A brief of the Information Technology Department
It has been clear over the past decade that information technology (IT) will play an increasingly significant role in the lives of individuals, as well as in business, law, science, arts, and healthcare. The need for leading IT competencies will continue to grow within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with both the public and private sectors driving the domestic demand for IT graduates. As companies, government sectors, and various institutions undergo rapid and continuous transformation through new technologies that bridge the gap between humans and machines, there is a growing need for professionals skilled in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, the Internet of Things, networking, and robotics.
The IT program stands out by offering a wide range of new courses and tracks that align with labor market requirements, contributing to better career opportunities for graduates.
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology.
The program follows closely the guidelines of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) – the leading governing body influencing computer science education worldwide – as defined in its 2017 publication "Curriculum Guidelines for Baccalaureate Degree Programs in Information Technology". This, in turn, will enable graduates to achieve the student outcomes outlined in the ABET CAC accreditation criteria and will ensure that our renewed program meets both the general and the IT-specific curriculum criteria.
The program is built around the following key strengths:
- A sound information technology program with a focus on areas beyond programming or immersive software development.
- The capacity to conduct projects, internships, and research with faculty members who have extensive professional experience.
Moreover, from a curricular perspective, the program is distinguished by the following:
- A core curriculum of compulsory courses that enhance learning outcomes.
- Practical training to strengthen students' hands-on experience.
- Fulfillment of accreditation requirements at both national and international levels.
- Adaptability to changes in labor market needs, as the renewed program provides in-depth knowledge through specific concentrations with flexible course content, facilitating adjustment to evolving market demands and new technological advances.
Currently, the department offers the following degrees: