Information Technology and Administrative Management Department

College of Education and Professional Studies
Samuelson, second floor, room 206
Mail Stop 7488
509-963-2611
https://www.cwu.edu/academics/it-management/

Faculty and Staff
Interim Chair
Brian McGladrey, PhD, CSCS

Faculty and Staff
Interim Assistant Chair
Elizabeth Fountain, PhD

Professors
Lori A. Braunstein, PhD, administrative management
Laura Portolese, DBA, administrative management
Robert A. Lupton, PhD, retail management and technology
Hideki Takei, DBA, administrative management, retail management and technology
Fen Wang, PhD, information technology

Associate Professors
Julie Bonner, DB, administrative management, information technology
Kurt Kirstein, EdD, administrative management, data analytics
Robert Trumpy, EdD, LMHC, LCSW, administrative management

Senior Lecturers
Peter Anthony, EdD, administrative management
Ellen Bjorge, MBA, information technology
James Brown, MET, information technology
Cathy Bushá, JD, information technology
Brandi Carter-Harrington, MEd, administrative management
David Douglas, EdD, administrative management, retail management and technology
John Durham, MM, information technology
Elizabeth Fountain, PhD, administrative management
Amy Perry, MEd, information technology
Susan Rivera, PhD, administrative management
Lori Thompson, PhD, administrative management
Deborah Wells, MS, CHFI, GCFE, cybersecurity
Luke Williams, MBA, administrative management, retail management and technology

Lecturers
Eduardo Campos, EMPA, MSc, CPP, CISSP, CISM, CISA, cybersecurity
Eric Fleischman, MS, MA, CISSP, cybersecurity
Craig Gocha, MPSLA, project management, administrative management
Elyane Harney, MBA, PMP, administrative management
Vaida Meskauskiene, MS, information technology
David Mulkey, MS, administrative management
Pressley Rankin, PhD, administrative management
Jose Riera, PhD, administrative management, cybersecurity
Jamie Schademan, MS, cybersecurity
Jarad Schraeder, MS, CISSP, CCSP, CCSK, CEH, cybersecurity
Steve Simpson, MS, CCE, CISSP, CPTC, CSFA, PMP, cybersecurity
Daniel Smelser, MS, cybersecurity
Rachel White, MS, administrative management
Laura Williamson, EdD, PMP, administrative management, project management
Kellie Wutzke, MS, data analytics

Staff
Kaitlyn Farr, office assistant
Libby Gibson, internship coordinator
Elizabeth Henry, program manager

Bachelor of Science
Information Technology and Administrative Management

BS-ITAM Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM) provides a degree path for students with seven high demand specializations needed by the modern workforce.

Administrative Management Specialization
Cybersecurity Specialization
Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers Specialization
Human Centered Digital Systems Specialization
Network Administration and Management Specialization
Project Management Specialization
Retail Technology Management Specialization

The ITAM curriculum, designed by subject matter experts with guidance from industry professionals, addresses the current demand for tech-savvy individuals who are also able to effectively lead and motivate teams, manage projects, and integrate technological solutions. Students completing this major will take a core set of courses and select one of the seven specialization areas. The BS-ITAM is comprised of two complementing areas creating synergy.

All BS-ITAM specializations are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in management, leadership, project management, sustainable decision making, business communications, financial management, ethics and CRM as well as hard skills in data analytics, database management, digital systems, and computer applications.
The specializations feature advanced study in high demand areas of IT management.

BS-ITAM Program Admission Requirements
Students are encouraged to apply for their ITAM major early in their university studies, even as soon as their first quarter. Once enrolled in the ITAM program students will begin working with a knowledgeable ITAM advisor to design their academic course of study at CWU and make sure they are fulfilling all of the requirements for successful degree completion. Application forms are available in the Ellensburg campus department or on the ITAM website https://www.cwu.edu/academics/it-management/.

BS-ITAM Graduation Requirements
The following requirements apply to students seeking the BS-ITAM degree:

Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 in the ITAM coursework to be eligible for the degree.

Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in each course.

Course Fees
Most ITAM courses that use hardware and software resources are assessed a course fee of $25 or $50, depending on the required technology.

