Business Information Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology at Virginia Tech is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for the dynamic intersection of business and technology. This program emphasizes the development of critical skills in information systems, data management, cybersecurity, software development, and business analytics, equipping graduates to effectively address complex technological challenges within various organizational contexts. Students will gain a solid foundation in computer programming, system analysis, and database management, alongside business principles such as management, finance, and marketing, enabling them to serve as bridges between technical and non-technical stakeholders. The curriculum is carefully structured to include both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities essential for successful careers in the IT sector. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on projects, internships, and collaborative learning, students will develop proficiency in modern tools and methodologies used in business technology applications. Virginia Tech’s Business Information Technology program also offers opportunities for specialization through electives in areas like cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and data analytics, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests. The program benefits from the university’s strong connections with industry partners, providing access to internships, co-op programs, and networking events that enhance real-world understanding and professional development. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for employment in roles such as systems analysts, business analysts, IT consultants, cybersecurity specialists, and technology project managers across diverse industries. The program aims to produce versatile, innovative, and ethical professionals ready to meet the evolving technological needs of modern businesses.

Virginia Tech academic calendar operates on the semester system.  There are two 15 week sessions scheduled from late August through early May, followed by two five-week summer sessions.  The normal academic load for full-time doctoral students is 12 hours during each regular academic term and six hours during the summer sessions.  All Ph.D. candidates must complete a minimum of 90 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate.  This total must include a minimum of 60 semester hours of approved course work and no fewer than 30 hours of research and dissertation credits.  At least 50 percent of all graduate course credits (excluding research and dissertation credits) must be earned at Virginia Tech.  The program of study must also satisfy four departmental specifications.

• A minimum of 12 hours of graduate course work must be taken in the Department of Business Information Technology.
• A minimum of nine hours of research methodology related course work must be completed.
• At least two continuous years must be spent in residence on the Blacksburg campus.  A minimum of 24 graduate-level semester credit hours must be earned during this period.
• Full instructional responsibility for a least one course during doctoral studies.

In evaluating applications the department’s Graduate Admissions Committee seeks to identify individuals who possess the intellectual capability, motivation, and quantitative background necessary for successful completion of the program.  Desirable quantitative competencies include computer programming skills and a strong foundation in calculus and linear algebra. 

Admission decisions are based on a composite of factors, including, academic record, areas of previous study, academic institutions previously attended, score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), letters of recommendation, and work experience.  International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of at least 600 on the paper version or 250 on the computer exam. There is no minimum required GRE score.

Application for admission to the doctoral program is restricted to the fall semester.   A complete application consists of the following items:

• a completed online application
• GRE and TOEFL (if required) scores should be sent to Virginia Tech; ETS Institution Code 5859;
• official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate course work and letters of recommendation should be sent to the Graduate School

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The most common form of financial support for entering doctoral candidate is a graduate assistantship.  These awards presently carry a stipend of approximately $18,000 for the nine-month academic year and require that the recipient work 20 hours per week in support of the instructional and research activities of a faculty member.  Students holding one of these graduate assistantships receive a full tuition waiver.

Candidates who have completed most of their course work frequently hold either a half or full-time instructorship.  Half-time instructors normally teach six hours (two classes) of undergraduate course work.  The salary is dependent upon the individual’s credentials but exceeds the graduate assistantship stipend.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology at Virginia Tech is designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology within the business environment. The program combines core business principles with advanced IT skills, enabling graduates to bridge the gap between technology and business strategies. Students gain foundational knowledge in areas such as management, finance, and marketing, alongside specialized training in data management, systems analysis, network administration, cybersecurity, and software development. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through projects, internships, and collaboration with industry partners, ensuring students develop both technical competence and strategic thinking abilities. Virginia Tech’s commitment to experiential learning is reflected in laboratories, case studies, and real-world problem-solving scenarios incorporated throughout the program. The program also includes courses on information systems development, business analytics, and enterprise resource planning, which are critical skills for modern organizations seeking digital transformation. Graduates from the Business Information Technology program are well-equipped to enter various career paths such as IT consulting, systems analysis, project management, cybersecurity, and data analysis. The program is supported by Virginia Tech’s faculty, who are recognized experts in their fields, and access to cutting-edge laboratories and resources, including the Virginia Tech Information Technology Laboratory. The collaboration with the corporate sector and the integration of industry standards into coursework prepare students for seamless transition into the workforce. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in student organizations, competitions, and research projects to further develop their professional skills and network. The degree offers flexibility for students to customize their coursework with electives aligned with their specific interests, including emerging fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and internet of things (IoT). Overall, Virginia Tech’s Business Information Technology program aims to produce versatile professionals capable of driving innovation and efficiency in various business sectors through technological expertise.