Information Systems Technology Curriculum Guide and Course Descriptions

Students will receive hands-on experience in learning Microsoft, Cisco, Information Systems Security, PC Repair, and Linux administration standards and practices.  Instruction will help prepare students to pass industry certifications in conjunction with these vendors.  Students will also experience a real-world networking environment in which to develop their skills necessary for dealing with customers and customer information technology issues in a business situation.

Recommended Courses

Recommended course of study prepares the student for certification in:

• CompTIA A+ Certification
• CompTIA Security+ Certification
• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
• CompTIA Linux+ Certification
• Cisco Certified Network Associate

To complete an associate degree the program emphasis credit hours and the general education credit hours, which must be taken from the list approved by the General Education Committee, must total at least 64 credit hours.  Certain general education courses are preferred for different programs.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree.  In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.  Certain courses within this degree may or may not transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above. There is a minimum cumulative general education requirement of 18 semester hours.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

Description of Courses

CONT-210.  Networking Applications.  Up to 4 Hours (0-196 Contact Hours).  This course provides students with hands-on experience to troubleshoot, repair, and install computer networks.  Students learn basic networking concepts and terminology, as well as troubleshooting techniques. 

NETW-110.  Network Desktop Support.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  This course provides the student with a broad base of knowledge and competency in technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking of desktop personal computers. 

NETW-115.  Desktop Operating Systems.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  Students will learn a broad base of techniques and methods in configuring and troubleshooting desktop personal computer operating systems.  Emphasis is placed on fluency of Microsoft products utilized in the majority of business and personal computing situations within the marketplace. Prerequisite:  Network Desktop Support. 

NETW-125.  Server Administration I.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  Students prepare for the Microsoft Server Environment certification exam.  Students will learn the basics of server setup, installation, and purposing in an information technology environment.  The course will also include troubleshooting various server related issues.  Prerequisite:  Desktop Operating Systems. 

NETW-130.  Server Administration II.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  This course will prepare the student for the Microsoft Server Network Infrastructure examination.  Students will learn how to integrate network administration in medium and large scale implementations across multiple locations.  Emphasis is given in DNS configuration and Active Directory setup and administration.  Prerequisite:  Server Administration I. 

NETW-175 Linux (Unix) Administration.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  This course provides a student with the basic skills to plan, install, and perform day-to-day administration on heterogeneous networking environments.  Administration of Microsoft, Novell, Linux, UNIX, and other vendor solutions may be addressed.  Topics covered include planning, installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting a Linux/Unix system.  Prerequisite:  Microsoft Certification or permission of instructor.

NETW-207.  On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent).  Up to 4 Hours (0-195 Contact Hours).  Students demonstrating excellent attendance, attitude and mastery of core curriculum competencies may be considered for on-the-job training experience.  Through the cooperation of local businesses, students are given the opportunity to apply the skills required for their future career.  Class attendance is also required. 

NETW-220.  Systems Administration I.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  This course covers introduction into overall information systems integration and implementation.  Students will learn the proper techniques of purchasing IT resources, implementation and installation in a variety of Information Technology scenarios.  Prerequisite:  Server Administration II. 

NETW-225.  Systems Administration II.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  This course provides a continued in-depth look at administration of systems running multiple operating systems as well as integration into intranet, internet, and extranet applications providing resources to all aspects of the information technology business model.  Prerequisite:  Systems Administration I. 

NETW-230.  Network Administration I.  6 Hours (162 Contact Hours).  This course prepares the student with the basic knowledge of network topology and design.  Course covers topics of network architecture, physical and logical design specifications and criteria as well as a historical view of network evolvement over the past 15 years. 

NETW-235.  Network Administration II.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  This course provides more in-depth knowledge of network design and implementation.  Students will learn from hands-on approach to network design utilizing industry standard CISCO equipment.  In conjunction with assigned bookwork, students will participate in lab exercises as well as real-world experience in network trouble-shooting and installation.  Prerequisite:  Network Administration I. 

NETW-250.  Security+ Certification.  6 Hours (163 Contact Hours).  Those holding the Security+ certification have demonstrated the aptitude and ability to master such knowledge areas as:  general security concepts, communications security, infrastructure security, basics of cryptography and operational/organizational security.

NETW-290.  Advanced Networking I.  6 Hours (180 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course that allows the student to continue on after completing the Information Systems Technology program and work on completing their Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer requirements.  Prerequisite:  Information Systems Technology program.