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Computer Information Technology: Networking, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

Northampton's Computer Information Technology program prepares you for employment upon graduation. The first year of the program is designed to provide a strong foundation in basic PC applications, operating systems and client-side scripting. You can then choose from several options for specialization, depending upon your area of interest.

The associate's degree in Computer Information Technology may be completed in two years of full-time study with day and evening classes, or in three or four years of part-time study. If you wish, you can also complete multiple specializations. For example a student can complete both the networking and security options. Doing so will add an additional one year of full time study. In this example, a student will finish with two associate's degrees. The program also offers a specialized diploma for those students who may already have college degrees but are now seeking to retrain for the Information Technology workforce.

Narrative

As with the other Computer Information Technology degrees at Northampton, the first year of this program is designed to provide a strong foundation in basic PC applications, operating systems, and considerable microcomputer experience. In the second year of the program, you will focus on networking courses that teach you to repair, maintain, and administer state-of-the-art network hardware and operating systems along with the applications utilized by these systems.

Upon completion of the Computer Information Technology Program-Networking Option, you will be prepared to gain employment as a PC and network systems technician, network technician, or network administrator. Graduates of the program will be prepared to pass the tests required to obtain the Cisco Certified Entry-Level Network Technician (CCENT), Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), Net+ Certification, the A+ PC Support Certification, Microsoft MCP and/or MCSA certification, and the Security+ certification.

Depending on your plans and available time, you can complete this program in two years of full-time study with day and evening classes, or in three years of part-time evening study.

Career Potential: PC Technician, Network Systems Technician, Network Administrator

Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Gain fundamental and comprehensive understanding of the current field of computing upon which future growth within the field can be realized.
  • Gain computer competencies necessary to compete in the business world.
  • Use critical thinking to evaluate computing problems and explore options for their solutions.
  • Use effective approaches for problem solving and data modeling.
  • Gain experience in solving problems related to business computing and implementing these solutions.
  • Develop awareness of the ethical concerns of computing professionals.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits
CISC100Computer Technology I

4 credits
CISC131Data Communications & LANs (CCENT1)

4 credits
CISC136PC Support and Troubleshooting

4 credits
CISC137Introduction to Networking Hardware

2 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:18

Second Semester

CISC105Desktop Operating Systems

4 credits
CISC267Routing & Switching Essentials CCENT2

4 credits
CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits
ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits
CISC254Server I

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:17

Third Semester

BUSA221GBusiness Communications

3 credits
CISC265Windows Server Administration

4 credits
CISC271Intermediate Routing & Switching , Interconnectivity, and Troubleshooting CCNA R&S

4 credits
MATH
Mathematics Elective (QL)++

3 credits
General Education Elective

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:17

Fourth Semester

CISC272Building Scalable Internetworks (CCNP-Route)

3 credits
CISC or ELEC
Elective +++

3/4 credits
General Education Elective

3 credits
General Education Elective

3 credits
Elective

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:15-16

Total Credit Hours: 67-68

CISC231, CISC267, CISC271,  CISC272: The Cisco Networking Academy Program courses must be taken in sequential order (as indicated).

++ Mathematics Elective options: MATH140, MATH145, MATH150, MATH160, MATH165, MATH175, MATH176, MATH180, MATH181, MATH202, MATH210, MATH211

+++ Any CISC or ELEC elective may be taken, but see an adviser for specific certification goals.

  • For the General Education Electives, students must take three courses from at least two of the following areas: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Society and Institutions over Time (SIT) or Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
  • One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
  • Completion of BUSA221G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.