Information Technology Professional Degree (ITP3)  Degree


Program Description:

The IT Professional Associate degree will emphasize specialized training in home and corporate networking; computer maintenance; operating system installation, maintenance and troubleshooting; information security; computer programming; and web site design. These skills represent the subset of knowledge expected from graduates in the MGTC service area. The program graduate receives an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is employable as an information technology specialist, help desk support specialist, network installation specialist, PC repair technician, or network administrator.

Click here to download the Information Technology Professional Degree Student Track for success.

Entrance date: Each semester

Program admission requirements:

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION– Reading 236 ACCUPLACER- Sentence Skills 70
Writing 249 Reading Comprehension 64
Quantitative Reasoning 245 Algebra 57

High School diploma or equivalent required for admission.

Credits required for graduation: 65

Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.

General Education Core Courses 15 credits
Area I - Language Arts/Communications
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts
Program-Specific Gen. Ed. Course Requirements (3)
Occupational Courses 50 credits
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

3
CIST 1001

Provides an overview of information systems, computers and technology. Topics include: Information Systems and Technology Terminology, Computer History, Data Representation, Data Storage Concepts, Fundamentals of Information Processing, Fundamentals of Information Security, Information Technology Ethics, Fundamentals of Hardware Operation, Fundamentals of Networking, Fundamentals of the Internet, Fundamentals of Software Design Concepts, Fundamentals of Software, (System and Application), System Development Methodology, Computer Number Systems conversion (Binary and Hexadecimal), Mobile computing.

4
CIST 1130
Prerequisite: CIST 1001

Provides an overview of modern operating systems and their use in home and small business environments. Activities will utilize the graphical user interface (GUI) and command line environment (CLI) This will include operating system fundamentals; installing, configuring, and upgrading operating systems; managing storage, file systems, hardware and system resources; troubleshooting, diagnostics, and maintenance of operating systems; and networking.

3
CIST 1305

An introductory course that provides problem solving and programming concepts for those that develop user applications. An emphasis is placed on developing logic, troubleshooting, and using tools to develop solutions. Topics include: problem solving and programming concepts, structured programming, the four logic structures, file processing concepts, and arrays.

3
CIST 1122
Prerequisite: CIST 1130

This course serves to provide students with the knowledge of the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security along with the skills required to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components with an introduction to the fundamentals of installing and maintaining computers. Students will develop the skills to identify the basic functionality of the operating system, perform basic troubleshooting techniques, utilize proper safety procedures, and effectively interact with customers and peers. This course is designed to help prepare students for the CompTIA A+ certification examination.

4
CIST 2411
Prerequisite: CIST 1401

Provides the ability to implement, administrator, and troubleshoot Windows Professional Client as a desktop operating system in any network environment.

4
CIST 1601
Prerequisites: CIST 1401, CIST 1130

This course provides a broad overview of information security. It covers terminology, history, security systems development and implementation. Student will also cover the legal, ethical, and professional issues in information security.

3
CIST 2413

Provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, manage, support and administer Microsoft Directory Services.

4
CIST 2451

This course provides students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging network technology. Topics include basics network concepts, basic network device configuration, network protocols and models, network access, Ethernet and access control, end to end communications, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting, fundamental application services, security, and network performance.

4
CIST 2452
Prerequisite: CIST 2451

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. Topics include switched networks, routing concepts, routing in a switched network, static and dynamic routing, Single-Area OSPF, Access Control Lists, and IP Services (DHCP and NAT).

4
Select one of the following CIST Programming Elective courses for a minimum of 4 credit hours 4
CIST 2361
Prerequisite: CIST 1305

Provides opportunity to gain a working knowledge of ''C++'' programming. Includes creating, editing, executing, and debugging ''C++'' programs of moderate difficulty. Topics include: basic ''C++'' concepts, simple I/O and expressions, I/O and control statements, arrays, pointers, structures, managing data and developing programs.

4
CIST 2371
Prerequisite: CIST 1305

This course is designed to teach the basic concepts and methods of objected-oriented design and Java programming. Use practical problems to illustrate Java application building techniques and concepts. Develop an understanding of Java vocabulary. Create an understanding of where Java fits in the application development landscape. Create an understanding of the Java Development Kit and how to develop, debug, and run Java applications using the JDK. Continue to develop student's programming logic skills. Topics include: JAVA Language History, JAVA Variable Definitions, JAVA Control Structures, JAVA Methods, JAVA Classes, JAVA Objects, and JAVA Graphics.

