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Computer Information Technology: Computer Security, 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.

Narrative

As with the other Computer Information Technology programs at Northampton, the first year of the program is designed to provide a strong foundation of basic PC applications, client operating systems, and the basics of computer networking. In the second year you will focus on the core of computer and network security. Topics include the Security+ and Server+ curriculum, Law and Ethics, and a course in which you will build a number of secure systems and have them tested by your peers.

Completion of the Computer Information Technology program - Security Option, prepares you for an entry-level position as an Information Assurance Specialist, Security Administrator, Security Technologist, or similar.

Career Potential: Information Assurance Specialist, Security Administrator, Security Technologist, or similar.

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

CISC100Computer Technology I

4 credits
CISC231Data Communication & LANs CCENT1

4 credits
CMTH102Speech Communication

3 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:14

Second Semester

CISC105Desktop Operating Systems

4 credits
CISC186Linux Administration

3 credits
ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits
MATH
Mathematics Elective (QL) +

3 credits
Social Science: Society and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT) ++

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Third Semester

BUSA221GBusiness Communications

3 credits
CISC180Intro to Network Security

4 credits
CISC205Introduction to Server Operating Systems

4 credits
Technical Elective +++

3/4 credits
Elective +++

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:17-18

Fourth Semester

CISC280Law & Ethics-Computer Security

3 credits
CISC282Measure/Counter-Measure

4 credits
CISC284Ethical Hacking

3 credits
Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior Elective (SSHB) ++

3 credits
Arts and Humanities Elective (AH) ++

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 63-64

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

++ One of the Arts and Humanities (AH) or Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB) or Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT) Electives must also be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).

+++ Technical Elective Options: recommend CISC267, but CISC115, CISC128, CISC136 or CISC254 can be selected.

  • Completion of BUSA221G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.