A Technology Degree with a Professional Focus

Position yourself for success with this industry-driven bachelor’s degree, designed for working adults.

Today’s information technology (IT) incorporates collaboration, social responsibility, and global impact. In the University of Minnesota IT Infrastructure degree program, you’ll explore real-world problems and solutions through a unique combination of business and IT courses. What you'll gain are the in-demand technical and professional skills that can set you apart.
 

“Not only did I gain technical acumen, I received something invaluable—the confidence to know I can achieve anything. This degree equips students to remain adaptable in the ever-changing field of technology, and I will forever treasure the knowledge, community, and resilience ITI has given me."
— Deanna Liapis ('25)   > Read Deanna's story  


What is IT Infrastructure?

Infrastructure technology refers to the components—hardware, software, networking resources—required to manage an organization's IT environment. Its function is to deliver IT products and services internally and to customers.

In the ITI degree program, you’ll learn:

  • collaboration and teamwork.
  • methods to explain the business value of technology options.
  • to leverage data to answer questions about your business and customers.
  • to use legacy and cloud environments to create more value for organizations.

Program Overview

Are you ready to kick-start a rewarding career in IT? Watch this video to learn more about the many options offered by the program.

Courses

Each ITI course will help prepare you to make a meaningful contribution to your chosen specialty. We've designed the curriculum to provide you with the skills and knowledge to fill a variety of IT roles. Read more about the program's learning outcomes.

Our instructors and advisory board provide industry perspectives to ensure we're sharing the latest practices in the industry. You and your academic advisor will build a degree plan that totals 120 semester credits.

Want to learn more about what is involved in IT infrastructure and operations before signing up for the ITI program?  Consider INET 1001, Survey of Information Technology, for a comprehensive overview of networks, databases, servers, storage, project management, governance, compliance, monitoring, and more.

 

Donut chart showing number of credits required in six separate areas, totaling 120 credits for the degree. Maroon donut segment spanning 3% of the whole, which is 4 credits out of 120 total. Admission Reqs: 4 Gold donut segment spanning 22% of the whole, which is 23-29 credits out of 120 total. Foundation: 23-29 Orange donut segment spanning 26% of the whole, which is 31 credits out of 120 total. ITI Core: 31 Green donut segment spanning 12% of the whole, which is 15 credits out of 120 total. Business & Comm: 15 Blue donut segment spanning 12% of the whole, which is 14-16 credits out of 120 total. IT Sub-plan: 14-16 Dark green donut segment spanning 25% of the whole, which is 25-33 credits out of 120 total. General Ed: 25-33 120 Credits

 

Admission Requirements (4 credits)

  • Intro to Computing & Programming Concepts (CSCI 1103 or 1113 or 1133+ or equivalent)

Foundation Courses (23–29 credits)

  • Algorithms and Data Structures (INET 2002 or CSCI 1913 or 1933)
  • Mathematics (MATH 1031, 1051, 1151, or 1271)*
  • Statistics (EPSY 1261, BA 2551, STAT 1001 or 3001)
  • C Programming: Language & Applications (INET 3101)
  • Web Infrastructure or Discrete Structures of Computer Science (INET 3102 or CSCI 2011)
  • Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication (COMM 1101 or 3402 or 3605W)
  • Economics (ECON 1101 or 1102 or APEC 1101 or 1102)
  • Accounting (ACCT 2051 or APEC 1251)

* Fulfills Mathematical Thinking Liberal Education requirement

Core Courses (31 credits)

Business Communication Courses (15 credits)

General Education (28–37 credits)

To complete the ITI degree, you will also need to complete University-wide liberal education and writing intensive requirements.

Subplans

As a degree-seeking student, you can develop your expertise through one of five specialized subplans. You may also choose the self-designed subplan.
 

  • Applied Data Science
  • Cybersecurity and Governance
  • DevSecOps (Development, Security, and Operations) and IT Project Management
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Network and Cloud Infrastructure
  • Self-Designed

These subplans (or "tracks") prepare students for employment in the most current and in-demand computer technology areas. Your ITI advisor will help you determine the option that best fits your career goals.

