Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Business and Information Technology (ABIT)

The Applied Business & Information Technology (ABIT) program, leading to a baccalaureate degree, offers options to students seeking preparation in small to mid-sized business management, information technology, and related or integrated career opportunities. The mission of the program is to prepare graduates to be productive professionals who can make responsible business decisions and use information technology wisely in a changing world. The curriculum emphasizes business and stresses the effective use of information technology. The program also includes a strong interdisciplinary liberal arts program with courses in the humanities, social sciences, English, communication, and mathematics.

Although this degree can be earned in four years taking 15-17 credits per semester, students taking a lighter load will take longer to complete the requirements. Students interested in the ABIT program are encouraged to contact the ABIT counselor, program coordinator, or faculty member about program requirements.

Only courses numbered 100 or above, and taken with a letter grade, may be applied to the ABIT degree; and for upper division courses only those with a grade C or better may be applied.

Contact program coordinator, Dr. Debasis Bhattacharya, at 984-3619 or by email at debasisb@hawaii.edu for more information.

Upon successful completion of the ABIT Program, the student should be able to:

• 1.1 Demonstrate in written or oral form appropriate knowledge of the principles of the essential business disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, law, management, and marketing.
• 1.2 Apply knowledge of essential business disciplines and use business research methods to analyze information in order to develop solid business plans and strategies, and make effective and efficient business decisions.
• 1.3 Use leadership and interpersonal skills to promote business ethics, values, and integrity related to professional activities and personal relationships.
• 2.1 Demonstrate in written or oral form appropriate knowledge of the principles of computer literacy, computer troubleshooting, networking, computer applications and e-commerce.

• 2.2 Utilize technological tools (e.g., the internet) to conduct business-related research.
• 2.3 Demonstrate knowledge of operating system, database, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and web development applications by designing, creating, viewing, saving, retrieving and editing appropriate files.
• 2.4 Apply knowledge of Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Event-Driven Programming (EDP) to designing, creating, and testing computer programs.
• 2.5 Apply knowledge of E-commerce by designing, creating, and testing appropriate E-commerce sites using development tools.
• 3.1 Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate information, solve problems, and make decisions.
• 3.2 Use information retrieval and technology.
• 3.3 Apply quantitative reasoning to enhance independent or group decision-making skills.
• 3.4 Communicate effectively with others utilizing appropriate forms of oral communication methods including multimedia presentations that applying information technologies and serve particular audiences and purposes.
• 3.5 Demonstrate an appropriate level of written communication.

A student may apply for admission as a classified ABIT major upon successful completion of the following three admission requirements: ENG 100, ICS 101 or BUSN 150, and MATH 103 (all with a grade C or better).

Full-time lower division students would take courses in this sequence:

*Note: Students completing these 62-63 credits are encouraged to apply for the AAS in Business Careers Option III, after also completing BUS 120

Full-time upper division students would take courses in this sequence:

1. Pre-ABIT: 9 credits
Completion of pre-ABIT courses as outlined in (a) above.

2. Business Core: 39 credits
ACC 201, 202, 300; BLAW 200; BUS 310, 311, 318, 320; ECON 130, 131; MGT 310; and MKT 300, 400.

3. Information Technology Core: 25 credits
ICS 110, 111, 200, 319, 352, 360, 385, and 418.

4. General Education: 36 credits
COM 459; ENG 209, 316; Hawaiian Emphasis; HIST 152; HUM 400; MATH 115, 135, 203 or 205; PHIL 301 or 323; PSY100 or SOC 100; SP 251 or equivalent oral communication.

5. Required Coop Project: 3 credits
A 3-credit BUS 393v cooperative ed project is required.

6. Capstone Course: 6 credits
BUS 495 and 496 to be taken the last year with approval of the ABIT Committee.

7. Natural Science: 4 credits
Four credits including a lab.

8. Writing Intensive: 15 credits
Minimum of 15 credits of writing intensive courses at the 100-level or higher; at least 6 credits in 100-299 level courses; and at least 6 credits in 300-level or higher.

9. Minimum of 122 non-repeated qualifying credit hours: ABIT majors are required to earn a letter grade (e.g., A,B,C, etc.) in all upper division courses required for the ABIT program.

10. Grade Point Average:
At least a 2.0 UH Maui College cumulative GPA, as well as a 2.5 GPA in courses required for the ABIT major. Grade C or better is required in all upper division courses applied to the ABIT degree.

11. Graduation Requirement:
To be awarded the BAS degree, students must complete an Application for Graduation form obtained from Student Services. See Academic Calendar for deadline.

12. Residency Requirement:
A minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken at UH Maui College and a minimum of 8 upper division courses (24 credits) in Business or Information Technology including the Capstone course.