Information Systems Technology

Specialization in Networking

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Program Coordinator:      Debbie Rasnick, LRC-711, Ext. 2503

Length:                             Four semesters (two years)

Purpose:  The Associate in Applied Science program is designed to provide a broad base of information systems and computer software experiences, which will prepare the graduate to enter the work force upon graduation.  With the rapid development of business and industrial applications of information systems, there is a growing demand of qualified personnel in this area.

Occupational Objectives:  

        Network Administrator

        Help Desk Technician

        Computer Support Specialist         

Admission Requirements:   In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking requires proficiency in high school English and mathematics.  Students who are not proficient in English and mathematics will be required to correct their deficiencies in developmental courses.  Keyboarding skills are highly recommended. Students may enroll in AST 114 or 101 to upgrade keyboarding skills.

Program Requirements:  The curriculum includes courses in information systems, operating systems, hardware, troubleshooting, server administration, help desk topics, productivity software, database management, accounting, business and related areas as well as general education.    Instruction covers both the theoretical concepts and practical application needed for future success in business and industry.  Courses in operating systems and PC hardware prepare students for A+ certification. Each student is urged to consult carefully with the division counselor and a faculty advisor.  Courses within this curriculum may be applied to a four-year college program at the discretion of the admitting institution.  Upon satisfactory completion of the four-semester curriculum listed, the graduate will be awarded the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking.

Notes on Transfer:  Associate in Applied Degree programs are designed primarily to provide occupational competence for employment. Upon the student's request, courses may be modified to provide possible transfer acceptability by four-year colleges and universities.  Transfer options are listed in the footnotes below.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY -

SPECIALIZATION IN NETWORKING

The above semester-by semester sequencing of courses may be modified when necessary.  Please refer to the Program Choices section of this Catalog for a discussion of factors, which affect planning and sequencing programs of study.

1.  Transfer mathematics can be substituted. For example, MTH 163 and 271 is recommended for information systems majors at Radford University. Students are urged to check the mathematics requirements of the four-year college to which they plan to transfer to determine the proper mathematics courses that should be taken at the community college. Placement is required for all mathematics courses.  

2.  Transfer students are required to complete six (6) credit hours of English Composition, ENG 111-112.

3.  Division approval for enrollment requires that students have satisfactorily completed MTH 141 or equivalent.  MTH 241 will substitute for BUS 221 for students interested in the transfer option.  Placement is required for MTH 241. 

4.  Students may substitute any HLT (Health) course for Physical Education requirement. Transfer students should note that four-year institutions may require a PED activity course in the general education core.

5.  ECO 201 or 202 may be taken to complete the economics requirement. Note that Economics 201 is Macroeconomics and 202 is Microeconomics.

6.  Approved IST electives for Networking Specialists are:  ITD 110 Web Page Design I, ITD 112 Designing Web Page Graphics, ITP 220 Java Programming II or ITN 260 Network Security or Co-op. The faculty reserve the right to add courses to this list as new technology becomes available.

7.   Cooperative Education – ITD 297, ITP 297 or ITN 297 may be taken after satisfactory completion of the second semester with Faculty Curriculum Advisor and Faculty Co-op Advisor approvals. Co-op experiences in web design, graphics, database, networking and/or programming are accepted work experiences. The non-paid Co-op Education option with nonprofit entities is available in this program of study.

 8.  Humanities electives include: ART 201, 202; foreign languages; literature; MUS 121, 122; PHI 101;   REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.

9.  Social Science electives include any course in economics, geography, history, political science/government, sociology, and/or psychology.