Senior Zakia Najafizada is already making a difference in the world, and it all stems from her Computer Information Technology education at Methodist University.
Senior Zakia Najafizada is already making a difference in the world, and it all stems from her Computer Information Technology education at Methodist University.
Najafizada, an international student from Afghanistan, recently created “Amoozesh” – an app dedicated to teaching English to Afghan women through the Persian language. The app has already garnered hundreds of users in a matter of months and is set to grow exponentially in the coming months.
“It all became possible through Methodist University,” said Najafizada, who is set to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Multimedia Application Development. “I’ve put together everything that I’ve learned from all of my classes and out of it came a beautiful application that not only shows my technical skill, but it is something meaningful that helps society.”
What is Computer Information Technology?
Najafizada’s application is one of many projects developed through MU’s growing Computer Information Technology program – available both on campus and online.
While Computer Science focuses on the mathematical theories of creating computers and programs, Computer Information Technology is geared towards the hands-on functionality and security of computer technology. Methodist University currently offers three concentrations for Computer Information Technology: Business Information Systems, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, and Interactive Multimedia Application Development.
The Business Information Systems concentration prepares students for the business environment, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance focuses on network security and virtualization, and Interactive Multimedia Application Development teaches the designs of games, graphics, and multimedia.
“All three concentrations prepare students for positions of high demand in the job market, and better yet, they are high-paying jobs,” said Dr. Tat Chan, dean of MU’s College of Business, Technology & Professional Studies, and professor of Computer Science.
Small Classes, Impactful Projects
Although Computer Information Technology is a program on the rise, Methodist University has been able to maintain small class sizes – ensuring each student has access to unparalleled one-on-one interactions with faculty. In fact, each faculty member has dedicated knowledge and experience with the specific concentration they are teaching, allowing students to dive deeper into their education.
“We like to do everything job oriented with hands-on projects that show what students are learning in each format,” added Dr. Terry House, chair of Computer Science & Computer Information Technology and professor of Computer Science. “We want students to leave here with more than a high GPA, but with a solid foundation and a portfolio of projects that separate them from students from other universities. When they walk into a job interview, they’ll be able to prove what they’ve done.”
For example, students concentrating in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance are able to work in an online sandbox that requires them to figure out how to find malware and viruses within a program. Another project tests students on how to best handle a simulated attack on a Wi-Fi network.
“Our projects are extremely important,” added Dr. Abdulrahman Hafez, assistant professor of Computer Science. “Through them, students will learn about coding using modern programming languages such as Python and Java, data structures, algorithm design, database management, and web programming technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.”
The Computer Information Technology program also features two computer labs that house about 40 computers with all of the necessary software and tools to carry out projects and assignments.
Creating Successful Alumni
The strong reputation of the program can also be traced back to the success of its alumni. Jason Sparrow ’17, who majored in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Interactive Multimedia Application Development, now works as a cybersecurity engineer at MCNC, a telecommunications provider in Durham County, and as a signal communications officer for the North Carolina National Guard. Sparrow also spends part of his time as an adjunct instructor for MU’s Computer Science program.
Sparrow, also a recipient of the 2023 MU Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumni Service Award, credits the Computer Information Technology program for kickstarting his success.
“I had a great experience with the program,” he said. “The program offers a variety of classes that give you a range of exposure to different areas in IT. The program really opened my eyes to more aspects of information technology outside of programming/coding.”
Online Flexibility
In the midst of all of the success, Computer Information Technology is also experiencing a boom in students enrolling in the online program with the Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and the Business Information Systems concentrations currently available online.
The online classes are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus classes, ensuring a quality education for active-duty military, veterans, full-time workers, or anyone else searching for flexibility.
Methodist University offers rolling admission deadlines, which means now is the perfect time to apply for the Computer Information Technology program. Learn more about the on-campus program or online program today.