It has been felt in different corners and levels during the previous years that there is an urgent need of offering another program that target towards the technology needs of organizations. Potential employers in the country have demanded information Technology (IT). IT degrees arose because degree programs in computer science were not providing a sufficient number of graduates capable of fulfilling these (technology needs of organizations) very real needs. Computer science emphases the scientific principles and theories of computing and is lead to the development of new knowledge in computing fields. Whereas Information technology is a relatively new and rapidly growing field that started in response to practical, everyday needs of organizations.

Information Technology is a term that has two meanings. On one hand Information Technology (Information Communication Technologies) is a general term encompassing all of computing. On the other hand, IT is used in universities to indicate a subject area that meets the computing technology needs of organizations.  ICT or IT in Ethiopia is rooting in different aspect of governmental, non-governmental organization, private companies and also individual life. This has lead for the demand of skilled people that involve in the troubleshooting, administration, integration, customization, etc. Especially currently the government has felt that ICT is an enabler force for developmental activities. Thus, supporting this effort by producing sufficient manpower is necessary. BSc in Information Technology is a response to this necessity. 

1.1 Justification for revision

The revised curriculum is a 4-year program and the following major tasks were undertaken during the revision: Beside the common courses the following courses have included as the major course:

  1. Internship (to be offered during summer)
  2. GIS and Remote Sensing (assumed these courses are important to IT student as it is currently highly applicable courses in different application areas).
  3. Mobile Application development (more practical and appropriate for students to apply their skill and knowledge and familiarize them with the real world mobile devices).
  4. Artificial Intelligence (newly emerging technology to apply in aspects like robotics).
  5. Combined courses
  6. Introduction to IT and Computer application, to Introduction to Information Technology and Computer application
  7. Fundamental programming I and Fundamental programming II to Fundamental programming by increasing the ECTS to 6.
  8. Structured System analysis and design and Object Oriented System Analysis to Structured System analysis and design by increasing the ECTS to 6.
  9. Fundamental Internet Programming and Advanced Internet programming to Internet Programming by increasing the ECTS to 6.
  10. Courses that are eliminated/replaced and included in Elective courses
  11. E-Commerce
  12. Human Computer Interaction- (contents will be included in Emerging technology)
  13. Introduction to Management: there is course to cover concepts of management in IT.
  14. (IT Project management)
  15. Applied Mathematics: because of new course (Basic Mathematics for Natural Science)
  16. The following courses are decreased their ECTS from 6 to 5ECTS
  17. Operating System
  18. Computer Maintenance and technical support
  19. Fundamental of Database
  20. Data communication and Computer Network
  21. Fundamental of Electricity and electronics
  22. Event driven programming
  23. The total number of ECTS increased to 245ECTS including Elective course

General Objective

To produce high quality IT graduates with entrepreneur and problem-solving mind set by providing to the graduates a broad knowledge and skill in information technology management and configuration and maintenance of ICT infrastructures.

Specific ObjectivesTo produce graduates who possess the right combination of knowledge and practical skills to take care of an organization’s technology and infrastructure needs and people that needs it. 

To produce professionals that take responsibilities for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization, integrating those products with organizational needs and infrastructure

To produce graduates who will take the responsibility for installing, customizing and maintaining applications (network installation, network administration, Web site design, development of multimedia resources, and installation of communication components and oversight of email system) for the organization.

To produce professionals to work in organizations implementing and managing automated information systems for different scientific, educational, commercial and other purposes.

To produce graduates that plan and manage the technology lifecycle by which an organization’s technology is maintained, upgraded and replaced. 

Advancements and applications of information communication technologies have transformed the structure of the international and national economies, leading to new methods and practices in most institutions. Many Higher Learning Institutions in Ethiopia have also recognized this fact and introduced Information Technology study program. 

However, within the HLIs, there are different versions of information Technology curricula which are based on diverse viewpoints. One of the results of this is the lack of common understanding between computing curricula in higher learning institutes of Ethiopia. Consequently, a revision was done on the curriculum in response to the following needs of the country to:Harmonize HLIs programs across the country to facilitate professional for mobility

Implement a standardized curriculum at the national level

Incorporate the ideas of Competence Based Education (CBE) on the curriculum

Incorporate the ideas of modular approach on the curriculum

Increase mobility of student from one university to the other

Enable students to get certification up on the successful completion of  the module

The curriculum has been prepared based on the generic curriculum of ministry of education, the workshops for harmonizing all programs held by the higher education strategy center in Addis Ababa considering stakeholder feedback, national consultative workshops, dynamic nature of the field of computing and knowledge in the field is expanding dynamically, incorporated courses directly related to latest technologies. Moreover, the curriculums design is geared towards preparing a national agreed upon modular curriculum for all programs offered at a university level throughout the country.

During the revision and development of the curriculum for information technology, all universities of the country were participated forming different clusters. Representative from 16 universities attended the workshop to consider the duration and harmonization of degree program in information technology. There were group sessions and plenary sessions. For these reasons and in line with the objective of addressing the country’s need, filling the skill gap based on the need analysis results and to give sufficient coverage for some courses, a four-year modular curriculum is developed by the representative universities

Through document analysis on different research organization websites in the field of  Information Technology and based on other universities’ Information Technology   programs, It has been found professionals in the field of information technology do have:- Thorough understanding of the balance between theory and practice and the essential link between them not only the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline but also how that theory influences practice in the real world.

