Computer and Information Technologies - CIT (Available Fall 2012)

CERTIFICATES:

A+ (4 credit hours)

Net+ (4 credit hours)

Security+ (3 credit hours)

Computer Tech Basic (11 credit hours)

Computer Technician (14 credit hours)

Cisco Networking Associate (16 credit hours)

Information Security Specialist (19 credit hours)

Microsoft Network Administrator (19 credit hours)

Cisco Networking Enhanced (24-25 credit hours)

CIT Fundamentals (26 credit hours)

Programming (12 credit hours)

Web Programming (24 credit hours)

Web Administration (27 credit hours)

AAS DEGREE:

Information Security Track (68 credit hours)

Internet Technologies Track - Web Administration (68 credit hours)

Internet Technologies Track - Web Programming (68 credit hours)

Network Administration Track - Cisco Network Associate - Discovery (64 credit hours)

Network Administration Track - Cisco Network Associate - Exploration (64 credit hours)

Network Administration Track - Microsoft Windows Administration (64 credit hours)

Programming Track - Information Systems (68 credit hours)

Programming Track - Software Development (68 credit hours)

Program Advisor

Pam Bridgman, Program Coordinator    
(606) 416-3359
pam.bridgman@kctcs.edu 

Program Details

This program includes tracks in Internet Technologies, Network Administration, and Programming with a core of courses common to all. The core includes a general education component essential to a collegiate education and a technical component giving students an introduction to information systems, computer applications, program development, system maintenance, networking, security, Internet technologies, database design, and collaborative system development. In addition to core courses, students take specialty courses for their selected track.

2+2 Transfer Agreements

Western Kentucky University Computer & Information Technologies 2+2 Option

Murray State University Telecommunications Systems Management 2+2 Option

WKU KCTCS Transfer Scholarship

http://wku.edu/scholarship/transfer.php

Labor Market Information

An Examination of the Information Technology Job Market
Kentucky Occupational Outlook to 2020
2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook
Top Titles (pdf)
Occupations that require less than a bachelor's (pdf)
Skills in greatest demand (pdf)
Certifications in greatest demand (pdf)
Five Jobs with Biggest Pay Hikes
More employment projections and salaries statistics

Tracks

The Information Security track will provide a solid background in information security. Fundamentals of information security, offensive and defensive techniques, and security topics such as operating system security, network security design, or other security topics are covered. This track will help prepare students for entry-level positions of network security, auditing and penetration testing, firewall configuration, and computer crime investigation.

The Internet Technologies track prepares students to design, program, and maintain Internet-based services. With specializations in web programming and web server administration, this track will help prepare students for positions developing and maintaining interactive web sites.

The Network Administration track provides the concepts and skills needed to design, set-up, maintain, and expand network and telecommunications systems. The curriculum provides specific training in Cisco and/or Microsoft network systems. Upon completion of the track, the graduate will be qualified to take industry designed and recognized certification examinations. Employment opportunities include entry-level positions in installation and administration of local and wide area networks in medium to large businesses and organization and computer network administration positions in small businesses.

The Programming track prepares students to design, develop, and maintain computer programs written in current and emerging programming languages. With tracks in Information Systems and Software Development, students successfully completing this track are prepared for entry-level positions in computer programming.

Information Systems – This track is designed with an emphasis on programming for a business environment. Students completing the Information Systems track study basic business concepts, one programming language at an advanced level, and two programming languages at an introductory level.

Software Development – This track emphasizes computer software development. Students completing the Software Development track study a minimum of two computer programming languages at an advanced level and additional programming language(s) at an introductory level.

Flexibility within this track allows students to focus on a specific area of software development by means of the programming languages they choose to study (object-oriented programming, database programming, game development, etc.)

Students graduating with a degree or certificate in Computer & Information Technologies may only use a course with a grade of “C” or higher (or a “Pass” for Pass/Fail courses) to fulfill a core or option graduation requirement.

The Computer & Information Technologies department does not accept non-Gen Ed courses older than 5 years from returning or transfer students without consent from the local program coordinator. Students may not use one course to fulfill multiple requirements.

A+ Certificate
The A+ Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating basic competency in the area of computer hardware and software.  The certificate consists of one course that prepares students for the CompTIA A+ certification exams which are recognized by the computer industry around the world. It gives those who are unable, or do not need, to complete a degree a way of demonstrating their level of proficiency.

Net + Certificate
The Net+ Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating the fundamentals of computer networking.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively build and maintain computer networks.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their computer networking skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.  The   Net+ Certificate prepares students for the CompTia Net+ exam which is recognized by the computer industry around the world.

Security +Certificate
The Security+ Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating the fundamentals of information security.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively build and maintain information security systems.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their computer networking skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.  The   Security+ Certificate prepares students for the CompTia Security+ exam which is recognized by the computer industry around the world.

Computer Tech Basic Certificate
The Computer Tech Basic Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating basic competency in the area of computer information technology. The certificate consists of a natural progression of classes that are required for the Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer & Information Technologies. It gives those who are unable, or do not need, to complete a degree a way of demonstrating their level of computer proficiency. The Computer Tech Basic Certificate prepares students for the CompTIA A+ and Net+ certification exams which are recognized by the computer industry around the world.
 
Computer Technician Certificate
The Computer Technician Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating computer technician competencies.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to achieve the industry A+ and Security+ certifications.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their technician skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.

CISCO Networking Associate Certificate
The CISCO Networking Associate Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating the fundamentals of computer networking.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively build and maintain computer networks.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their computer networking skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.  The CISCO Networking Associate Certificate prepares students for the CCNA exam which is recognized by the computer industry around the world.

Information Security Specialist Certificate
The Information Security Specialist Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating the fundamentals of information security.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively build and maintain information security systems.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their information security skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.

Microsoft Network Administrator Certificate
The Microsoft Network Administrator Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating the fundamentals of computer networking.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively build and maintain computer networks.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their computer networking skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.

CISCO Networking Enhanced Certificate
The CISCO Networking Enhanced Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating the fundamentals of computer networking.  This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively build and maintain computer networks.  In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their computer networking skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.  The CISCO Networking Associate Certificate prepares students for the CCNA and Net+ exams which are recognized by the computer industry around the world.

CIT Fundamentals Certificate
The CIT Fundamentals Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating basic competency in the area of computers. The certificate consists of a natural progression of classes that are required for the Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer & Information Technologies. It gives those who are unable, or do not need, to complete a degree a way of demonstrating their level of computer proficiency.

Programming Certificate
The Software Developer Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating programming competencies. This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively develop programs using multiple computer languages. In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their programming skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.

Web Programming Certificate
The Web Programming Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating web programming competencies. This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively develop websites using web programming. In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their web programming skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.

Web Administration Certificate
The Web Administration Certificate offers students the opportunity to earn a credential demonstrating web administration competencies. This certificate consists of the core skills that students need to effectively maintain web sites through network and web server administration. In addition, this certificate will provide a way for professionals currently in the industry to update their web administration skills and for new students to show progress in the CIT program.

Download the Program Overview (pdf).
To find out how to apply, see the Admissions Checklist.