List of Specializations for the BS-ITAM
Students seeking the BS-ITAM take a common set of core courses of relevant and current human-centered skills in management, leadership, project management, sustainable decision making, business communications, financial management, ethics and CRM as well as hard skills in data analytics, database management, digital systems and computer applications. Additionally, students complete a specialization within the BS-ITAM degree:

Administrative Management Specialization
Cybersecurity Specialization
Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers Specialization
Human Centered Digital Systems Specialization
Network Administration and Management Specialization
Project Management Specialization
Retail Technology Management Specialization

ITAM BS, Administrative Management Specialization
This specialization develops leaders ready to meet the administrative needs of any organization by combining technical knowledge with skills in leadership and supervision, effective business practices, project management, and communication. Administrative management majors become skilled problem-solvers and innovators, adapting to the changing needs of modern enterprise. The advanced administrative management courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in business communications, financial management, ethics, customer relationship management, as well as hard skills in database management, digital systems, computer networking, and computer applications. The need for graduates with these skills crosses all types of business including agriculture, construction, finance, and retail, government, manufacturing and not-for-profits.

ITAM BS, Cybersecurity Specialization
Students will gain knowledge specific to the detection, protection, and recovery from attacks to an organization’s information assets. Gaining skills in the growing employment area of network security combined with the management and soft-skills classes, graduates achieve a competitive edge in the IT marketplace. The advanced cybersecurity courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in project management, business communications, financial management, ethics, customer relationship management, as well as hard skills in database management, digital systems, and computer applications. Graduates secure careers as a cybersecurity specialist, information security officer, information assurance analyst, information security relationship analyst, cybersecurity analyst, and information technology specialist. The need for cybersecurity experts spans all organizations including: public utility companies, national security agencies, food and water suppliers, financial services, and companies with intellectual property to protect.

ITAM BS, Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers
This specialization develops valuable skills in data retrieval, mining, analysis, and reporting that are becoming increasingly useful across all sectors. Data analytics is the process of extracting meaning from raw data using anything from a laptop to specialized computer systems. These systems transform, organize, and model the data to draw conclusions and identify patterns, leading to increases in knowledge and market share that have significant implications for an organization’s profitability.

The advanced data driven innovation courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in business communications, financial management, ethics, sustainable decision making, customer relationship management, project management as well as hard skills in data analytics, database management, digital systems, and computer applications. These majors become skilled problem-solvers and innovators, adapting to the changing needs of the modern enterprise including work as data analysts, IT management analysts, and database administrators.

ITAM BS, Human Centered Digital Systems Specialization
Majors in this specialization gain the skills to plan, lead, and manage the digital profiles of modern enterprises. Balancing concerns of visual design, user experience, hardware capabilities, and emerging technological development, these graduates are ready to stand at the nexus of digital and web development teams, and maximize their capacity for creativity, innovation, adaptation, and efficiency. The advanced Human-Centered Digital Systems courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in management, leadership, project management, business communications, financial management, ethics, customer relationship management, as well as hard skills in database management, digital systems, and computer applications. Graduates secure positions as web administrators, user-experience/user-interaction (UX/UI) designers, digital content editors, technical design analysts, user-interface designers, and customer experience (CX) design consultants and web masters.

ITAM BS, Network Administration and Management Specialization
Students in this specialization design, construct, and manage the network infrastructure vital to modern business operations. They can make appropriate recommendations for hardware and software, communicate technical information clearly to a variety of audiences, effectively lead teams, and stay current with emerging trends in a rapidly advancing technological environment. The advanced networking administration and management courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in management, leadership, project management, business communications, financial management, ethics, customer relationship management, as well as hard skills in database management, digital systems, and computer applications. Graduates secure positions as network administrators, network analysts, network managers, data communication analysts, network operations analysts, network specialists, network technicians, computer support specialists, and user support specialists.

ITAM BS, Project Management Specialization
Meeting the growing industry need for skilled employees capable of leading projects, this specialization from ITAM provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of the skills and techniques of effective project management. These skills have universal application, spanning every organization from construction firms to non-profits to tech start-ups. For students wishing to earn a double specialization, project management will complement any ITAM program. The advance project management classes are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in business communications, financial management, ethics, sustainable decision making, customer relationship management, project management as well as hard skills in data analytics, database management, digital systems, and computer applications.

ITAM BS, Retail Technology Management Specialization
This specialization trains the entrepreneurs and management professionals who develop and grow organizations across multiple channels. Students learn all sides of the retail environment from business basics to marketing and selling products, customer relationship management, branding, and the nuances of e-commerce. The advanced retail management technology courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in management, leadership, project management, business communications, financial management, ethics, as well as hard skills in database management, digital systems, and computer applications. Graduates pursue careers in retail environments that infuse information technology in areas such as omnichannels, management, selling, distribution and logistics, purchasing, operations, merchandising, buying, entrepreneurship, and small business ownership.

ITAM Minors or Certificates
Each of our ten minors will complement any major field, helping CWU students stand out from the crowd and be competitive in today’s job market. Applied, relevant skill sets develop individuals ready to handle the challenges of modern global industry. For individuals who do not have the time for a full major program, the ITAM certificate options provide a pathway for busy professionals to expand their credentials and advance their career. Such recognition will benefit students in gaining professional employment or advancing in their current professional positions.