If you were admitted and matriculated into the ITI major prior to fall 2026, please refer to this list of subplan options.

Applied Data Science

Turn raw data into real-world insight. This subplan introduces the tools that power today’s analytics pipelines, SQL and NoSQL databases, Python, Power BI, and cloud-based platforms such as AWS Redshift and S3. Students learn to design data architectures, clean and visualize information, and apply statistical and machine-learning methods to solve business problems. Graduates leave ready to build dashboards, interpret results, and support data-driven decision-making in any organization. 

Career paths include: Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Developer, Database Administrator, Analytics Consultant, or Data Scientist.
 

Cybersecurity and Governance

Protect systems, people, and data. Students gain practical experience with Splunk, Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, and AWS Security Hub, learning to detect, defend, and respond to cyber threats. The subplan combines technical labs with governance frameworks such as NIST 800-53 and ISO 27001 to connect security practice to policy. Graduates are well prepared for roles in cybersecurity operations, compliance, and risk management—along with certifications like Security+ or CISSP.

Career paths include: Information Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) Analyst, or Cybersecurity Consultant.
 

DevSecOps and IT Project Management

Where development meets security and strategy. This subplan immerses students in Agile, Scrum, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes, linking coding and infrastructure to organizational goals. Learners practice continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), automate workflows, and manage risk through secure-by-design practices.

With a focus on real teamwork, project portfolios, and cloud pipelines, students graduate prepared to lead DevSecOps or IT project teams. 

Career paths include: DevOps Engineer, DevSecOps Engineer, Cloud Automation Engineer, IT Project Manager, Scrum Master, Systems Integrator, or Infrastructure Lead.
 

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Explore how intelligent systems learn, predict, and create. Students experiment with Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and AWS AI Services to design and train models for image, language, and data analysis. This subplan emphasizes hands-on labs in cloud environments, ethical use of algorithms, and scalable deployment using modern automation tools. By completion, learners can move from building a prototype to delivering production-ready AI solutions. 

Career paths include: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, Data Scientist, Automation Engineer, Predictive Analytics Developer, or Research Analyst.
 

Network and Cloud Infrastructure

Build and manage the backbone of modern IT. This subplan blends traditional networking with next-generation cloud design using Cisco Packet Tracer, AWS VPC, Azure Network Manager, and VMware ESXi. Students learn routing, virtualization, and hybrid-cloud deployment while configuring secure, high-availability systems. The result is a strong pathway to careers in network administration, cloud engineering, and systems architecture. 

Career paths include: Network Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Systems Administrator, Network Architect, Cloud Solutions Architect, or IT Operations Manager.
 

Admission

Each application for admission is reviewed individually and in a holistic manner.

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.

Ready to apply? Here’s Your Checklist

  • Successful completion of an introductory programming language course
  • 30 transferable credits
  • 2.5+ GPA

We also look to see whether you have ...

  • A pattern of steady academic improvement
  • Nonacademic experience in a related field
  • Relevant IT work experience, paid or unpaid
  • Extenuating circumstances (events or issues that may have affected your progress in school)

The University also reserves the right to deny admission to an otherwise admissible applicant if the University determines that the applicant's enrollment would not be in the applicant's or the University's best interest.

Transferring Credits

Wondering if Your Credits Will Transfer?

Current UMN Students: Run a "What if" APAS report to see how your coursework might meet the Information Technology Infrastructure program requirements.

Non-UMN students from a local community college: Sometimes ITI foundation courses can be taken at a community college. To find out if your college’s courses transfer to the ITI major, consult the CCAPS Transfer Admissions Guides.

Non-UMN students from a four-year institution: Visit the Transferology website, a free, web-based system that provides access to up-to-date information about how your courses will transfer and apply to a degree program at the UMN Twin Cities. (You will need to create a free Transferology account.)

Additional Resources

Have a specific question? Contact a transfer admission advisor to talk about your individual coursework.

Transfer Admission Advising

Current UMN Twin Cities Students

If you are a current UMN student and want to transfer to CCAPS, contact CCAPS transfer specialist Jeff Olsen Krengel.

