Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology
Area
Information Systems Technology
Degree
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Length
Four semesters (two-year) program
Purpose
The associate of applied science degree (AAS) in information systems technology (IST) is designed for students who seek employment or professional development as a generalist in the area of information technology (IT), with specific knowledge in various areas such as Web design/development, computer network design and administration and database administration.
Occupational Objectives
The AAS degree curriculum in IST prepares students for employment with business, industry and government organizations as entry level Web applications developers, network engineers or database administrators, depending on degree specialization.
Transfer Guidelines
Transfer opportunities for AAS degrees, if existing, are very specific in nature. Students enrolling in an applied science degree with plans to transfer to a four-year college or university should explore opportunities with their faculty advisor.
Program Requirements
A student who studies topics in IT must possess general knowledge in systems analysis and design, software design and development, Web markup languages, Internet and network foundations and database fundamentals. Additionally, students must possess sound analytical and problem-solving skills, strong written and verbal communications skills and must have good interpersonal skills. These skills are an integral part of the IST curriculum. The curriculum includes technical courses in IT, business-related areas, general education and electives. Instruction is centered on theoretical concepts and practical, hands-on applications key to success in the IT field. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor in planning their programs and selecting electives. Upon satisfactory completion of the program the graduate will be awarded the associate of applied science degree with a major in information system technology.
Special Note (bridge courses): This program is designed for those students who have completed a variety of keyboarding and introductory computer applications courses at the high school level. A student who has not completed the recommended high school courses may enroll in the IST program by taking courses designed to bridge the gap. These courses are to be selected by consulting with an IST advisor and may include one or more of the following:
| AST 101 | Keyboarding I | 3 credits |
| ITE 115 | Intro to Computer Applications and Concepts | 3 credits |
Sample curriculum
| Course# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ITD 110 | Web Page Design I | 3 | |
| ITD 130 | Database Fundamentals | 3 | |
| ITN 109 | Internet and Network Foundations | 3 | |
| MTH 151/152 | Math for Liberal Arts1 (or MTH 163 or 271) | 3 | |
| SDV 101 | Orientation to the IT Professions | 1 | |
| Total | 16 | ||
| Second Semester | ENG 112 | College Composition II | 3 |
| ITE 120 | Principles of Information Systems | 3 | |
| ITN 106 | Microcomputer Operating Systems | 3 | |
| ITP 100 | Software Design | 3 | |
| MTH 151/152 (or MTH 271 or 272) | Math for Liberals Arts1 | 3 | |
| Approved social science elective2 | 3 | ||
| Total | 18 | ||
| Third Semester | |||
| ECO 201/202 | Principles of Macro/Microeconomics | 3 | |
| ENG 115 | Technical Writing | 3 | |
| Approved IT elective3 | 3 | ||
| Approved IT elective4 | 3 | ||
| ITP 112 | Visual Basic, NET I | 4 | |
| PED/HLT | Physical Education (or Health) | 2 | |
| Total | 18 | ||
| Fourth Semester | Approved IT elective5 | 3 | |
| Approved IT elective5 | 3 | ||
| Approved IT elective5 | 3 | ||
| ITP 251 | Systems Analysis and Design | 4 | |
| Approved Humanities elective6 | 3 | ||
| Total | 16 | ||
| Program Total | 68 | ||
