College Catalog

This major helps prepare students for a variety of technical careers providing hardware and software assistance to customers with Information Technology problems.

Career Opportunities

Depending upon the emphasis, the associate's degree in Information Technology will offer students an opportunity to pursue positions as network managers, network specialists, network technicians, systems administrators, Unix systems administrators, help desk technicians, technical support representatives, customer support professionals, PC support specialists, user support specialists, call center support representatives, Web page designers and developers, webmasters, data management and database administration associates, applications analysts, programmers and related positions that continue to emerge in the information technology field. Exact titles and responsibilities relate to the academic and experiential requirements of the specific positions.

Recommended High School Subjects

A strong background in English, mathematics through at least algebra, and science is desired. A familiarity with computer equipment and software is also desired.

Special Equipment Needs

LAPTOP REQUIREMENT: laptop/notebook computer required for enrollment in IT major courses CIT 160 and higher. Specifications are available at www.pct.edu/schools/BCT/comp_sci

Remediation Strategies

Students should remediate any deficiencies prior to enrollment. Must remediate English, mathematics and reading deficiencies within the first academic year. Mathematics remediation should become the highest priority. Eligibility to enroll in CIT 160 or higher is determined by placement test results.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

Graduates of an Information Technology (IT) associate-degree major should be able to:

• analyze the needs of an IT related problem and select and develop an appropriate solution including appropriate consideration for security.
• demonstrate proficiency in the core Information Technologies.
• identify the underlying principles upon which the core information technologies are based and how information is generated and disseminated to address user requirements.
• identify the importance of users and their requirements in the development and deployment of IT solutions.
• use critical thinking and problem solving skills to address IT needs and solve IT problems.
• communicate clearly and concisely.
• employ accepted practices and standards within the IT industry.
• identify standards of professionalism as they pertain to personal and work-related endeavors.
• identify and explain how changes in the IT discipline affect business, industry and their work environment.
• identify the need for continuing professional development in the IT discipline.
• demonstrate an understanding of the basic financial principles of business and how it affects the IT industry.

Specifically, graduates of the Information Technology Technical Support Emphasis should be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in the technical aspects of a network, including installation, maintenance, monitoring, resource management, user management, and performance issues.
• possess working knowledge in common operating systems including installation, configuration, scripting, user and resource management, troubleshooting and the use of common system utilities.
• possess working knowledge to support a wide range of IT products such as office suite software, personal productivity software, and network access and system utilities.
• demonstrate working skills related to providing technical support and service in an IT environment including communication skills, diagnostic procedures, call management, work scheduling, and customer relations.
• exhibit a portfolio of course assignments and projects.

Curriculum