Information Technology

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The IT program offers students several options.  The AAS is a single degree program with two options: Computer Programming and Network Systems Administration.   In addition, the program offers several certificates.

The IT AAS with an emphasis in Computer Programming prepares students for careers or further study in industry-specific programming. A computer programmer will analyze, design, develop, test, implement, and maintain computer applications to meet business needs. It is the job of the computer programmer to design and update the software that runs on the computer. A programmer codes the changes and then tests and debugs the software. This degree option focuses on the development of problem-solving skills that are essential to understanding computer systems and finding solutions to challenges and skills that are in demand in a variety of industries, from private corporations to government agencies and more. Throughout the computer programming degree curriculum, students will be taught several programming languages, database design, and web development. 

The Network Systems Administration A.A.S degree option provides students with a foundation of classroom education and hands-on experience with network systems commonly found in business environments. A graduate of the program will be able to install, configure, secure, administer, and troubleshoot network systems. Other areas of focus include user management, shared resources, and network components, such as switches and routers that make up today’s voice and data networks. Industry certification is strongly encouraged to assist with employment.  

Individuals who complete the A+/Network+ Technician Certificate will use their skills to support basic network operations and troubleshoot network systems. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the tests for the vendor-neutral CompTIA A+, Network+, and iNet+ certifications and are positioned to prepare for more intensive training and certification. Credits earned in this program can be applied to the IT Support Specialist Certificate or IT Network Systems Management Emphasis AAS degree. 

The Computer Programming Certificate is designed to enable working professionals to upgrade their programming skills or make a career change. Recipients of this certificate will develop the critical thinking skills integral to computer programming including problem analysis, solutions design, and program testing in various programming languages. Throughout the computer programming certificate program, students will be taught several programming languages, SQL for databases, and HTML for web design. 

The Database Management Certificate (Oracle) prepares students to work with businesses to design, implement, and administer databases. Students will be exposed to a variety of database development, programming, and query techniques. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the tests for the Oracle Database SQL Fundamentals and the Oracle Database Administration I industry certifications and are positioned to prepare for more intensive training and certification. 

The IT Support Specialist Certificate prepares students for the information technology (IT) field, especially related to IT support specialist and helpdesk entry positions. Students will monitor, secure, and administer network resources, as well as demonstrate technical skills and ability in analyzing, assessing, diagnosing, and troubleshooting hardware, software, network, and other desktop issues. IT Support Specialists work in many different industries, including IT, education, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. Additionally, students may apply this certificate as a step toward the IT Network Systems Management Emphasis AAS degree. 

The Networking Certificate Cisco (CCNA) prepares students to take the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam, which leads to CCNA certification. Four modules cover networking fundamentals, routing protocols and concepts, LAN switching and wireless, and accessing the WAN. Students will learn basic network configuration, operations of LANs and WANs, IP addressing, routing and switching configuration, network security configuration and Cisco’s Command Line Interface (CLI). 

The four modules are sequential and each must be completed successfully in order to transfer to the next module. The Networking Academy provides web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on lab, support, and preparation for CCNA certification.

Credits earned in this program can be applied to the IT Support Specialist Certificate or the IT Network Systems Management Emphasis AAS degree. 

In addition to the above, students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution and major in Computer Science are provided a Computer Science Transfer Guide. 

The course sequences shown in the programs of study below should be followed when possible.

Programs

• Computer Science Transfer Guide

• Information Technology Computer Programming, A.A.S.
• Information Technology Network Systems Administration, A.A.S.

• A+/Network+ Technician Certificate
• Computer Programming Certificate
• Database Management Certificate (Oracle)
• IT Support Specialist Certificate
• Networking Certificate Cisco (CCNA)
• Programming Certificate

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