ITT Technical Institute is a network of private post-secondary colleges that provide a wide range of programs for students interested in pursuing a career in technology. ITT Educational Services, the parent company of the ITT system, has been based in Carmel, Indiana, since 1969. There are more than 100 ITT Technical Institutes across the United States, and some of them have off-campus learning sites where students can take classes in a more convenient location.
ITT Technical Institute was founded as a trade school, but in order to improve its public image, it began offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of fields. In an effort to fill an employee gap in the information technology industry, it began heavily marketing its information technology program in 2000 and expanded its school system to more than 100 schools.
ITT Technical Institute is divided into six schools, each of which offers classes leading to a degree. The School of Criminal Justice, the School of Information Technology, the School of Health Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Electronic Technology, and the School of Drafting and Design all have classes available. In addition, ITT’s original Indiana location offers online degree programs in a variety of fields geared toward working students.
ITT Technical Institute’s programs all strive to combine traditional degree programs with real-world experience, also known as applied learning. This method encourages practical research in a lab setting for a more hands-on experience. Local businesses are invited to participate in ITT Technical Institute’s processes serving on advisory committees. The committees are in charge of evaluating and updating lab equipment, curricula, and design.
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has granted ITT Technical Institute accreditation (ACICS). National accreditation is more common in technical and career schools, where the teaching style and type of information taught differs significantly from that of “traditional” colleges and universities. However, because ITT is a nationally accredited institution, some students who start at ITT and later decide to transfer to a regionally accredited institution may not be able to transfer any credits earned at ITT. The school has also made an effort to obtain regional accreditation.