Welcome to the UK Information Communication Technology program. The first of its kind at the University of Kentucky, the ICT program is part of the School of Information Science in the College of Communication and Information, the official iSchool at UK.
People all over the world are reaching out to share information through new and developing channels. The ICT program focuses on the intersection of technology, people who use that technology, policies and regulations that govern the use of that technology and communities or environments in which that technology is used. Undergraduate students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science option for their degree. There is also a Master's of Science in information communication technology with tracks in health, technology and analytics, and policy and regulation.
What is ICT?
Information Communication Technology is an umbrella term used to encompass all emerging, evolving and converging computer, software, networking, telecommunications, internet, programming and information systems technologies. Historically, many of these fields developed separately, in different companies, departments and R&D groups and at different times. With improvements in computer processing power, networking technology advances, programming interface improvements, widespread adoption of Internet Protocols, integration into organizational strategic operations and improved workforce and user competencies, however, these fields are rapidly converging.
Once a term used widely outside the United States, ICT is becoming more recognized in the U.S. as this convergence takes place more frequently across the globe, and the demand for professionals who have the knowledge and skills to manage the growing number of intersections is increasing. A degree in ICT is the first step toward a career that will continue to evolve as technology continues to expand the way we create, store and share data.
ICT students gain knowledge and skills needed to effectively apply, use and manage technology when solving problems specifically related to information and communication. Classes provide a human and organizational focus on technology–teaching students how to be effective users of technology. Students who major in ICT can expect to work in positions where they are the communication link between people, organizations and the technologies used to support those organizations’ information infrastructures.
Careers in ICT
The ICT program strives to educate students to assume leadership roles where the application of information technology is concerned with the ultimate goal of connecting people, organizations and communities to enhance their ability to succeed. Some examples of occupations that fall within the ICT arena include:
Technology Support Specialist Privacy Coordinator Computer and Information Systems Manager Web Marketing Manager Information Security Analyst Digital Strategist | Information Technology Consultant Programmer Security/Networking Analyst Government Technologist Information Assurance Analyst ...and many more. |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median annual wage for information security analysts was $120,360. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $182,370.
FAQs
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.
There are four tracks students can pursue in ICT:
- 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.
- Technology Management focuses on preparing students for jobs in information services, systems analysis, telecommunications network management, information technology strategy, technology security and security informatics.
- Information Studies (only available online) focuses on developing user-centered solutions.
- Custom allows students to customize a program of study.
For more information and to see a course planner with courses for each track and degree requirements, click here.
Students can earn a B.S. or B.A. in information communication technology. 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 B.A. degree requires a foreign language or linguistics component while the B.S. degree requires the completion of nine 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 140-hour internship during their junior or senior year.
As part of the internship experience, students should expect to:
- Gain practical experience in an area of ICT.
- Engage in self-assessment by reflecting on aspects of the internship experience.
- Become familiar with professional associations and literature affiliated with the services assigned.
- Become socialized into the ICT profession.
Learn more about ICT internships here.
While there is no ICT minor, students majoring in other disciplines can earn a minor in information studies by taking six 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.
Direct all questions to SIS Student Affairs.
