Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Technology Degree

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Overview

Gain Technical Experience With a BS in Applied Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology degree from Grand Canyon University teaches problem-solving skills through hands-on activities that provide industry-aligned technical experience. This program is designed to be adaptable, allowing you to customize your pathway to meet your interests and the demands of the industry. Throughout this program, you will take applied technology courses in computer networking, cybersecurity, database systems, business and project management, communication and information technology process management.

Male BS Applied Technology student working on projects
Why GCU

Prepare For a High-Tech Career at GCU

Engaging in extensive, project-based coursework, you will be taught to develop crucial skills needed in the industry. This program aligns with GCU’s Christian mission, aiming to graduate individuals committed to upholding ethical and moral principles within the field of technology by integrating the analysis of faith throughout your study.

Prepare for a Meaningful Career with GCU’s College of Engineering and Technology

Earn Your Applied Technology Degree

The BS in Applied Technology was created by the College of Engineering and Technology to strengthen students’ preparedness for information technology careers. In this program, you will examine the design, development, implementation and maintenance of relational database structures. In addition, you will be taught about the changing modes of communication and the advances in digital communications.

If you choose business-centric elective pathways, knowledgeable faculty will connect technology learners with the Colangelo College of Business to help customize your experience with more technical or business-focused classes. These courses emphasize professional ethics and marketing competencies in all projects. This degree can equip you with practical experience in developing and supporting a thesis or position in written, oral and visual presentations. Throughout the program, there is a focus on the interpersonal skills, communication strategies and other techniques required in diverse organizations.

Coursework

Applied Technology Course Topics

The coursework in this program incorporates software applications and process management competencies that can help prepare you to embrace innovations in technology.

Key topics in this program include:

Fundamental concepts of cybersecurity

The design and development of information systems

Development and maintenance of database structures

IT business case planning for business activities

Business communications strategies and change management

Professionalism in communications, workplace conduct and ethics

Students have 20+ credits to customize based on their interests

Female applied technology professional working on laptop

Tackle Practical Research and Design Projects

As a requirement of this program, you will complete a capstone project to demonstrate your readiness and understanding of information technology concepts. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Conduct practical applied research
  • Develop a research-informed project proposal
  • Work in teams to conduct a feasibility study while demonstrating solid teamwork skills
  • Demonstrate understanding of the protection of intellectual property
  • Develop a reasonable budget and schedule for project completion
Careers

Applied Technology Career Pathways

This degree is designed to help prepare you to face today’s growing global economy with the necessary interpersonal skills, process management skills and database management techniques.

After earning this STEM degree, you may be prepared for careers that support computer applications, systems and networks, such as:1

Computer and information systems manager

Computer systems analyst

Computer and information research scientist

Computer network architect

Database administrator

Database architect

Network and computer systems administrator

Software quality assurance analyst and tester

Web and digital interface designer

Computer occupations

$104,420

Median annual wage for occupations in computer and information technology as of May 20232

377,500

New jobs estimated to open for computer and information technology occupations from 2022 to 20323

Accreditation

Earn a BS Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University

At GCU, our online and on-campus communities are dedicated to our mission of graduating highly competent, capable and confident professionals ready to make positive contributions to their fields and communities. Our commitment to quality education is evidenced by our institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

FAQ

Technology Education Program FAQs

If you’re looking to start your career in IT, networking or engineering, GCU has prepared a list of frequently asked questions about our project-based bachelor’s in applied technology degree.

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Prepare for a High-Tech Career

Pursue your passion for technology and innovation with purpose.

Apply Now

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Computer and Information Technology Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 19, 2024.

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Computer and Information Technology Occupations, as of May 2023, retrieved on June 7, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information technology occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved on June 7, 2024.

4 Ground Facts. (2023, Dec. 2). What is Applied Technology? Retrieved June 7, 2024.

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