Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Technology Degree
Gain Technical and Problem-Solving Experience With a BS in Applied Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology degree from Grand Canyon University teaches problem-solving skills through hands-on activities that provide industry-aligned technical experience. This program is designed to be adaptable, allowing you to customize your pathway to meet your interests and the demands of the industry. Throughout this program, you will take applied technology courses in computer networking, cybersecurity, database systems, business and project management, communication and information technology process management.
Engaging in extensive, project-based coursework, you will be taught to develop crucial skills needed in the industry. This program aligns with GCU’s Christian mission, aiming to graduate individuals committed to upholding ethical and moral principles within the field of technology by integrating the analysis of faith throughout your study.
Learn how you can prepare for a high-tech career at GCU.
Loading Form
Earn Your Applied Technology Degree
The BS in Applied Technology was created by the College of Engineering and Technology to strengthen students’ preparedness for information technology careers. In this program, you will examine the design, development, implementation and maintenance of relational database structures. In addition, you will be taught about the changing modes of communication and the advances in digital communications.
If you choose business-centric elective pathways, knowledgeable faculty will connect technology learners with the Colangelo College of Business to help customize your experience with more technical or business-focused classes. These courses emphasize professional ethics and marketing competencies in all projects. This degree can equip you with practical experience in developing and supporting a thesis or position in written, oral and visual presentations. Throughout the program, there is a focus on the interpersonal skills, communication strategies and other techniques required in diverse organizations.
Applied Technology Course Topics
The coursework in this program incorporates software applications and process management competencies that can help prepare you to embrace innovations in technology. Key topics in this program include:
- Fundamental concepts of cybersecurity
- The design and development of information systems
- Development and maintenance of database structures
- IT business case planning for business activities
- Business communications strategies and change management
- Professionalism in communications, workplace conduct and ethics
- Students have 20+ credits to customize based on their interests
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $485 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
As a requirement of this program, you will complete a capstone project to demonstrate your readiness and understanding of information technology concepts. You will have the opportunity to:
- Conduct practical applied research
- Develop a research-informed project proposal
- Work in teams to conduct a feasibility study while demonstrating solid teamwork skills
- Demonstrate understanding of the protection of intellectual property
- Develop a reasonable budget and schedule for project completion
Applied Technology Career Pathways
This degree is designed to help prepare you to face today’s growing global economy with the necessary interpersonal skills, process management skills and database management techniques. After earning this STEM degree, you may be prepared for careers that support computer applications, systems and networks, such as:1
Computer and information systems manager
Computer systems analyst
Computer and information research scientist
Computer network architect
Database administrator
Database architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Software quality assurance analyst and tester
Web and digital interface designer
Computer occupations
Earn a BS Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University
At GCU, our online and on-campus communities are dedicated to our mission of graduating highly competent, capable and confident professionals ready to make positive contributions to their fields and communities. Our commitment to quality education is evidenced by our institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.
Technology Education Program FAQs
If you’re looking to start your career in IT, networking or engineering, GCU has prepared a list of frequently asked questions about our project-based bachelor’s in applied technology degree.
Applied technology is the practical application of scientific and technical knowledge to create solutions for everyday problems.4 It involves using technology and engineering principles to help develop, implement and manage systems and processes across various industries. This field focuses on concepts, practical skills and hands-on experience to address technical challenges and improve efficiency and effectiveness in different sectors. By selecting elective classes from any degree program, the BS in Applied Technology degree is customizable to any interest.
Technical training programs can open doors to a wide range of opportunities across various industries. Graduates often find roles in technology-driven fields where they can apply their skills in innovative and practical ways. This degree can equip you with versatile skills that may be valued in many sectors, providing a strong foundation for diverse professional paths. Skills taught in this bachelor’s program can help prepare you to be an effective leader and problem solver in a variety of career paths, including those that involve:
- Managing technical projects
- Implementing complex production processes
- Applying business and marketing skills
- Leveraging information technology
- Improving performance within organizations
The time it takes to earn this degree can vary based on factors such as your course load, prior credits, and whether you attend full time or part time. Transfer credits may also help shorten the timeframe. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your on-campus or online applied technology degree.
This degree at GCU focuses on the application of computer sciences while helping you integrate technology and business into your projects. If you aspire to positively affect the world we live in, a career in technological development, planning and innovations may be a great fit for you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupations in computer and information technology was $104,420 as of May 2023.2
Pursue your passion for technology and innovation with purpose.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Computer and Information Technology Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Computer and Information Technology Occupations, as of May 2023, retrieved on June 7, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information technology occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved on June 7, 2024.
4 Ground Facts. (2023, Dec. 2). What is applied technology? Retrieved June 7, 2024.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This writing intensive course provides an insight into professional communications and conduct associated with careers in science, engineering and technology. Students learn about the changing modes of communication in these disciplines recognizing the advances in digital communications. They gain practical experience developing and supporting a thesis or position through written, oral, and visual presentations prepared and delivered individually and in groups. Students will explore concepts and issues in professional ethics and conduct such as privacy, discrimination, workplace etiquette, cyber-ethics, network and data security, identity theft, ownership rights and intellectual property.
Course Description
This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the importance of cybersecurity through a broad range of cybersecurity topics. The course introduces core concepts and terminology used in cybersecurity and information systems security. Students learn concepts related to identifying common attack vectors, threats, preventive tools, and keeping information secure as it travels across a network. Students also gain a basic understanding of how cybersecurity threats and social engineering impact society.
Course Description
This course covers the characteristics of object-relational and NoSQL databases and their application in business. The course also focuses on the main principles of object-oriented, object-relational, and NoSQL databases, and their relative advantages. Students gain working knowledge of object-relational features as implemented in standard SQL database management systems. Students also learn to manage unstructured and semi-structured data with XML. Prerequisite: SYM-400.
Course Description
This course examines various areas of information technology project management. Traditional and agile project management topics are covered with specific focus on information technology projects. A project management software scheduling tool is also used in the course. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-111 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course focuses on effective change strategies and communication skills required in modern organizations. Students examine various approaches of effective and persuasive communication at all levels of an organization, including analyzing the need for change and overcoming communication barriers. Students will also learn how to negotiate and convey important information leading to the facilitation of organizational change in today's dynamic workplace.
Course Description
This course prepares students to plan and implement IT systems that take into account business realities, objectives, and constraints associated with domestic and international business activities. The course exposes the key computational, analytical, and decision-making tools used by businesses. Students also develop an understanding of the social, cultural drivers of successful IT investments, and their effect on business strategy and models. A special emphasis is placed on the symbiotic relationship between information technology and business and on international case studies, as manifested in information pricing, technological lock-in and network effects. Prerequisite: CST-326 or BIT-415 or CYB-220.
Course Description
This course introduces key aspects of information systems development within the context of business information systems. Students focus on systems development with an emphasis on the system development life cycle, including requirements analysis and traceability, feasibility, and cost-benefit analysis. Systems development, deployment, and post-implementation processes are also addressed.
Course Description
This course provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students implement and present the applied research project. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: ITT-415 or ITT-430.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.