Professional Technical Degree

Information Technology Systems Administration, Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) Degree

Area of Study
Information Technology
Offered Online
Yes
Program Coordinator

Alex Markunas
(360) 417-6270
amarkunas@pencol.edu

Program Description

The Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree in Information Technology Systems Administration trains students, using industry-based skill standards. Students will design, implement, secure and support Microsoft, Unix/Linux and other industry standard network, client and server systems. Students will learn about the fundamental business context were IT systems function including business communication skills. Classroom instruction and practical experiences are combined into a course of study that provides students with broad exposure to the principles of network management and basic a basic understanding of the current information technology business environment.

Program Length: 6 Quarters
Program Code: SYASAAAS

Career Opportunities and Earnings 

The Information Technology field continues to evolve. Information Technology plays an integral part in achieving management goals and objectives. Network and computer support personnel with experience and education earn living wages that vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to: specific skill set, supply and demand, location, and current business and economic conditions. Job openings vary across the country.

  • Network engineer
  • Systems administrator
  • Systems support specialist

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes.

Program Outcomes

When this program is completed, the student will be able to:

  • Determine the type of software or hardware necessary to complete an objective; understand the functions of different operating systems
  • Access information from various storage mediums to locate and provide access to information in subdirectories
  • Consider ideas that conflict with individual value systems
  • Design, configure, troubleshoot and deploy computer networks
  • Use an operating system to access a variety of software
  • Solve problems using the appropriate operating system utilities; apply systematic approaches and logic to solving problems
  • Synthesize and apply information to meet an identified need
  • Ask questions and give answers using discipline-specific vocabulary
  • Respond to a heterogeneous technology climate
  • Plan, install, configure and manage resources; connect and run applications; monitor, optimize and troubleshoot network software and hardware
  • Provide organizations a safe, secure, and redundant information system

Special Features

  • This program helps prepare the student for a life-long learning process that accommodates rapidly changing technologies
  • This program can be completed online, or face to face depending on the mode that best fits each student’s needs
  • The practice examination used in this program is based on content that follows guidelines established by industry leaders

Program Goals

For the education program to be effective, the curriculum is designed to promote the following outcomes:

  • Prepare students for a variety of Information Technology, network support, computer support and business related job opportunities
  • Prepare students for professional certification exams, where applicable
  • Prepare students to communicate effectively with management, including Chief Information Officers (CIO), and Chief Financial Officers (CFO)

Program Prerequisites

Students entering this program should have good familiarity with computer software and hardware in the Windows or MAC environment. College level skills in English and math (eligibility for courses numbered 100 or higher) are required before registering for the English, math, or applied math courses in this program. Students may need to complete prerequisite coursework. The placement test will help determine placement level if not known. Previous coursework may also indicate placement level.

Approximate Additional Costs

  • Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $200-$300
  • Computer/software: $1,500-$2,500 (optional, recommended)

Sample Schedule  

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AAS-T. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not. 

First Quarter (Fall)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

An introduction to fundamentals of computer science. Topics covered include algorithmic design; problem-solving techniques for computer programming; fundamentals of digital logic and computer organization; the role of the operating system; introductory programming methodology, including variables, assignment statements, control statements and subroutines (methods); programming paradigms; the compilation process; theoretical limits of computation; database structures; and social and ethical issues. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

Credits: 5

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5

This course is an introduction to technologies, terminology, and skills used in the world of data networking. Emphasis is on practical applications of networking and computer technology to real-world problems, including home and small-business network setup. You will perform a variety of hands-on and case project activities combined with your reading activities that will reinforce each of the course objectives. This course maps to CTCITC 115: Introduction to Networking. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

Credits: 5

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5

This course provides an overview of information technology (IT) with emphasis on making technical and business decisions. The course will introduce students to a variety of IT areas and identify their connections. Course topics include: office productivity applications, basic computer hardware, networking and security, and webpage creation and programming. Problem-based learning will be used to stress employability skills such as teamwork, written and oral communication, problem solving, trouble shooting, and project management. Students will also research an IT career path and describe the opportunities and the requirements needed for employment. Course maps to CTCITC 110 course. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Second Quarter (Winter)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

This course covers the skills and knowledge required to make informed, critical decisions with cloud technologies and the impact they have on businesses. Learn the fundamentals of cloud technologies, deployment models, fiscal impact and use cases for businesses. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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5

This course covers technical skills with mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing and network troubleshooting. Includes skills required for installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, and software troubleshooting. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Third Quarter (Spring)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Provides an introduction to the field of Cyber Security through the analysis of technology and concepts in the field of cyber security and cybercrime. This course provides a complete introduction to the protection of business information and systems that support business process. The objective is to identify common threats and attacks, analyze the role of security techniques and architectures, explain the role of cryptography, and analyze issues related to managing security. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

Credits: 5

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5
Introduction to the principles of database management systems. Topics include database system architecture, data models, theory of database design, query optimization, concurrency control, crash recovery, and storage strategies. This course maps to the CTCITC 114: Database Design and Implementation course. This class will include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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5

This course introduces Windows Server operating systems through the implementation and administration of Windows Servers in a virtual Network environment. Topics include server roles and features, best practices in server configuration and administration, and server participation in a network environment. This course tracks to Microsoft’s MCSA Certification for Servers but does not cover all topics in those exams and is not designed to fully prepare students for certification. Recommended that students enter the course with some experience and prior knowledge of virtualization and the basics functions of operating systems. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Fourth Quarter (Fall)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Covers advanced networking and network security concepts & skills including routing, switching, virtual LANs, network design, routing protocols, network management and software defined networking. Secure network design, implementation and monitoring/maintenance are taught using hands-on projects for students. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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5

An introduction to shell scripting and automation with Bash (Unix/Linux), Powershell (Windows) and how to automate systems administration and networking tasks in server, client and networking environments. This class may include students from multiple sections

Credits: 5

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5

This course covers the concepts of cloud-based information technology infrastructure and how organizations deploy and maintain hybrid cloud and fully remote infrastructure. This course prepares students to complete industry leading cloud architect certifications. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Fifth Quarter (Winter)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

This course explores the basic security landscape through the topics of risks, threats, control and encryption. Learn how to assess and prioritize risks with computer system, implement authentication controls and the functions of encryption/cryptography. Course may prepare students to complete Security + certification. Course maps to CTCITC117 Security +. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

Credits: 5

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5

Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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MATH& 107 or above  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

MATH& 146 is recommended

Sixth Quarter (Spring)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Advisor Approved Elective  +
5
5

Provides cybersecurity students with the opportunity to develop a complex, quarter long project working in the field of information security. Students will work with their instructor to determine career readiness and develop a project focused on honing specific individual skills based on areas of need. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with others and learn from real world needs, often working with industry on projects. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:  

Total Credits
90