the people operating them.

Be Prepared for the Future

PLNU offers a convenient format tailored to accommodate your work and life commitments. Through courses on hardware, networking, security, programming, database design, and more, you will be prepared for the professional world. Build your resume by taking at least three IT certification tests before you graduate.

Build Relationships with Expert Faculty

Learn from seasoned professors who want to see you succeed — academically, professionally, and personally. Their knowledge and support will ensure you make the connections needed to align your work with your calling.

Certify your Specialized Career

In addition, PLNU’s computer information technology degree will ensure your professional readiness by preparing you for the following certifications:

CompTIA IT Fundamentals
This test certifies basic IT knowledge and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications, such as Security+ or Network+.

CompTIA A+
This certification validates knowledge of the hardware and software most commonly used in business and certifies the skills needed to support complex IT infrastructures.

CompTIA Project +
This test certifies the knowledge and skills involved in professional project management. It validates the ability to initiate, manage, and support project and business initiatives.

CompTIA Network +
This certification validates the knowledge and skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless devices.

CompTIA Security +
This certification covers the essential principles for network security and risk management — knowledge and skills needed to enter an IT security career.

Concentration in Cyber Security
This concentration is available for MiraCosta College and Grossmont College students looking to supplement their A.S. in Cyber Security with a specialized bachelor's degree. Prerequisite credit is required from the following introductory courses:

• A+ Preparation
• Networking
• Security
• Linux/Unix
• Windows
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Ethical Hacking or Penetration Testing

"The B.A. in Computer Information Technology blends traditional classroom instruction with practical technical training activities. The program focuses on the core IT subjects of hardware, networking, security, database technologies, web technologies, and programming, with an emphasis on preparing students for some of the most popular professional IT certifications in the industry."

Michael Leih, Ph.D.
Professor

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2023 - May 8, 2023
• Fall 2023 - August 28, 2023
• Spring 2024 - January 8, 2024

Start Application

The Selection Process

We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. That’s why we are committed to reviewing it thoroughly and giving it the individual care and attention it deserves. We believe you have more to offer than just a GPA, which is why there is no numeric formula that determines admission. Rather, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into the program. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you’re unsure of your qualifications.

To be admitted into PLNU's degree completion program, you must have completed at least 40 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.25 from an accredited institution as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each college or university attended.*

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admission.

2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.

   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

Start Application

NOTE: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, word processing, etc.).

*Prospective students who meet the other criteria but do not have the required semester hours for entrance or are lacking in the core requirements will be advised how to correct any deficiency. An enrollment counselor will assist these students with the development of a written pre-admission educational plan, which may include bridge courses taken at PLNU. Only courses from an accredited institution where at least a grade of a “C” has been earned will be accepted by transfer. Prospective students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can be considered for admission under exception. Contact your enrollment counselor for details.

**General Education deficiencies may be completed after admission, but at least 20 hours must be completed prior to starting the program cohort. Three hours of appropriate prior learning credit (see below) may be used to meet one of the General Education areas — with the exception of English composition and math.

***The PLNU General Education Learning Outcomes (GELOs) will be addressed and measured within the PLNU degree program to ensure the outcomes we value are demonstrated.

Program Prerequisites

Incoming students must have completed a computer concepts course or an introduction to computer technology course or have significant work experience in the field of computer technology to be admitted to the program. If you do not have any experience with IT or have not taken a basic IT class, the course CIT 153 IT Fundamentals must be taken in advance of your first CIT class. CIT 153 is offered each semester before the start of the next cohort, so a next semester start is still possible. Please contact an advisor for more information.

Students beginning the program Fall 2021 and onward will also be charged a $50 per course fee for books and certificates received in the program. 

The following are the minimum hardware/software requirements:

• Each student is responsible for supplying their own laptop meeting the minimum hardware and software requirements described below.
• Each student is expected to have their laptop available at each class session unless instructed otherwise by the course instructor.
• Each student is expected to set up and maintain their laptop to be connected to the campus wireless network.

Hardware:

• Laptop computer with the following hardware levels:
  • Processor: Intel i5, AMD 5, or Apple M1 with 4+ cores processor 2.0 GHz or greater (i7 or AMD 7 preferred).
  • LCD: 14 inch or greater
  • Memory: 8GB or more of RAM
  • Hard Drive: 250 GB or more of free disk space. Solid State Drive is highly recommended.  
  • Wireless network adapter
  • Webcam, speaker, microphone

Operating System:

• Windows 10 or greater with current service patches OR
• Mac 10.8 (or later) with the ability to run Windows 10 via a dual-boot or virtual machine.

Software:

• Required software supplied by student:
  • Current OS security patches and fixes
  • Current Malware Scanning Software
• MS Office (2019 or later) – available for free to students currently taking PLNU classes at https://www.office.com.  Sign in using your current PLNU userID and password.  

PLNU’s B.A. in Computer Information Technology will prepare you for a career that uses information systems in business, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector, as well as graduate-level study in fields related to information systems.

Possible Careers With a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Technology:

• Junior Technology Security Specialist
• Junior Network Administrator
• Junior Web Developer
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Junior Business Analyst
• Junior Software Application Developer
• IT Support Engineer
• Hardware and System Repair Engineer
• IT Solutions Specialist

Student Profile

PLNU Alum Sean Kennedy and the Road Less Traveled to a Bachelor’s

PLNU alum Sean Kennedy (21) shares his experience going back to school to earn his B.A. in Computer Information Technology in his 40s, showing us all it’s never too late — or too early — to achieve a dream.

Read More

What Can I Do With A Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology? 

Over the course of the last half-century, computers, the internet, and information systems have become essential to the function of society. A degree in computer information technology secures a path toward a multitude of careers and industries, places where problem-solving abilities and analytical skills are valued assets. 

The following are some of the most popular jobs for those with a Computer Information Technology, B.A.: 

Junior Web Developer
2020 Median annual salary $50,392
Junior web developers help with creating websites and updating existing web applications. They work under senior developers and assist with coding, testing, design adjustments, and client reviews. After working in the industry for several years, they may choose to seek senior developer positions.

What it takes to be a junior web developer: 

• Collaboration 
• Problem-solving
• Ability to learn
• Work ethic

Quality Assurance Analyst
2020 Median annual salary $110,140
A quality assurance analyst works to make sure an organization's software is working properly and tests programs that software developers build. Quality assurance analysts test software even before it’s released to the public. They work closely with development teams and other analysts to validate software updates and requirements.

What it takes to be a quality assurance analyst: 

• Communication 
• Creativity
• Programming skills
• Ability to prioritize

Junior Business Analyst
2020 Median annual salary $61,674
Junior business analysts work to assist senior analysts and other professional analysts. They gather, document, validate, and update system information and needs. Junior business analysts maintain and verify requirement baselines set by lead analysts.

What it takes to be a junior business analyst: 

• Organization
• Analytical and evaluative skills 
• Communication
• Ability to multitask
• Interpersonal skills

Using Your Computer Information Technology Degree: 

PLNU’s computer information technology program is designed to prepare you for career advancement, success, and fulfillment. Industries often rely on skilled professionals to manage a company's technological needs, making computer information technology graduates invaluable to countless employers.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

For information about the courses required for the Computer Information Technology, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Cyber Security Course Information