Information Technology: Network & User Support

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Students working in the lab

About this program

Sometimes technology fails to do its job. That’s where skilled IT professionals swoop in to save the day. In this program you’ll learn the ins and outs of networks, hardware, and software. Flex your critical thinking skills. And put your analytical mindset to the test. With extensive hands-on training in specialized learning labs, you’ll leave ready to solve all types of technical challenges.  

As an Information Technology: Network & User Support student, you're eligible to pursue a dual degree in any of the bachelor of science Information Technology degrees or Building Automation Engineering Technology.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

97%

Overall Placement

Industry-Driven Labs

Seamless Associate-to-Bachelor Degree Pathway

Careers

  • Network specialist
  • Network technician
  • Systems administrator
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Introduction to Programming (CIT160)
  • Networking I (EET145)
  • Introduction to Database (CIT180)
  • Programming II (CIT260)
  • Networking II (EET247)
  • Fundamentals of Information Security (CIT230)
  • Introduction to UNIX/Linux (CIT240)
  • Systems Administration (CIT273)
  • Principles of Management (MGT115)
  • Systems Programming (CIT241)
  • IT Service Management (CIT321)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Science Elective (SCI)
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Math Elective (MTH180 or Higher) (MTD)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (SPC101)
  • Statistics for STEM Fields with Computer Applications (MTH161)
View Goals & Course List

What's the difference between Information Technology and Computer Science?

Computer science is more theoretical, with increased math requirements. Many tend to focus on programming or cutting-edge computing, like artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

IT is focused on supporting the user. It is more people-focused, making the tools of computing accessible to fit the needs of people and organizations, as well as creating computing tools and systems to meet the user's needs.

Virtual Tour

Information Technology

Get a glimpse inside the labs where future IT professionals learn how to install, configure, and maintain computing systems. Meet Dr. Sandra Gorka, Associate Professor of Computer Science. And check out everything from gaming and simulation spaces to the hands-on labs decided to cyber security, networking, database management, and Linux systems.

IT Labs
Facilities

IT Labs

Apply theory to the real thing in our specialized IT labs. Here, you’ll have access to both physical and virtual labs designed for networking, IT security, operating systems, and gaming. Apply the principles of ethical hacking, intrusion detection, and digital forensics in both physical and virtual environments. Labs also allow students to create 3D models, investigate hypervisors, build networks from bare metal to full production, and simulate a host of applications and network configurations.

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 14

Open House

Friday, April 14 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM

Register

Apr 29

Open House

Saturday, April 29 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM

Register

May 19

Open House

Friday, May 19 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM

Register

Jun 24

Open House

Saturday, June 24 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM

Register

Jul 29

Open House

Saturday, July 29 8:30 - 2 :30 PM

Register

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400

Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

Learn More
Related Programs

Follow your passion

Student Life

 

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Our student chapter of ACM serves as the college's "computer club" as well as a common ground for all those who wish to supplement their education with topics prevalent in the world of computing technology today. 

Learn more
Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved
News
IT ‘success story’ regularly honors his Penn College roots
Alumni News Engineering Technologies Faculty & Staff Information Technology
03.15.2023

IT ‘success story’ regularly honors his Penn College roots

Anthony S. Riegel, a 2019 graduate in information technology: network specialist concentration, made a visit to campus to talk with students in Stephen R. Cheskiewicz’s Network Design & Management course.

Read Article
Penn College IT alums publish restaurant-search app
Information Technology Alumni News Faculty & Staff Real World Ready
03.07.2023

Penn College IT alums publish restaurant-search app

An idea hatched a few years ago between hungry friends at Pennsylvania College of Technology has become a reality for restaurant-searching smartphone users. Darren J. Leh and Andrew E. Young, 2021 information technology graduates, recently published Out2Eat on the Apple and Google app stores. The free app facilitates group decision-making on a vital question: Where to eat?

Read Article
An Open House to close the deal!
Information Technology Welding & Metal Fabrication Admissions Events
01.27.2023

An Open House to close the deal!

In a room warmly enhanced by Wildcat blue uplighting, admissions counselor Michele R. Alexander addresses a full house from the Klump Academic Center Auditorium stage. Presidential Student Ambassador Eryn L. Nichols is among the friendly faces welcoming potential students and their families to campus.

Read Article
Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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More Information

Students must complete all required major courses in the Information Technology: Technical Support Technology Emphasis (those courses with the alpha-designators CIT, EET, and MTH) with a grade of 'C' or higher. Additionally, any course approved for use as Directed Network & User Support Elective must also be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

View general transfer information

A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all Information Technology major courses CIT 160 and higher. Laptop specifications

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store and Penn State Computer Store .

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. James R Ankers, CISSP, CISA, IT Specialist (INFOSEC), United States Navy
  • Mr. Daniel J Clarke, '07, Senior Solutions Architect, Arraya Solutions
  • Dr. Todd W Griffith, Chief Technology Officer, Discovery Machine Corporation
  • Mr. Brandon J Howe, '01, Sr. IT Analyst, Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
  • Dr. Karl M Kapp, Assistant Director, Institute for Interactive Technologies, Bloomsburg University
  • Dr. Krish Pillai, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Lock Haven University
  • Mr. Mark J Watson, '85, Administrative Director, Corporate Information Technology, Susquehanna Health
Contact

Admissions Office

The future needs you

If you put more into today, could you get more out of tomorrow? If you create your future at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the answer is yes.

With open and rolling admission, applying is easy.

Apply today

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