The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Computer Information Technology & Security is a two-year program of study designed to prepare students for diverse career opportunities in the planning, implementation, security, and maintenance of computer and network communication systems for businesses of all sizes. The program builds the skills needed for roles in technical support, cybersecurity, cloud administration, network administration, and server administration, with training aligned to internationally recognized industry certifications and proprietary systems such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Juniper, and Ubiquiti.

Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as microcomputer systems, data communications and security, cybersecurity fundamentals, operating systems, hardware and software analysis, cloud computing, virtualization, and troubleshooting techniques. The curriculum emphasizes the application of these skills in real-world settings using industry-standard tools and best practices.
Note: Some careers in this field may involve background checks and physical requirements that could impact a student’s ability to perform certain job functions. Please consult with a program advisor for more information.

Entrance Requirements

• The program admits students each semester (Fall and Spring).
• Enrollment priority is on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by the student’s faculty advising date.
• Writing Placement Exam (WPE) score of 2 or higher, or equivalent college placement exam scores.

Upon successful completion of the Computer Information Technology & Security AAS program, students will be able to:

• Attempt industry certification exams including CompTIA A+, ITF+ (IT Fundamentals), Security+, Linux+, Server+, Cloud+, CySA+; Cisco CCST, CCNA; and the Certified Associate Python Programmer (PCAP).
• Apply industry-standard safety practices and protocols in IT environments, including proper handling of hardware, electrostatic discharge precautions, and cybersecurity hygiene.
• Use diagnostic tools and test equipment to troubleshoot and maintain computer systems and networks.
• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain microcomputer hardware, peripherals, and operating systems, including Windows and Linux environments.
• Deploy and support client- and server-based software applications in business and enterprise settings.
• Configure and secure basic to intermediate Linux systems, utilizing command-line tools for file management, process control, user and group permissions, and shell scripting.
• Implement core networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, switching, and routing technologies — including basic configuration of Cisco routers and switches.
• Design and troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wireless LANs (WLANs), and structured cabling systems to meet business and technical requirements.
• Apply network security principles including access control, authentication, encryption, and endpoint protection, and perform risk assessments and vulnerability mitigation.
• Understand and apply cybersecurity concepts such as malware analysis, vulnerability assessment, cryptography, identity protection, social engineering prevention, and incident response.
• Work with cloud computing environments, including virtualization, cloud deployment models, resource provisioning, and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) concepts.
• Develop basic scripts and programs in the Python programming language to support automation, data processing, and system management tasks.

Minimum Grade Requirement

• Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all required IT courses to receive credit for program graduation.

General Education Requirement

Program Requirements¹

¹

All program required courses need a grade of C or better.

Sequential Plan of Study

Graduates from Information Technology programs go on to obtain careers in a variety of fields:

• IT Security Specialist
• Cyber Security Technician
• IT Specialist
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer and Information Research Scientist