4
Select from the following courses for a minimum of 10 credit hours 10
CIST 1220
Prerequisites: COMP 1000, CIST 1001, CIST 1305

Includes basic database design concepts and solving database retrieval and modification problems using the SQL language. Topics include: database Vocabulary, Relational Database Design, Date retrieval using SQL, Data Modification using SQL, Developing and Using SQL Procedures.

4
CIST 2128
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

This course provides students with knowledge in spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet topics include creating and manipulating data, formatting data and content, creating and modifying formulas, presenting data visually, and collaborating on and securing data.

3
CIST 2412
Prerequisite: CIST 2413

Provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, manage, support and administer Windows Server. Topics include server deployment, server management, monitor and maintain servers, application and data provisioning, and business continuity and high availability.

4
CIST 2414
Prerequisite: CIST 1401

Provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, manage, support and administer a Microsoft network infrastructure.

4
CIST 2453
Prerequisite: CIST 2452

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in larger and more complex networks. Students learn how to configure routers and switches for advanced functionality. Students will configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, EIGRP, and STP in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Students will also learn how to implement a WLAN in a small-to-medium network.

4
CIST 2454
Prerequisite: CIST 2453

This course discusses the WAN technologies and network services required by converged applications in a complex network. Topics include introduction to WANs, private WAN technologies and protocols, Network Address Translation (NAT), public WAN technologies and protocols, network monitoring, and network troubleshooting.

4
CIST 1602

This course provides knowledge and experience to develop and maintain security policies and procedures. Students will explore the legal and ethical issues in information security and the various security layers: physical security, personnel security, operating systems, network, software, communication and database security. Students will develop an Information Security Policy and an Acceptable Use Policy.

3
CIST 2362
Prerequisite: CIST 2361

Develops skills for the programmer to write programs using the language of C++. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the added features of C++, which will be added to the skills mastered in Introduction to C++ Programming. Topics include: objects, classes, inheritance, overloading, polymorphism, streams, containers, and expectations.

4
CIST 2611
Prerequisites: CIST 1401, CIST 2451, CIST 1601

Students will learn how to plan, design, install and configure firewalls that will allow key services while maintaining security. This will include protecting the Internal IP services, configuring a firewall for remote access, managing a firewall, and detecting and preventing network intrusions.

4
CIST 2612
Prerequisites: CIST 1122, CIST 1601

This course examines the use of computers in the commission of crimes, collection, analysis and production of digital evidence. Students will use computer resources to explore basic computer forensic investigation techniques.

4
CIST 2613
Prerequisite: CIST 1601

This course teaches students the skills needed to obtain entry-level security specialist jobs. It provides a hands-on introduction to ethical hacking, and penetration testing. It is for individuals who want to enhance their information security skill set and help meet the growing demand for security professionals. Topics include network and computer attacks, footprinting and social engineering, port scanning, enumeration, OS vulnerabilities, hacking web servers, hacking wireless networks, cryptography and network protection systems.

4
CIST 2742

Provides a study of the Python programming language to solve applications. Topics include: basic coding rules, input/output operations, arithmetic operations, debugging techniques, lists and arrays, sorting, editing input, basic search techniques, game simulations, game design and object-oriented programming (OOP).

4
CIST 1401
Prerequisite: CIST 1001

Introduces networking technologies and prepares students to take the CompTIA's broad-based, vendor independent networking certification exam, Network +. This course covers a wide range of material about networking, including local area networks, wide area networks, protocols, topologies, transmission media, and security. Focuses on operating network management systems, and implementing the installation of networks. It reviews cabling, connection schemes, the fundamentals of the LAN and WAN technologies, TCP/IP configuration and troubleshooting, remote connectivity, and network maintenance and troubleshooting. Topics include: basic knowledge of networking technology, network media and topologies, network devices, network management, network tools and network security.

4
CIST 1510

Explores the concepts of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), XML, and HTML following the current standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for developing inter-linking web pages that include graphical elements, hyperlinks, tables, forms, and image maps.

3
Up one level
Programs of Study