Application forms for minors and certificates can be obtained in the Ellensburg campus department or on the ITAM web site at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/it-management/.

Minors or certificates are available in the following areas:

Administrative Management
Cybersecurity
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)
Innovation through IT
Human Centered Digital Systems
Modern IT Applications
Project Management
Retail Technology Management
Structures of Data Analytics for IT Managers
Sustainable Practices in IT

ITAM Minors or Certificates Program Requirement
A minimum GPA of 2.3 in the minor and certificate courses must be achieved with a minimum grade of C- in each course.

Bachelor of Applied Science
Information Technology and Administrative Management

BAS-ITAM Program Overview
Providing students with management, leadership, critical thinking skills is the primary purpose of the BAS-ITAM degree. Students learn the essential skills to excel in managing people, projects or departments. A curriculum rich in communication and problem-solving skills, the program complements any professional/technical degree with timely and relevant skills to qualify students for leadership roles in their technical area.

BAS-ITAM Program Admission Requirements
Applicants for the BAS-ITAM must meet the following admission requirements before admittance to the program:

Completion of an applied or technical degree with at least 40 credits in an applied/technical area from a community college or technical college.
Minimum GPA of 2.3.
A world language is not required.

BAS-ITAM Graduation Requirements

Minimum overall GPA of 2.3.
Completion of CWU Basic and Breadth Requirements, except the world language and computing requirements.
Completion of the BAS-ITAM core requirement courses and one of the BAS-ITAM specialization list of courses with a minimum grade of C- in each course.

List of Specializations for BAS-ITAM program
Students seeking the BAS-ITAM program take a common set of core courses. Additionally, students entering the BAS-ITAM program must choose a specialization and complete the CWU General Education program. Students choose from five unique specializations:

Administrative Management
Cybersecurity
Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers Specialization
Information Technology Management
Project Management Specialization

ITAM BAS, Administrative Management Specialization
Qualify to work in any business environment where leadership and information processing is required. With classes such as Project Management, Customer Relationship Management, Financial Analysis, and Advanced Spreadsheet Applications, you will have the skills to manage in any administrative capacity. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, and even non-profit organizations are asking for employees with this educational background. Any completed professional/technical associate degree will satisfy the admission requirement.

ITAM BAS, Cybersecurity Specialization
Learn to detect, protect, and recover from attacks to an organization’s information assets. Public utility companies, national security agencies, food and water suppliers, financial services, and companies with intellectual property to protect are now hiring experts in this area. The skills to detect and recover from cyber attacks, coupled with the team leadership, effective communication, and project management skills of the BAS core, will provide a thorough knowledge base for managers and technology leaders concerned with the operation and management of cybersecurity systems. Because of the technical IT skills classes involved in this specialization, a computer-related associate degree is suggested for admission.

ITAM BAS, Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers Specialization
This specialization develops valuable skills in data retrieval, mining, analysis, and reporting that are becoming increasingly useful across all sectors. Data analytics is the process of extracting meaning from raw data using anything from a laptop to specialized computer systems. These systems transform, organize, and model the data to draw conclusions and identify patterns, leading to increases in knowledge and market share that have significant implications for an organization’s profitability. The advanced data driven innovation courses are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in business communications, financial management, ethics, influencing customer decisions, sustainable decision making, customer relationship management, and project management. These majors become skilled problem-solvers and innovators, adapting to the changing needs of the modern enterprise including work as data analysts, IT management analysts, and database administrators.

ITAM BAS, Information Technology Specialization
Managing in an IT department or organization requires team leadership, project management, effective communication, and critical thinking skills. Those soft-skills when combined with the hard skills from an associate degree in network security, computer support technology, wireless technology, server support, CAD technology, etc. give students the best opportunity for advancement in their field. With specialization classes directed specifically to management in the IT environment, students have the best opportunity for furthering their careers. Requires a professional/technical associate degree with at least 40 credits in computer-related classes for admission.

ITAM BAS, Project Management Specialization
Meeting the growing industry need for skilled employees capable of leading projects, this specialization from ITAM provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of the skills and techniques of effective project management. These skills have universal application, spanning every organization from construction firms to non-profits to tech start-ups. The advance project management classes are complemented by a core foundation of relevant and current human-centered skills in business communications, financial management, ethics, influencing customer decisions, sustainable decision making, customer relationship management, and project management.

Course Offerings
Frequency of course offering information can be found at the department website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/it-management/ or by contacting the department directly.