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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

COLS101College Success

1 credits
CISC100Computer Technology I

4 credits
CISC105Desktop Operating Systems

4 credits
CISC131Data Communications & LANs (CCENT1)

4 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Second Semester

CISC286Linux Administration

4 credits
CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits
MATH
Mathematics Elective (QL) +

3 credits
ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits
General Education Elective (SIT)

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:15

Third Semester

BUSA221GBusiness Communications

3 credits
CISC180Introduction to Network Security

4 credits
CISC205Introduction to Server Operating Systems

4 credits
Elective

3 credits
Technical Elective ++

3/4 credits
Total Credit Hours:17-18

Fourth Semester

CISC280Law & Ethics of Computer Security

3 credits
CISC282Measure/Counter-Measure

4 credits
CISC284Ethical Hacking

3 credits
General Education Elective (AH)

3 credits
General Education Elective (SSHB)

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 64-65

  • One course must be designated Diversity and GLobal Awareness (D).
  • The General Education Electives must be selected from the list of approved courses in each of the categories: Arts and Humanities (AH), Social Science: Society and Institutions over Time (SIT), and Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
  • Completion of BUSA221G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.

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

++ Technical Elective Options: CISC115, CISC128, CISC136, CISC254, CISC267. CISC267 is recommended.