Computer Information Technology – Network Administration and Security Track (AAS)

Program Description

This degree is offered at the Quad Cities Campus.

The Computer Information Technology Associate in Applied Science degree is a multi-disciplinary degree designed to produce graduates with the knowledge necessary to work in today’s information technology environment.

All students will study a variety of introductory courses consisting of HTML, networking, Windows and Linux operating systems, security, hardware, programming logic and Microsoft Project. With this strong foundation, students can go into depth by selecting a track for specialization. Tracks include IT Support Technician, Network Administration and Secure Software Development. This degree is designed so that an individual may complete one of the related certificate programs (IT Support Technician Certificate and Network Administrator Certificate), and then complete the Computer Information Technology Associate’s degree.

Individuals may also enroll directly in the Computer Information Technology program without any prior coursework. The two-year course of study culminates in the internship which provides valuable on-the-job experience. Many of the courses prepare students for industry-related certifications including CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ and Security+ certifications, Microsoft’s MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) and MTS certification, Cisco’s CCNA and CCENT certification.

IT Support Technician work involves installing, configuring, repairing, and managing computer hardware and software. Network Administration work manages the back-office by building and configuring networks, installing and configuring servers and workstations, troubleshooting hardware, network, and related problems including routers and switches. The Secure Software Development track will prepare students for employment in secure software development by educating them in the fundamental concepts of computer programming, software assurance and database development.

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Suggested Courses

Course (Credit Hours):

First Semester

CIP 170 Web Page Development (3)
CIP 190 Team MS Office/Support or (3)
CS 100  Intro to Computers
CS 105 Computer Science Principles (3)
ITS 116 Computer Hardware (3)
ITS 125 IT Professional Skills (1)
NETW 125 Introduction to Networks (4)

Second Semester

ITS 112 Operating Systems (3)
NETW 145 Switching, Routing, & Wireless (4)
NETW 170 Intro to Information Security (3)
NETW 215 Windows Server (3)
SPEC 101 Principles of Speech Communication or
SPEC 111 Business and Professional Comm (3)

Summer Semester

General education course in Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, or Non-Western Studies category (3)

Third Semester

ENG 101 Composition I or (3)
ENG 101C  Composition I or
COMM 100 Communication Skills or
COMM 105 Essentials of English

NETW 167 PowerShell (3)
NETW 265 Enterprise Net.Sec./Automation (4)
I Technical Elective (3)
NETW 255 Advanced Networking/N+ Prep (3)

Fourth Semester

NETW 274 Ethical Hacking/Security+ Prep (3)
NETW 280 Cisco CCNA Security (3)
NETW 290 Internship (3)
2Technical Elective (3)

Minimum total hours required for degree 64

1,2Suggested Technical Electives (6 credits)
NETW 210 Windows Workstation (3)
ITS 216 Advanced PC Hardware/A+ Prep (3)
ITS 218 Computer Troubleshooting (3)
Any CIP or CS class (except CS 100)

Minimum total hours required for degree: 64