Information Technology - Computer Network Systems: Associate in Specialized Technology Degree
Harrisburg, PA Campus

Learn more about: Also available at
this campus:

Objectives

Information technology (IT) is a diverse area of study encompassing several computer-based system and application areas. The advancement of computers and communication technology continues to have profound impact on our lives. A need exists for technically competent individuals to provide appropriate computing solutions for users. The objective of the IT program is to provide a broad-based foundation in the area of IT and a concentration in computer network systems.

In addition to technical knowledge, it is important for IT workers to be able to communicate, handle multi-tasking situations and to assess user needs when developing computer-based solutions.

The Information Technology - Computer Network Systems program can help graduates prepare to perform tasks associated with installing, upgrading and maintaining computer network systems in typical LAN/WAN environments. This discipline explores a number of networking and internetworking technologies. Additional curriculum topics, investigated through classroom and laboratory experiences, include introductory computer programming, survey of operating systems, network design and implementation, network systems management and other related technical subjects. Information Technology - Computer Network Systems consists of a foundation core of computing and general education courses, followed by studies in computer network systems applications.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program may begin their careers in Information Technology - Computer Network Systems in a variety of entry-level positions in various fields involving information technology - computer network systems, such as computer network analyst, computer network technician, help desk analyst and WAN/LAN technician.

Graduates who have difficulty distinguishing colors may not be able to perform the essential functions of various positions involving information technology.

Admission Requirements

Refer to the Admission section of this catalog for information relating to Admission Requirements and Procedures for this program.

School Equipment

Students will have the opportunity to use the following school equipment as required throughout the program: computer systems, network hubs, patch panels, printers and other common computer peripherals. Refer to Student Equipment in the Online Course Information section of this catalog for information relating to the student equipment requirements for the distance education courses that are taught online over the Internet.

Class Size

Classes generally range in size from 15 to 40 students. Depending on the course subject matter, certain classes may contain a greater or lesser number of students.

Program Outline

Course Number	Course	Credit Hours
Total		96
Core Courses Subtotal 56 IT104P Introduction to Computer Programming 4 IT109P Microsoft Desktop Operating System 4 IT113P Structured Cabling 4 IT203P Database Development 4 IT220P Network Standards and Protocols 4 IT221P Microsoft Network Operating System I 4 IT222P Microsoft Network Operating System II 4 IT250P Linux Operating System 4 IT255P Introduction to Information Systems Security 4 IT260P Networking Application Services and Security 4 IT302P Linux System Administration 4 IT320P WAN Technology and Application 4 IT321P Network Technology and Service Integration 4 IT331P Network Development Capstone Project 4
General Education Courses Subtotal 28 GE117P Composition I+ 4 GE127P College Mathematics I+ 4 GE184P Problem Solving 4 GE192P College Mathematics II+ 4 GE217P Composition II+ 4 GE273P Microeconomics+ 4 GE347P Group Dynamics+ 4
Technical Basic Courses Subtotal 12 TB133P Strategies for the Technical Professional+ 4 TB143P Introduction to Personal Computers 4 TB332P Professional Procedures and Portfolio Development 4

+In this program, this course may be taught either completely in residence at the school, completely online over the Internet as a distance education course or partially in residence and partially online, as determined by the school from time to time in its discretion. Refer to the Online Course information section of this catalog for additional information relating to these courses that the school decides to teach all or partially online over the Internet. In order to help students become familiar with fundamentals of taking courses online over the Internet, the school may determine that a portion of the first online course that a student takes in this program must be taken online at the school in a supervised setting.

NOTE: The course descriptions for the courses in this program are in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. The school may, at any time in its discretion, vary the offering and/or sequence of courses in this program and revise the curriculum content of the program or any course in the program.