Information Technology, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5101
Curriculum Code: 1492.INT
Engineering and Technologies Division

Career Opportunities/Further Education:  Various industries or transfer to Bachelor’s Degree Program

• Program Description
• Program Competencies
• Curriculum

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 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 five areas to specialize:

• Cyber Security (Distance)
• Management Information Systems [MIS]
• Networking (Distance)
• Oracle Academy Database
• Programming

* 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, 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:

1. apply analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills as they relate to information technology;
2. explain and discuss the impact of a broad business and real world perspective of information technology, both in the workplace and society;
3. apply data design and data management principles to businesses’ informational needs;
4. demonstrate knowledge of basic programming principles;
5. apply systems development life-cycle methodologies to Information Technology project management tasks;
6. illustrate an understanding of computer hardware and software; networking; security; data; e-commerce; management information systems; and legal, ethical and policy issues;
7. design effective and usable IT-based solutions and integrate those components into the user environment;
8. identify and evaluate current and emerging technologies and assess their applicability to address the users’ needs; and
9. communicate effectively and efficiently with clients, users and peers both verbally and in writing, using appropriate terminology.

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 60-68