Tech Academy

Competition is fierce amongst IT candidates and Youngstown State University is focusing on homegrown talent. The YSU Information Technology major produces highly intelligent, skillful graduates ready to excel in the IT field.

The IT TECH Academy will further enhance career-readiness by giving students the opportunity to engage in high impact practical experience and application of what they are learning in the classroom. During the 4 years students will work and gain experience in the following areas:

YSU IT Application Services staff is responsible for creating and implementing the applications that serve the university core business. The right applications allow us to be innovative, more productive and competitive with other universities. The expertise necessary to create and implement applications requires a department to employ programmers, business analysts, database administrators, quality assurance testers, and other professionals. These employees eventually gain extensive business knowledge and become valuable to other departments outside IT.

YSU IT Customer Services provides support for all campus personnel: Faculty, Staff and Students. This might entail installing new software or hardware, training on technical issues and troubleshooting problems with an individual's computer. Both, lead and participate in contract negotiations with vendors for acquisition, ongoing maintenance and/or services related to server and network hardware, software, and third-party services to most efficiently meet the needs of YSU end-users including all students, faculty, and staff.

IT Service Desk: The YSU IT Service Desk serves as initial contact for over 15,000 students, faculty and staff, providing first level technical support for PCs (both Windows and Mac based systems), software, printers, smart phones and tablets. We assist with installing academic software, configuring devices to connect to the YSU network as well as resolving technology-related questions and problems to remove obstacles that impede academic progress on a first contact basis.

IT Campus Technology Support (CTS): The YSU, IT CTS staff implements and supports academic/administrative technologies (computing and audio visual software, systems, services and environments) on site and remotely. Specifically, supports Classroom Technology, Webex Classrooms, and Loaner Equipment

YSU’s CyberLearning staff supports a variety of accredited degree programs for both bachelor's and master's students in fully online, convenient formats. This department supports both students and faculty Our goal for online learner is to support and assist, in order to attain gainful employment. Our goal for faculty is to support and assist in the creation, delivery, training, and student support as relates to teaching online learners.

YSU IT Security staff educates campus to appropriately manage risks. The staff monitor YSU’s computer network for security risks and take appropriate steps to remediate these risks. They ensure security measures are in place, and software is monitored to protect systems and infrastructure, this includes firewalls and data encryption programs.

YSU IT Infrastructure Services is comprised of three teams, Systems Services, Network Services, and Endpoint Solutions. All are responsible for providing reliable and secure connectivity and computing to most efficiently neet the needs of YSU end-users including all students, faculty, and staff.

IT Systems Services staff are responsible for engineering, administration, and maintenance of YSU physical, virtual, and cloud-based servers, storage arrays, applications, backups, and data center components such as uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) and specific cooling requirements. Additionally, they provide administration and support of many campus-wide services such as e-mail through Microsoft Office 365.

IT Network Services staff are responsible for engineering, administration, and maintenance of YSU fiber-optic network, Ethernet network cabling, VLANs, firewalls, routing, switching, VOIP, and Wi-Fi coverage. They also provide advanced, proactive monitoring of network connectivity and throughout to ensure stable operating environment.

IT Endpoint Solutions staff are responsible for the deployment, configuration, maintenance, and support of all end-user computing devices across campus, including desktops, laptops, computer labs, and classroom technology. They ensure that students, faculty, and staff have reliable access to this equipment supporting teaching, learning, and administrative tasks. This team also manages device lifecycle processes, software installations, imaging, and troubleshooting.

IT Project Management Office and Training Services: The IT Project Management and Training Department serves as a strategic enabler for the University's information technology initiatives, fostering excellence through structured project delivery and comprehensive technology education. We bridge the gap between technical innovation and practical implementation, ensuring that the University's IT investments deliver maximum value to our faculty, staff, and students

Effective project managers and trainers should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, adept at listening, questioning, explaining and giving feedback regarding implementation and adoption of technology. They need to be organized and prepared for the unexpected with knowledge of system functions and business needs and able to adapt.

Students will complete a series of career goals each semester and in the third and fourth years of the academy work with a senior staff mentor in their chosen specialty.

Applications accepted from Undergaduate students:

  • Incoming Freshman (apply during their senior year of high school)
  • First-year students (apply prior to the start of each semester)
  • Transfer students (restrictions apply, must be a freshman or sophomore)

Thanks for your interest in the TECH Academy.   

TECH Academy candidates must want to pursue a career in Information Technology, regardless of major.  They must also have one or two semesters of experience working at YSU IT Service Desk prior to expressing entrance in the TECH Academy.

For additional details please download the Tech Academy Brochure*