Computer Information Technology, A.A.S.
HEGIS Code 5104
Career Opportunities
Computer information technology is among the growing fields in business, industry, government, and education, with average growth expected through the year 2016. The number of entry-level positions available in this field continues to exceed the number of qualified persons to fill them.
This program provides students with skills and knowledge that match the needs of local employers for technology generalists who have a broad background and the ability to solve problems with a wide variety of technology tools. The program parallels an emerging national standard in Information Technology Education developed by the Association for Computing Machinery.
This program includes courses in the areas of applications customization, web design, database design, networking technology, and programming.
The Program
This career program will prepare students for employment as computer information technologists in a variety of industrial, business, government, and public-service settings.
Specifically, the CIT AAS program will educate students as generalists in multiple computer-related skill areas, including programming, web design, networking technology, database design, and application customization. The program is intended to prepare computer "generalists" who will be employable in small organizations typical in the North Country, which often have the resources to hire only one or two computer-related staff members and which are not large enough to employ an array of computer "specialists."
The program will provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of information technology areas, including 34 credit hours of coursework that focuses on software application use and customization, programming, database design and implementation, web page development and Internet use, and networking technology. An additional six credit hours provide students with general business/management communications principles. The remaining twenty-five credit hours include three free elective credits and 22 hours in the arts and sciences.
Requiring a total of 65-67 credit hours, the program is structured so that it can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Students graduating from the Computer Information Technology program with an A.A.S. degree will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Effectively analyze and determine client/user needs
- Demonstrate the ability to customize software applications
- Design, implement, and maintain computer networks
- Understand database design principles
- Understand web page design principles
- Develop basic computer programs
- Prepare written technical documentation
Typical career opportunities for graduates of this program include:
Networking Job Titles- Local Area Network Technician
- Network Maintenance and Operations
- Network Technician
- Database Administrator
- Database Analyst
- Database Developer
- Entry (Junior Level) Programmer
- Programmer Analyst
- Software Applications Specialist
- Software Designer
- Software/Application Support
- Systems Analyst
- Web Content Designer
- Web Designer
- Call Center Support Representative
- Customer Service Representative
- Help Desk Technician
- LAN Applications Support Analyst
- Software Application Specialist
- Technical Sales Consultant
- Computer Analyst
- Programmer Analyst
- Systems Analyst
The required courses develop problem definition, problem solution, and application coding skills. Students who are enrolled in this program attend hands-on laboratories associated with most computer courses.
Students entering this program are required to purchase or lease a professional microcomputer system for home use. Computers are an integral part of all course instruction within the Computer Information Technology program. Computer specifications (PDF) are available from this page or upon request.
Students wanting to pursue advanced studies may consider SUNY Morrisville, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and SUNY Canton. Those planning to transfer are advised to research baccalaureate requirements to maximize transfer credit.
Degree Requirements
All degree requirements and courses listed are effective Fall of 2010 and are subject to change.
| Credit Hours | |
|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems (28 Credit Hours): | |
| CIS 100: Information Technology Orientation | 1 |
| CIS 110: Introduction to Computing with Microcomputers | 3 |
| CIS 111: Operating System Environments | 2 |
| CIS 116: Introductory Programming | 3 |
| CIS 119: Introduction to Web Page Design | 3 |
| CIS 210: Advanced Computing with Microcomputers | 3 |
| CIS 212: Analysis and Logical Design | 3 |
| CIS 216: Advanced Programming | 4 |
| CIS 221: Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CIS 222: Physical Design and Implementation | 3 |
| Networking Technology (6 Credit Hours) | |
| NET 100: Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
| NET 131: Local Area Networks | 3 |
| Business (6 Credit Hours): | |
| BUS 112: Introduction to Business | 3 |
| BUS 127: Management Communications | 3 |
| Liberal Arts (22-24 Credit Hours): | |
| ENG 101: Research and Composition | 3 |
| ENG 218: Technical and Professional Writing | 3 |
| Economics Elective: ECO 101 or ECO 102 | 3 |
| MTH 155: Algebra, Functions & Modeling or higher | 3-4 |
| Mathematics Elective | 3-4 |
| Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| Social Science or Humanities Elective* | 3 |
| Free Elective* | 3 |
| TOTAL | 65-67 |
* Students considering transfer to a SUNY baccalaureate program should use these electives to fulfill additional SUNY General Education requirements.
The curricula offered by the College require certain Liberal Arts core courses in the area of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science or Mathematics. The following indicates areas of study acceptable in meeting these requirements.
| Humanities | American Sign Language, Art, English, Journalism, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Speech, and Theater Arts |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology |
| Science and Mathematics | Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Science, and Mathematics |
For More Information
For further information regarding this program, please contact any of the following faculty:
Jack N. Donato, Chair, Computer Science and Energy Department and Associate Professor of Computer Science
315-786-2455 jdonato@sunyjefferson.edu
C.J. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Computer Science 315-786-2429 cjackson@sunyjefferson.edu
For application and admissions information please contact:
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
Admissions Office 315-786-2277 (or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522. Ask for Admissions.)
Jefferson Community College
1220 Coffeen St.
Watertown, NY 13601-1897
www.sunyjefferson.edu