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Computer Information Technology: Security, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

Northampton's Computer Information Technology program prepares you for employment upon graduation. The first year of the program is designed to provide a strong foundation in basic PC applications, operating systems and client-side scripting. You can then choose from several options for specialization, depending upon your area of interest.

The associate's degree in Computer Information Technology may be completed in two years of full-time study with day and evening classes, or in three or four years of part-time study. If you wish, you can also complete multiple specializations. For example a student can complete both the networking and security options. Doing so will add an additional one year of full time study. In this example, a student will finish with two associate's degrees.

Narrative

As with the other Computer Information Technology programs at Northampton, the first semester of the program is designed to provide a strong foundation of basic PC applications, client operating systems, and the basics of computer networking. Subsequent semesters will focus on the core of computer and network security. Topics include Network Security, Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, Law and Ethics, Security Administration and Ethical Hacking. Courses will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on projects.

Completion of the Computer Information Technology program - Security Option, prepares you for an entry-level position as an Information Assurance Specialist, Security Analyst, Security Technologist, or similar.

Career Potential: Information Assurance Specialist, Vulnerability Tester, Cyber Security Analyst, Security Technologist, or similar.



Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Gain fundamental and comprehensive understanding of the current field of computing upon which future growth within the field can be realized.
  • Gain computer competencies necessary to compete in the business world.
  • Use critical thinking to evaluate computing problems and explore options for their solutions.
  • Use effective approaches for problem solving and data modeling.
  • Gain experience in solving problems related to business computing and implementing these solutions.
  • Develop awareness of the ethical concerns of computing professionals.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits
CISC100Computer Technology I

4 credits
CISC105Desktop Operating Systems

4 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
CISC131Data Communications & LANs (CCENT1)

4 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Second Semester

CISC286Linux Administration

4 credits
CISC180Introduction to Network Security

4 credits
Technical Elective +

3/4 credits
ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits
CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16-17

Third Semester

BUSA221GBusiness Communications

3 credits
CISC205Cybersecurity Essentials

4 credits
MATHMathematics Elective (QL)++

3 credits
General Education Elective (SIT)

3 credits
CISC280Law & Ethics of Computer Security

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Fourth Semester

CISC282Cybersecurity Administration

4 credits
CISC284Ethical Hacking

3 credits
General Education Elective (SSHB)

3 credits
General Education Elective (AH)

3 credits
Elective

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 64-65

  • One course must be designated Diversity and GLobal Awareness (D).
  • Completion of BUSA221G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.

+ Technical Elective options: recommend CISC267, but CISC115, CISC128, CISC136, or CISC254 can be selected.

++ Mathematics Elective options: MATH140, MATH145, MATH150, MATH160, MATH165, MATH175, MATH176, MATH180, MATH181, MATH202, MATH210, MATH211