Computer Science and Information Technology/Networking and Communications Systems Concentration, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Accreditation. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, 11520 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS 66221, (913) 339-9356, www.acbsp.org.

Program description. The student who pursues Computer Science and Information Technology studies and gains experience with a variety of systems, applications, languages, and products. Graduates of either concentration will benefit from sustained growth in demand for highly skilled information technology workers. The concentrations allow for maximum flexibility within the curriculum while ensuring the student has adequate credentials in a particular segment of the information technology field. In addition, all CSIT students complement their studies with a 135-hour internship at a selected site, which allows students to gain on-the-job experience prior to graduation.

Networking and Communications Systems concentration. The Networking and Communications Systems concentration offers a core curriculum that provides the academic and technical background for individuals who wish to prepare for successful employment in network design and administration.

Typical job opportunities: Applications programmer, systems representative, product representative, maintenance programmer, programmer specialist, database programmer, programmer/analyst, research assistant, software developer and applications specialist

Program goals. Upon completion of a Computer Science and Information Technology program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

1. Communicate effectively and work independently or as a team member.
2. Use computers, related equipment and resources which are up to date, real-world and represent current and emerging trends in the employment field.
3. Apply terminology, numeric concepts, social/ethical implications and/or system concepts associated with the information technology field.
4. Use current application and system software including programming tools such as assemblers, compilers, interpreters and debuggers.
5. Write algorithms and implement solutions in a computer language using software development cycles and project management tools for a set of requirements.
6. Exhibit the ability to administer a computer network environment.

Contact(s): Business and Computer Technology, (865) 694-6656