The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program prepares students to be IT professionals who are able to perform installation, operation, development, maintenance and administration of computer applications. The goal of the program is to gear up students as "information technologists" who can assist individuals and organizations in solving problems using information technology (IT) techniques.
The BSIT program equips students with the basic ability to conceptualize, design and implement software applications. It also provides experience in the development of office support (word processing, spreadsheet, database and accounting), intranet and internet and specialized professional software (multi-media, website development and eCommerce). It also offers background in mathematical and computing principles.
The teaching methods used are classroom discussions, practicum exercises spent in computer laboratories and on the job training or internships.
Is Information Technology a profession?
Information Technology is considered a profession, because the skills and knowledge acquired in this course are specific and familiar only to those who study this course or similar courses.
What are the admission requirements for the BSIT program in the Philippines?
There are no specific requirements for this course. As long as the student is a high school graduate, able to submit the necessary credentials/documents, and passes the college entrance examination and interview, he/she will be admitted in the BSIT program.
Students who were not able to complete secondary level of education have the chance to be admitted if they pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT).
What skills are required to succeed in this course?
Knowledge in computers is is not a prerequisite for this course. However , there are skills that you need to possess or develop to be able to succeed in this course:
- Analytical skills– identify and assess inefficiencies and problems in software and hardware processes
- Logical and critical thinking skills– ability to solve problems systematically and understand the logical connection between ideas
- Technical skills– the ability to comfurtably work with computers, networks and software without the anxiety some people feel when dealing with "technical" stuff.
- Mathematical skills– on a medium level
- Interpersonal skills– the ability to work efficiently with a group and be a team player
How difficult is this course?
BSIT is a relatively difficult course. It requires a lot of abstract thinking, logical and critical thinking which are not innate for most people.
How long does it take to complete the BS in Information Technology course in the Philippines?
Normally, the BSIT program takes 4 years to complete. Schools who apply the trimester system require less time to complete this course.
On The Job Training / Internship
As mandated byCHED(the official governing body of higher education institutions), on the job training is a requirement for the BSIT program. The total number of hours set for internships according to CHED is 486 hours.
During the On The Job training you will be assigned to work at a company, where you will have a chance to experience an actual work environment and apply what you have learned in real life situation.
Is there a board examination for BSIT?
There is no board examination for BSIT.
Some graduates choose to take the competency examination called theCivil Service Examination. Those who will pass the Civil Service Examination are conferred a civil service eligibility, a basic requirement for entrance to government service. There are many government offices who need the services of Information Technology graduates.
Career opportunities for BSIT graduates
- Information Technology jobs:
- Applications Developer– designs, develops and implements specific software codes that enables computer systems to perform a variety of tasks; they are the ones who translate business requirements into technology terms to satisfy a client’s specification through technologically enabled means.
- Database Administrator– creates effective methods to organize, track and store information for businesses and organizations; they are responsible in safeguarding computer database
- Technical Support Specialist– assists customers in troubleshooting computer systems; they may provide instructions over the telephone or assist the customer in person
- Test Engineer– responsible in testing software applications and programs for organizations prior to releasing it into the market
- Web Administrator/ Web Master– maintains client’s websites by writing computer codes and updating links to other websites
- Web Developer– creates computer languages ranging from HTML to more complicated scripting languages that makes use of databases
- Network Administrator– keeps network functioning at optimal levels; they also support hardware and software applications that are part of the network
- Information Technology instructor– teaches students on computer skills, internet use and digital technology
- Information Security Administrator– they are responsible in implementing softwares to protect important data stored in computers to be tampered or stolen; they also make sure that system backups are in place as well as create recovery procedures in times where critical information is lost
- Network Engineer– designs, installs and supports computer systems in an organization
- Systems Analyst– analyzes data processing problems and provides solutions by programming software changes, implementing software upgrades or developing new programs
- Non related jobs that BSIT graduates can work in:
- Call center agent– answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and provides customer support, usually to people from other countries
- Administrative Staff– personnel responsible for the organization and management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office secretary, personal assistant and office clerk
- Freelancer working online– doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support , administrative support etc., which mainly depends on your skills
- Career Opportunities AbroadMany IT companies outside the Philippines are offering jobs for Filipino IT graduates. Tech staff and software developers are the most in demand abroad.
- Salary LevelsThe salary range in the Philippines for IT related jobs (including bonuses) is between 140,000php to 1,000,000php per year and more, depending on the type of job and years of experience. As a starting salary you should expect between 10,000 and 20,000php per month.Salary levels for IT related jobs in industralized countries are much higher, generally 3-10 times higher than in the Philippines.