Last updated 6/1/2015
Code: 5378
Program Contacts:
QC Campus
Debbie Collins, 309-796-5316, collinsd@bhc.edu
Jamie Hill, 309-796-5284, hillj@bhc.edu
Don Mosier, 309-796-5278, mosierd@bhc.edu
East Campus
Jodee Werkheiser, 309-854-1821, werkheiserj@bhc.edu
This degree is offered only at the Quad-Cities Campus.
The Computer Information Technology Associate in Applied Science degree is a multi-disciplinary degree designed to produce graduates with the knowledge necessary to work in today’s information technology environment.
All students will study a variety of introductory courses consisting of HTML, networking, Windows and Linux operating systems, security, hardware, programming logic and Microsoft Project. With this strong foundation, students can go into depth by selecting a track for specialization. Tracks include IT Support Technician, Network Administration and Application Developer. This degree is designed so that an individual may complete one of the related certificate programs (IT Support Technician Certificate, Web Developer Certificate, PC Application Programmer Certificate, Network Technician Certificate and Network Administrator Certificate), and then complete the Computer Information Technology Associate’s degree.
Individuals may also enroll directly in the Computer Information Technology program without any prior coursework. The two-year course of study culminates in the internship which provides valuable on-the-job experience. Many of the courses prepare students for industry-related certifications including CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ and Security+ certifications, Microsoft’s MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) and MTS certification, Cisco’s CCNA and CCENT certification, and CIW (Certified Internet Web Professional) Foundations exam.
IT Support Technician work involves installing, configuring, repairing, and managing computer hardware and software. Network Administration work manages the back-office by building and configuring networks, installing and configuring servers and workstations, troubleshooting hardware, network, and related problems including routers and switches. Application Developer work includes designing and creating programs for multiple platforms and devices such as desktop, mobile, and web using C#, JavaScript and PHP along with technologies such as HTML, CSS3, SQL, ASP.NET, ADO.NET, Rich Internet Applications and responsive web design.
Computer Information Technology-IT Support Technician Track
Code: 5378
Course of Study Outline – Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
First Semester
CIP 170 — Web Page Development (3)
CIP 101 — Computer Logic and Design (3)
1ENGT 105 — PC Applications in Technology (3)
ITS 116 — Computer Hardware (3)
ITS 125 — IT Professional Skills (1)
NETW 120 — Basic Computer Networks (3)
Second Semester
BE 180 — Business Communication or (3-4)
ENG 101 — Composition I
ITS 110 — Basic Electronics (3)
ITS 112 — Operating Systems (3)
ITS 118 — Computer Troubleshooting (3)
NETW 170 — Intro to Information Security (3)
Summer Semester
General Ed Elective in Humanities, Social Sciences, (3)
Science, or Non-Western Studies
Third Semester
BE 146 — Excel for Business (3)
NETW 167 — Scripting for Administration – fall only (3)
NETW 210 — Windows Workstation – fall only (3)
SPEC 111 — Business and Professional Comm or (3)
SPEC 101 — Principles of Speech Communication
2Technical Elective (3)
Minimester
CIP 201 — Microsoft Project (1)
Fourth Semester
ITS 180 — Desktop Application Support – spring only (3)
ITS 216 — Advanced PC Hardware/A+ Prep (3)
NETW 215 — Windows Server – spring only (3)
NETW 290 — Internship (3)
Minimum total hours required for degree (64)
1May substitute with CS 100 (3)
2Suggested Technical Electives (3 credits)
CIP 104 — Intro to Computer Programming (3)
NETW 280 — Network Defense – spring (3)
NETW 125 — Cisco I (3)
NETW 145 — Cisco II (3)
NETW 250 — Web Server Administration – spring (3)
NETW 255 — Advanced Networking/N+ Prep – spring (3)
NETW 274 — Ethical Hacking – spring (3)
Courses for this program include: »
BE 146 Microsoft Excel
3 cr. hrs.; 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Use of current spreadsheet software on microcomputers.
BE 180 Business Communications
4 cr. hrs.; 4 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Prerequisite: See assessment and placement guide.
Techniques of effective written communications for business. This will include psychology of communicating with customer service emphasis, focus on international communications, and accuracy and conciseness needed for in-house e-mail.
CIP 101 Computer Logic and Design
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
An introduction to computational thinking. Students will learn to analyze problems and employ their use, apply the three basic programming structures – (sequence, decision, and repetition) – and top-down design to develop a solution. Students will also learn how information is stored including base 2 and hexadecimal numbering systems and how data is used in computing. Students will develop algorithms to solve a problem and write programs to implement.