Install, customize and maintain applications (network installation, network administration, 

design Web site, develop multimedia resources, 

install communication components and oversight of email system); 

Implement and manage automated information system

Take care of an organization’s technology and infrastructure needs.

The graduates of the program will have: Cognitive skill

Analyze, identify and define the IT requirements that must be satisfied to address problems or opportunities faced by organizations or individuals. 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Information Technology.

Identify and evaluate current and emerging technologies and assess their applicability to address the user’s needs. 

Analyze, adopt and demonstrate IT best practices, standards and their application. 

Analyze the impact of technology on individuals, organizations and society, including ethical, legal and policy issues;

Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.

Demonstrate an understanding of best practices and standards and their application;

 Technical skill

Use and apply current technical concepts and practice in the core area of Information Technology. 

Design effective and usable IT-based solutions and integrate them into the user environment. 

Assist in the creation of an effective project plan. 

Demonstrate independent Logic and Critical thinking and problem solving skills 

Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary to maintain and administer computer based systems.

Attitude skill

Collaborate in teams to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiatives 

Communicate effectively and efficiently with clients, users and peers both verbally and in writing, using appropriate terminology. 

Understand and explain the quantitative dimensions of a problem.

Manage one’s own learning and development, including time management and organizational skills

Keep abreast of current developments in the discipline to continue one’s own professional development.

Recognize and be guided by the social, professional, and ethical issues involved in the use of computer technology.

Attitudes and Values

The graduates will be inspired

To have professionalism at the center of their mentality;

To have a positive and responsive attitude towards the value of information resources and towards their profession (love, dedication, commitment, etc.);

To have good personal confidence in their jobs and professional activities;

To have the sense of co-operation, honesty, loyalty, etc.; and

To be ethical.

6.1  Admission Requirements

An applicant for Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology must have successfully complete the Natural Science stream freshman courses of first year first semester and Engineering and Technology band common course of first year second semester as set by Ministry of Education(MoE).

6.2  Duration of the Study

Successful completion of the program would require four years of study with eight semesters for the regular program, under normal circumstances, during the remaining seasons of the year.

Graduation Requirements

The major graduation requirements for Regular program include:

  • Successful completion of all courses 148 Cr. Hr /245ECTS;
  • A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00; 
  • A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 in major courses;
  • At least C grade in the Industrial Project courses;
  • No grade of “F” in any of the courses.

 Educational visit

Educational tours will help inspire the next generation of computer scientists by showing them the practical application of the subject in an exciting and informative way. Each batch of students expected to visit a minimum of 2 popular companies/organizations in the field.

Medium of instruction

The medium of instruction for the program is English. 

Degree Nomenclature

English: Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology

Amharic:  የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በኢንፎርሜሽን ቴክኖሎ

Class Size

Class Size is as Per Arsi University Legislation.

Mode of delivery

All courses should be delivered on a semester basis and face-to-face teaching.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Demonstration
  • Student presentation
  • Project work
  • Home study (assignment)
  • Discussion
  • Question and answering
  • Class work (group work)
  • Field trip/ industrial visit.


Assessment methodology

Cognitive Abilities: Cognitive abilities are assessed by a combination of written examinations and continuous assessment, including marked essays, class tests and computer programming problems.

Practical Abilities: Practical Abilities are assessed mostly by continuous assessment. Some of practical abilities are assessed as part of group project module.

Transferable skills: some skills, like the use of software tools and ability to communicate orally and in written form are directly assessed, in assignments or project, other skills are not directly assessed but their effective use will enhance the students overall performance. Evaluation will be done based on the midterm exam, assignments, laboratory sessions demonstrations, Project work, final exam and different continues assessments.

  Attendance Policy

The required attendance for both lecture and lab practice session, will be as per university’s legislation.

Grading system

The grading system for the program will be as per university’s legislation

Course Policy

This policy applies for all courses in the program: 

  • It is mandatory to attend all classes such as lecture class, laboratory sessions, tutorials and seminars. However, with distinct circumstance up to 80% will be entertained.
  • It is mandatory to pass 50% of the lab exam, in order to be eligible for the final. This is applied for all practical courses.
  • Plagiarism will cause not only automatic course dismissal but also academic discipline based on the rules and regulations of the university.
  • If someone is caught while cheating during final examination, his/her grade will automatically be ‘F’ also academic discipline may be taken based on the rules and regulations of the university.  However, other assessments are evaluated as ‘0’.
  • If someone misses any assessments with a valid justification, he/she has a right to sit for makeup exam. 
  • Students are not allowed to enter to examination rooms after 30 minutes of examination commencement and leave examination rooms before 30 minutes on final exam.

Assignment of Module and Course Codes

The course code will have four alphabets and four digits numbers like ITec2022. The four alphabets code indicates the home base of the program with the first and second alphabets in capital letter, for instance, ITec indicates abbreviation of the program of Information Technology. The four digits indicates the year of course offering (the first number, ‘2’, indicates the level of the course in terms of the year it is offered; accordingly ‘1’ for 1st year, ‘2’ for 2nd year, ‘3’ for 3rd year and ‘4’ for 4th year courses); the middle numbers, ‘02’, indicates module code number in the program (example 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10), the last number, ‘2’, indicates the semester, accordingly Odd indicates first semester and Even indicates second semester