New UMN Twin Cities Students

If you have credits from another institution or UMN campus, contact a transfer specialist in the Office of Admissions.

Apply

Fall Semester Application Deadline | Priority: February 1; Final: June 1
Spring Semester Application Deadline | Priority: October 1; Final: December 1

All applications received by the priority deadline for each term will be considered. Applications received after the priority deadline, up until the final deadline, will be considered on a space-availability basis.

Questions about admission? Contact your admissions advisor.

Career Outlook

  • $130KAnnual mean salary of computer network architects
  • $126KAnnual mean salary of information security analysts
  • $128KAnnual mean salary of database architects 

Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024 Minnesota data).

Industry Overview

Employment in computer and IT occupations is expected to add about 317,700 new jobs from 2024–34, driven by employment growth and the need to replace workers who permanently leave these occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 28, 2025).

Employers seek highly qualified professionals who can collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, combining strong business acumen with essential soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Graduate Outcomes

In this 2023–24 Post-Graduate Survey, recent ITI alumni shared the following about their primary status after graduation:
 

  • Paid employment: 88%
  • Position closely/somewhat related to major: 100%
  • Very/moderately satisfied with job: 93%
     

Some of their professional titles include: 
 

  • Application Developer
  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Engineer
  • Cloud Security Analyst
  • Computer Research Scientist
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Endpoint Architect
  • IT Manager
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Software Engineer

Career & Internship Services

Career & Internship Services is your go-to resource for exploring majors and careers, finding internships and jobs, and preparing for what comes next. Get support with résumés and cover letters, interview practice, and more.
 

  • Set up job alerts on Indeed and LinkedIn to stay on top of new opportunities. (Don't forget to follow CCAPS so you can stay connected with fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni!)

  • Create an account on Handshake, the University of Minnesota’s platform for internships and jobs for UMN students and alumni.

  • Use O*NET to explore careers, including typical job duties, salaries, employment outlook, and the skills and interests employers look for.

Our Stories

Current Student Website

Are you a current student pursuing an ITI major, minor or certificate? We built a website just for you! The ITI Student website is a one-stop shop for all your academic needs. From the website, you can:
 

  • contact your instructors and advisors.
  • browse the academic calendar.
  • access essential forms and docs (e.g., Directed Study or Leave of Absence).
  • register for internships and explore career opportunities.
  • explore Study Abroad programs.
  • and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Information Technology Infrastructure?

Information technology Infrastructure encompasses the tools, including hardware, software, networking resources and operational practices that are necessary for management of an organization’s IT environment. This technology framework supports the effective delivery and function of IT products and services to internal and external clients. 

Why Is Information Technology Infrastructure Important? 

Information technology solutions have become a key driver of organizational success across many operational aspects—from communications to productivity to innovation. Because of this, maintaining the IT infrastructure that supports these solutions is a vital and ongoing focus for organizations.  

Are Information Technology Jobs In Demand? 

There are a number of in-demand areas across the IT field. For those interested in supporting IT security, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forecasts a 35% job growth rate for information security analysts through 2031. Database administration offers an additional 12,800 job roles over the next decade. Another field with promising growth is computer network architecture, which is projected to add 7,500 jobs by 2031.

What Careers Can I Pursue with an Information Technology Infrastructure Bachelor’s Degree? 

Wherever your IT interests lean, there are many ways to support IT infrastructure. Potential job roles can include computer research scientist, computer network architect, database administrator, information security analyst and so many more!

What Is the Average Salary for Information Technology?

Depending on what area of IT you aspire to work in, there are many opportunities to earn a lucrative salary. For example, computer network architects earn a median annual salary of $130,000 according to the BLS. The median annual salary for a computer systems analyst is $100,000 and a computer programmer can earn $93,000 annually.  

What Courses Do You Take While Earning An Information Technology Infrastructure Bachelor’s Degree? 

Coursework in this bachelor’s degree program focuses on fundamentals in core areas such as IT infrastructure operations, networking, databases and operating systems. These foundational studies are enhanced through topics across business communications, mathematics, science and computing.

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