Mar 28, 2024  
Fall 2014 Catalog 
    
Fall 2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Information Technology, A.A.S.


Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5101
Curriculum Code: 1492
Campus Location: North, South, Distance
Business & Public Service Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: 3 years Math, Math I, Math II, Math III
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Industrial and Business Firms, or transfer to Bachelor’s Degree Program

Program Description

Computers are an integral part of everyday life at home, business and school. Our information society is in constant demand of individuals who can meet the needs of users within an organization through the selection, creation, application, integration and administration of computing technologies. The Information Technology Associate in Applied Science degree provides students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s digital world.

During the first year of study, Information Technology Program students will acquire a broad business and real world perspective of information technology, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, knowledge of data design and data management principles and knowledge of basic programming and computer logic principles. These skills will provide students with the foundation needed to advance to their second year of study. In the second year of the program, students will choose one of the following eight areas to specialize*:

* Not all courses available at all campuses. Check with your adviser to ensure course availability.

Graduates of the Information Technology A.A.S. Program can gain employment in technical support, programming, networking, systems analysis and design, information security, geographic information systems, business analysis and other computer related fields. Those graduates seeking additional education may continue their computer education at four-year institutions in programs such as computer science, management information systems, computer information systems, business administration and telecommunications technology.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Information Technology, the graduate will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of a broad business and real world perspective of information technology;
  • demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills;
  • demonstrate knowledge of data design and data management principles;
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic programming principles;
  • demonstrate knowledge of systems development and how it relates to industry;
  • demonstrate the ability to apply analytical and logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information, designing and testing solutions to problems and formulating plans;
  • demonstrate the ability to visualize and articulate complex problems and concepts;
  • demonstrate the ability to gather, analyze and organize data using a logical and systematic process;
  • demonstrate the ability to select, implement and evaluate appropriate problem solving techniques and tools;
  • demonstrate the ability to effectively adapt problem solving techniques to specific situations;
  • demonstrate the ability to apply statistical methods to analyze and resolve business and technical problems;
  • use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies;
  • analyze, identify and define the requirements that must be satisfied to address problems or opportunities faced by organizations or individuals;
  • design effective and usable IT-based solutions and integrate those components into the user environment;
  • identify and evaluate current and emerging technologies and assess their applicability to address the users’ needs;
  • analyze the impact of technology on individuals, organizations and society, including ethical, legal and policy issues;
  • demonstrate an understanding of best practices, standards and their application;
  • demonstrate independent critical thinking and problem solving skills;
  • communicate effectively and efficiently with clients, users and peers both verbally and in writing, using appropriate terminology;
  • demonstrate the ability to present and discuss how computer systems impact the operation and management of business and society;
  • demonstrate the ability to discuss the impact of information technology on society and the workplace;
  • demonstrate the ability to define and use the basic terminology of relational databases; and 
  • demonstrate the ability to use the tools and skills needed to create and utilize databases.

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 60.0 – 67.0

First Year, Fall Semester


First Year, Spring Semester


Second Year, Fall Semester


  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Concentration Course(s) Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Concentration Course(s) Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Information Technology Elective Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 3

Second Year, Spring Semester


  • Concentration Course(s) Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Concentration Course(s) Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Information Technology Elective Credit Hours: 3-4
  • Liberal Arts Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 3

Note:


This is a recommended sequence. Student should consult his/her academic adviser prior to registering.

Information Technology Electives:


 
Any DA (Information Technology) course not included as part of your concentration.  Other courses must be approved by your Academic Adviser.

Information Technology Approved Math Electives:


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Concentration:


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Concentration Competencies:


  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the geospatial terms and concepts that are necessary for the appropriate use of GIS
  • Demonstrate expertise in the use of geospatial software and technology, with experience in at least two major GIS software products such as ESRI ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine
  • Demonstrate knowledge of GIS data issues, including, database creation (through digitizing and on-screen drawing), editing, design, management and data conversion for use in GIS software

In addition, select one to two from the following:


Note:


A GIS Certificate is also available.

Information Systems Security (ISS) Concentration:


Information Systems Security (ISS) Concentration Competencies:


  • Demonstrate an understanding of key terms and critical concepts of information security, and the duties and responsibilities within an information technology department
  • Demonstrate expertise in the use of various information security software

In addition, select one from the following:


Note:


An ISS Certificate is also available.

Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration:


Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration Competencies:


  • Demonstrate knowledge of analytical and practical frameworks and methodologies necessary to analyze, design, implement and manage complex information systems in contemporary organizational structures

Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration Courses:


In addition, select two from the following:


Oracle Academy Database Concentration


Oracle Academy Database Concentration Competencies


  • Demonstrate ability to analyze business scenarios and create a conceptual representation of an
    organization’s information using an entity relationship diagram (ERD).
  • Demonstrate ability to implement those designs using Structured Query Language and PL/SQL – Oracle’s proprietary programming language to build database applications.

 

Oracle Academy Database Concentration Courses


In addition, select one of the following:


Note:


At the completion of DA160 and DA161 students will be prepared for the first part of the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) exam or can take the Oracle Database SQL Expert certification exam.  At the completion of DA262 and DA263 students can take the second and final exam for Oracle Certified Associate.

Networking Concentration:


Networking Concentration Competencies:


  • Demonstrate proficiency in the installation of telecommunication end-user equipment; switching and transmission equipment
  • Demonstrate expertise in the use of various topologies, transmission media, network interfaces and shared resources to interconnect LANs

Networking Concentration Courses:


Or students may elect to take the following:


In addition, select one from the following:


Programming Concentration:


Programming Concentration Competencies:


  • Demonstrate expertise in multiple programming languages
  • Demonstrate expertise in the use of the IBM AS/400 midrange computer for programming

Programming Concentration Courses:


Web Development Concentration:


Web Development Concentration Competencies:


  • Write, execute and debug programs in high-level languages, specifically designed for the Web

Web Development Concentration Courses:


In addition, select one from the following:


Web Page Design Concentration:


Web Page Design Concentration Competencies:


  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of multimedia authoring and development to incorporate sound, still and moving images for use with Web pages, multimedia CD ROMs, etc.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of Web design and the Internet competencies including the rules and regulations of the World Wide Web
  • Create an interactive Web site utilizing current Web editing software

Web Page Design Concentration Courses:


In addition, select three from the following:


Note:


A Web Page Design Certificate is available. Students should consult his/her academic adviser for designated sequencing of required courses. Students may elect to transfer credits from the degree program to the one-year Web Page Design Certificate program to supplement their degree with a certificate through additional study.