CIP 170 Web Page Development
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
The student will learn web site development with the three methods that have been used since web design first began: hand-coding HTML using a text editor; using a WYSIWYG editor; and using a Content Management System.The student will learn how to stay current on W3C standards for web page development. Topics include: basic web design using HTML and Cascading Style Sheets, page-layout techniques, graphics, search engine optimization, and media. Students will create a multiple-page website.
CIP 201 Microsoft Project
1 cr. hr.; 1 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Prerequisite: Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows OS.
Develop an understanding of and ability to use Microsoft project in managing projects. Case studies will be Information Technology focused projects.
ENG 101 Composition I
3 cr. hrs.; 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Prerequisite: ACT English score of 22 or above; or appropriate COMPASS score; or English 091 “C” or better.
English 101 is designed for students who are competent in the fundamentals of composition. Students will write essays using a variety of expository strategies and will apply standard techniques of documentation when appropriate. IAI: C1 900
ITS 110 Basic Electronics
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
A course in basic electronics for students pursuing the Computer Information Technology degree or IT support Technician AAS degree or Certificate. Includes fundamental DC and AC concepts, common electronic components and basic circuits, with an emphasis on their application in PCs and peripherals.
ITS 112 Operating Systems
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
This is a course on Computer Operating Systems. The two operating systems of focus are Windows and Linux. Each will be explored independently in a comparative fashion with a primary focus on the usage of the command-line interfaces.
ITS 116 Computer Hardware
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
This course is an introduction to computer hardware components, from a technician’s perspective. Content includes motherboard, CPU, memory, storage devices, and I/O devices, etc. Emphasis is on installation and repair, as well as hardware/software interaction. Not an A+ Certification prep course, but provides a foundation for future pursuit of this credential.
ITS 118 Computer Troubleshooting
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
Prerequisite: ITS 116 “C” or better.
This course provides an introduction to computer support, troubleshooting methodologies, and routine computer maintenance and repair.
ITS 125 IT Professional Skills
1 cr. hr.; 1 lecture hour; 0 lab hours per week.
This course is designed to enhance students’ professional skills, especially those of value in the Information Technology field. Topics include discussion of workplace issues, development of job-seeking strategies, and enhancement of interpersonal skills.
ITS 180 Desktop Application Support
3 cr. hr.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
Prerequisites: CS 100 and NETW 120 “C” or better, or instructor consent.
A course on supporting, configuring and troubleshooting common desktop PC application programs, providing hands-on as well as classroom experience. Content covers Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook, etc., in a networked office environment. Students should be familiar with current Microsoft operating systems, basic network operation, and desktop applications from a user standpoint.
ITS 216 Advanced PC Hardware/A+ Prep
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
Prerequisites: ITS 116 and ITS 112 and NETW 120 or instructor consent.
An advanced capstone course in computer hardware installation, troubleshooting and repair, with an emphasis on preparing the student to take the CompTIA A+ Certified Technician certification exams. Students will take the CompTIA exams as a requirement for course completion.
NETW 120 Basic Computer Networks
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
An introductory course in networking for the technical student. Includes basic network hardware, software, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
NETW 167 Scripting for Systems Administration
3 cr. hrs.; 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Prerequisites: ITS 112 and CIP 101 or instructor consent.
The student will learn techniques for creating customized scripts in both the Linux and Windows environment. This course provides students with the skills to read, write, maintain, and debug Linux shell scripting and Windows scripting for Systems Administration.
NETW 170 Intro to Information Security
3 cr. hrs.; 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Prerequisites: NETW 120 or NETW 125 “C” or better, or instructor consent.
An introduction to the topics, technologies and terminology associated with network information security. This course is a prerequisite for related courses of the Computer Information Technology program.
NETW 210 Windows Workstation
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Windows Workstation.
NETW 215 Window Server
3 cr. hrs.; 2 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.
Prerequisite: ITS 112 “C” or better or instructor consent.
This course provides the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Windows Server.
NETW 290 Networking Internship
3 cr. hrs.; 0 lecture hours; 5-15 lab hours per week.
Prerequisites: ITS 116 and ITS 112 and NETW 120 “C” or better and instructor consent.
Supervised field program providing work experience directly related to the student’s area of concentration. On-the-job experience is required of all program graduates.
SPEC 101 Principles of Speech Communication
3 cr. hrs.; 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The oral communication course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking and speaking. IAI: C2 900
SPEC 111 Business and Professional Communication
3 cr. hrs.; 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.
Promotes awareness and development needed to communicate competently within professional organizations. Focus is on interviewing, management styles, inter-office communication and professional presentations.