Students majoring in other disciplines seeking a competitive advantage can earn a minor in Information Studies by taking 6 courses in research skills, information technologies, information system design, human-computer interaction and more. Students declare the minor by speaking with their academic advisor in their major area of interest.
Ready to declare ICT as your major?
Find the category that best firts your situation to learn about the admissions application and process that applies to you.
How to Apply
In your application, designate CI (College of Communication and Information) as your college of choice and "Pre-ICT" as your major of choice, and then either the BA or BS degree code.
Looking to Change your Major?
Students may change majors during the approved time periods throughout the semester. If you are a UK student and would like to pursue a bachelor's degree in Information Communication Technology, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our advisors who can help you evaluate your situation and guide you through the process. You may also complete your application to the College of Communication & Information during the major change window (designated by the UK Registrar's Office).
Direct all questions to infosci [at] uky.edu
The ICT major focuses on the intersection of technology, people who use that technology, policies and regulations that govern use of that technology, and communities or environments in which that technology is used.
Examples of ICT in action include:
· In education - online courses
· In healthcare - telemedicine to remote areas, electronic prescriptions, electronic records management
· In banking - online access to accounts, electronic bill pay, mobile apps
· In retail - inventory systems that communicate with suppliers to replenish stock, loyalty cards, online ship to store
· In travel - GPS systems, reservation systems, travel websites
Majors in ICT at UK become generalists in information and communication technologies (like networking, telecommunications, mobile and social computing, data analysis and management, technology security, ecommerce, etc.) and the policies and issues surrounding them. Students gain applied knowledge and skills through engaging (online and face-to-face) courses on information, databases, system analysis, technology security and strategy, consumer behavior and much more.
ICT majors have a plethora of job opportunities across job sectors. For more information and to see a list of job titles, please visit our ICT Careers page.
There are three tracks students can pursue in ICT:
1) commercialization prepares students to work with technology, media communication, information policy, competitive intelligence, and e-Commerce regulation in various ICT careers in the business and commercial sector,
2) technology management focuses on preparing students for jobs in information services, systems analysis, telecommunications network management, information technology strategy, technology security and security informatics, and
3) the online track in information studies prepares students for jobs in information systems services, educational information services, telecommunications specialists, information designer, data security specialist, end-user trainer, and Internet site architect, to name a few.
For more info and to see a course planner with courses for each track and degree requirements, see this page.
Students can earn a B.S. or B.A. in Information Communication Technology with an emphasis in technology management, commercialization or information studies (online only). The degree prepares students for careers in information services, system analysis, technology security, information policy, e-commerce and much more.
Both degrees require students to complete 120 hours. A minimum of 39 hours should be in ICT. 30 hours must be obtained by completing courses in the UK Core, UK’s general education program. In addition the BA degree requires a foreign language or linguistics component while the BS degree requires the completion of 9 additional hours in Math, Computer Science or Statistics and 60 total hours from the sciences.
Examples of assignments include creating infographics, writing technology plans, authoring blogs, designing database applications, writing disaster recovery plans and completing internships., to name a few. Assignments focus on students' learning to apply information technology to create solutions and communicate ideas.
Internships give students hands-on experience. ICT students are required to acquire and complete a 90-hour internship during their junior or senior year.
· Gain practical experience in an area of Information and Communication Technology
· Engage in self-assessment by reflecting on aspects of the internship experience
· Become familiar with professional associations and literature affiliated with the services assigned, and
· Become socialized into the ICT profession.
Students can enhance their program by adding a study abroad opportunity. Students should consult with the Education Abroad office for a list of all available opportunities for study abroad. However, there is a featured program for ICT students in Germany. Students can go to Hamburg during the spring of their junior year and fulfill their emphasis area for the degree by taking up to 5 courses in ICT. To prepare students for the German exchange program, there is a summer immersion program where students can travel to Berlin to study the German language and culture. Credits earned during the German exchange program may transfer to UK. Students should consult with academic advisor before selecting courses in German program.
UKC 101 Information Literacy and Critical Thinking is the same as ICT 200 or IS 200. Majors should enroll in one section of this course during the fall as it fulfills the ICT 200 requirement and counts as credit for one Inquiry in Arts and Creativity, which is a requirement in the UK Core.
Check out the Admissions page for specific steps to declare the ICT major. We're excited to have you on board!
Absolutely! In addition to the many cross-major student organizations for the College of Communication and Information (of which we are part), you can join and participate in the Information Communication Technology Student Association (ICTSA). Majors and non-majors interested in ICT can join ICTSA. The group’s primary purposes are to facilitate communication between students and faculty in the ICT program and coordinate opportunities for student participation in ICT-related programs and activities. Students interested in joining the association should contact faculty advisor, Deloris J. Foxworth. renee.kaufmann [at] uky.edu.