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

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.

PLNU offers a convenient format tailored to accommodate your work and life commitments.

Connect to something bigger.

"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

Be the Bridge Between Technology and People

Gain 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

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 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

Computer Information Technology: Concentration in Cyber Security

Program learning outcomes are the same as those for the CIT degree, but specialized for a comprehensive training for a career in cyber security for those earning their A.S. in Cyber Security from MiraCosta College.

Program Prerequisites

Students need to have taken introductory courses in the following :

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

Required Courses

CIT 3011 - A+ Exam Prep *
CIT 3031 - Security+ Exam Prep *
CIT 3034 - Project Management
CIT 3054 - Database Design 
CIT 3064 - Web Design and Scripting
CIT 3074 - Cloud Computing
CIT 4014 - Web Programming
CIT 4024 - Visual Programming
CIT 4034 - Management of Information Systems 
CIT 4062 - Topics in Cyber Security
CIT 4081 - Information Technology Project 
BST 3004 (B, C, J, M, N) - Biblical Perspectives

*Students who already have this certification will be allowed to substitute an alternative one unit class:

CIT 1041 - Intermediate Excel
CIT 3021 - Network+ Exam Prep 
CIT 3031 - Security+ Exam Prep
CIT 3041 - Project+ Exam Prep
CIT 3081 - Cloud+ Exam Prep 
CIT 4071 - Information Technology Practicum 

Program Total Units: 37
 

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2021 – May 10, 2021
• Fall 2021 – September 6, 2021

Application Deadline(s):

• Summer 2021 – April 12, 2021
• Fall 2021 – August 9, 2021

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.

Each student in the computer information technology program is:

• Responsible for supplying their own laptop meeting the minimum hardware and software requirements (see below)

• Expected to have their laptop available at each class session unless instructed otherwise by the course instructor

• Expected to set up and maintain their laptop to be connected to the campus wireless network

The following are the minimum hardware/software requirements:

• Hardware:

  Laptop computer with the following hardware levels:

  • Wireless network adapter

  • Hard drive: 100 GB or more of free disk space

  • Memory: 8GB or more of RAM

  • LCD: 13-inch or greater

  • Processor: intel or AMD 4 core processor 2.0 GHz or greater with Virtualization Technology support

• Operating System:
  • Windows 7, Windows 10, Mac 10.8 (or later)
  • *Mac computers will need to also support Windows OS through VM software or Dual Boot configuration
• Software:
  • MS Office (2013 or later)
  • Current virus scanning software
  • Current OS security patches and fixes

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

These careers include:

• 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