Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology Degree
Gain Technical and Problem-Solving Experience With a BS in Applied Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) focuses on problem-solving skills by utilizing hands-on activities that uses technology to provide you with the technical experience required in the workplace. Throughout this program, you will take courses in computer networking, cybersecurity, database systems, business and project management, communication and information technology process management.
The curriculum for this program includes intensive, project-based courses that help you develop skills in project management and communication within the profession. This program aligns with GCU’s Christian mission, aiming to develop graduates committed to upholding ethical and moral principles within the field of technology.
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Skills You’ll Learn With a Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology
GCU’s BS in Applied Technology was created by the College of Engineering and Technology to strengthen students’ understanding of information technology. In this program, you will examine the design, development, implementation and maintenance of relational database structures. In addition, you can learn about the changing modes of communication and recognize the advances in digital communications.
The bachelor of applied technology 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 and communication strategies and techniques required for success in diverse organizations.
Tackle Practical Research and Design Projects in an Applied Technology Degree
As a graduate in this BS in applied technology program, you are required to complete an information technology project-based capstone project. To demonstrate readiness and understanding of computer and information technology, students develop a project proposal based on practical applied research, work in teams to conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property and develop teamwork budgeting and scheduling skills for completing the project.
What Will I Learn in a BS in Applied Technology Degree?
The goal of this applied technology degree at GCU is to build upon the student’s prior skills and experience while building a foundation that can prepare learners to pursue careers in business and technology. Professors at GCU take this degree a step further by connecting technology learners with the Colangelo College of Business to demonstrate ethics and marketing in all projects. The applied technology degree integrates the analysis of faith throughout your study.
In this program you will take courses that incorporate software applications and process management courses that can prepare you to embrace changes in technology, including:
- Fundamentals of cybersecurity
- Information systems design and development
- Introduction to database structures
- IT business case planning for global enterprise
- Managing business communications and change
- Professionalism in science and technology-communications, conduct and ethics
Career Opportunities for Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree Graduates
An applied technology degree can prepare you to face today’s growing global economy head-on with the necessary interpersonal skills, process management skills and database management techniques. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology degree, you may be prepared for careers in software and information technology, including:
- Information technology manager
- Information technology service administrator
- Computer technology service manager
- Computer technology service administrator
BS in Applied Technology Degree 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 applied technology degree.
1 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 Nov. 10, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Technology Occupations as of May 2022, retrieved on Nov. 10, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 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.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides an insight into professional communications and conduct associated with careers in science, engineering and technology. Students learn about the changing modes of communication in these disciplines recognizing the advances in digital communications. They gain practical experience developing and supporting a thesis or position through written, oral, and visual presentations prepared and delivered individually and in groups. Students will explore concepts and issues in professional ethics and conduct such as privacy, discrimination, workplace etiquette, cyber-ethics, network and data security, identity theft, ownership rights and intellectual property. This is a writing intensive course.
Course Description
This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the importance of cybersecurity through a broad range of cybersecurity topics. The course introduces core concepts and terminology used in cybersecurity and information systems security. Students learn concepts related to identifying common attack vectors, threats, preventive tools, and keeping information secure as it travels across a network. Students also gain a basic understanding of how cybersecurity threats and social engineering impact society.
Course Description
This course covers the characteristics of object-relational and NoSQL databases and their application in business. The course also focuses on the main principles of object-oriented, object-relational, and NoSQL databases, and their relative advantages. Students gain working knowledge of object-relational features as implemented in standard SQL database management systems. Students also learn to manage unstructured and semi-structured data with XML. Prerequisite: SYM-400.
Course Description
This course examines various areas of information technology project management. Traditional and agile project management topics are covered with specific focus on information technology projects. A project management software scheduling tool is also used in the course. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-111 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course focuses on effective change strategies and communication skills required in modern organizations. Students examine various approaches of effective and persuasive communication at all levels of an organization, including analyzing the need for change and overcoming communication barriers. Students will also learn how to negotiate and convey important information leading to the facilitation of organizational change in today's dynamic workplace.
Course Description
This course prepares students to plan and implement IT systems that take into account business realities, objectives, and constraints associated with domestic and international business activities. The course exposes the key computational, analytical, and decision-making tools used by businesses. Students also develop an understanding of the social, cultural drivers of successful IT investments, and their effect on business strategy and models. A special emphasis is placed on the symbiotic relationship between information technology and business and on international case studies, as manifested in information pricing, technological lock-in and network effects. Prerequisite: CST-326 or BIT-415 or CYB-220.
Course Description
This course introduces key aspects of information systems development within the context of business information systems. Students focus on systems development with an emphasis on the system development life cycle, including requirements analysis and traceability, feasibility, and cost-benefit analysis. Systems development, deployment, and post-implementation processes are also addressed.
Course Description
This course provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students implement and present the applied research project. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: ITT-415 or ITT-430.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.