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GVSU student at computer.

Information Technology B.S. and Applied Computer Science M.S.

Master of Science (M.S.)

Combined

Allendale • Face to face, Hybrid • 144-149 Credits

Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer current qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree program can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree.

Overview

Grand Valley's combined degree program in Information Technology B.S. and Applied Computer Science M.S. allows students to complete both degrees in an accelerated timeframe. This program provides a strong foundation in information technology and advanced knowledge in applied computer science, preparing students for various IT roles.

The course topics include computing principles, data communications, computer architecture, and software development. Students gain hands-on experience in dedicated computer labs, building skills to tackle real-world IT challenges. Graduate coursework counts towards both degrees, ensuring a comprehensive education.

Studying this program at Grand Valley offers excellent job market preparation through a blend of theoretical and practical experiences. Students benefit from collaboration with highly-credentialed faculty, state-of-the-art labs, and the accelerated nature of the program, which helps them advance their careers quickly and meet the growing demand for master's trained employees in the IT field.

Career Opportunities

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,847.49 10%
$ 64,895.22 25%
$ 93,489.60 50%
$123,191.40 75%
$146,616.36 90%

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 47,630.63 10%
$ 60,678.37 25%
$ 80,367.82 50%
$106,525.43 75%
$143,800.35 90%

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 38,453.30 10%
$ 51,808.45 25%
$ 76,840.64 50%
$106,679.78 75%
$129,010.12 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 92,068.87 10%
$119,620.77 25%
$149,750.58 50%
$175,039.44 75%
$215,403.70 90%

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,847.49 10%
$ 64,895.22 25%
$ 93,489.60 50%
$123,191.40 75%
$146,616.36 90%

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 75,431.87 10%
$ 82,110.91 25%
$114,980.58 50%
$140,688.52 75%
$177,215.68 90%

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 47,901.79 10%
$ 69,932.29 25%
$102,519.32 50%
$139,864.27 75%
$176,441.87 90%

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 54,219.02 10%
$ 69,743.22 25%
$ 95,659.34 50%
$128,835.04 75%
$175,348.66 90%

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 41,539.15 10%
$ 56,148.57 25%
$ 79,025.34 50%
$111,190.63 75%
$155,728.87 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$100,456.65 10%
$130,545.48 25%
$168,293.38 50%
$213,340.26 75%
$304,106.79 90%

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 47,901.79 10%
$ 69,932.29 25%
$102,519.32 50%
$139,864.27 75%
$176,441.87 90%

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 80,928.73 10%
$107,780.56 25%
$137,299.29 50%
$174,806.81 75%
$212,946.70 90%
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