KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
Information Technology Program
Faculty
Planning Documents
Program Information
Program Description
Available Credentials
Employment Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Length of Program
Classes Needed
Social Sciences Division

Information Technology

Program coordinator: Chet Cunningham

Program Description

The Information Technology (IT) program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree that prepares graduates for entry-level positions as Information Technology professionals. Students will learn the skills needed to problem solve and communicate effectively within the complex information technology industry.

The IT curriculum is supported by a solid foundation of general education and core courses that include writing, communications, computer and math skills. Students will obtain hands-on training to develop skills in local area networks (LANs) and how they operate, computer programming, networking, hardware and software maintenance, database design and web page development.

If a graduate chooses, he or she will also be prepared to sit for industry-recognized certification exams available at our VUE testing center.

Students entering this program will need to have basic computer skills such as would be obtained through CIS 100 (Introduction to Computers) or equivalent.

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will be prepared to enter the workforce with established training and a portfolio in hand for prospective employers.

Available Credentials

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Option Hours to Complete Curriculum Guide
Electronic Commerce 68-72 Download (RTF)
Computer Support Specialist 67-70
Cisco Network Administration 67-69 Download (RTF)
Microsoft Network Administration 67-69
Computer Programming * 70-72 Download (RTF)
Database Administration * 70-73
Information Security * 67-69 Download (RTF)
Web Development and Administration * 75-76

* Option courses primarily offered online

Certificate

Area Hours to Complete Curriculum Guide
A+ 9-10 All Certificates (RTF)
Information Technology Fundamentals 24-25
Microsoft Networking Enhanced 24
Network Administration Microsoft MCSA Track 21
Cisco Networking Enhanced 25
Electronic Commerce 25-27
Information System Support 27-28
Web / Database Administration 25-27

Employment Opportunities

E-commerce Track

Graduates of the program may expect to be employed as web page designers, web masters, or web site managers of a web-based business. This option will also prepare individuals in the establishment of a small-to-medium retail business through the use of the Internet.

The average starting annual salary is $25,771 and rapid growth in this area is expected over the next five years.

Cisco or Microsoft Networking Track

Employment opportunities include entry-level network administration positions involving installation and administration of local and wide area networks and as a computer support specialist.

The growth rate in this area is expected to be rapid over the next five years. Salaries in computer networking are in a range from $22,000 (minimum reported starting salary) to $38,768 (average starting salary) to $55,500 (maximum reported starting salary). Source: American Association of Community College Research Brief, 2001.

Admission Requirements:

The following should be submitted to the Office of Admissions for admission to this program:

Length of Program

Completion of the program should take two years, assuming that the student maintains full-time enrollment status. Microsoft Networking, Cisco Networking, E-Commerce, IT Fundamentals and A+ Certification certificates are also available within the Information Technology program.

Classes Needed

General Education Core:

Program Core (must also complete one of the options below):

Network Administration Option Requirements:

Microsoft Track

Cisco Track Requirements:

E-Commerce Option Requirements:

* Must take either IT 130 or IT 132 whichever course was not taken in the program core

Computer Programming Option Requirements:

Database Administration Option Requirements:

Oracle Track (Basic)

Oracle Track (Enhanced)

Microsoft Track (Enhanced)

Information Support System Option Requirements:

Technical Electives

* If not taken in the technical core

Web Development and Administration Option

Technical Electives

This curriculum guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. Students should always choose classes in cooperation with the academic advisor to ensure that all degree requirements are being met.