Associate of Occupational Science in Information Technology
What is Information Technology?
Information technology (IT) is the science of acquiring, storing, distributing, transferring and securing information. IT professionals work in a variety of related fields, including database management, computer programming, network security, web design and many others. This means using computers and computer networks to make information available at a moment’s notice to fellow users, company personnel, or a national or even worldwide network.
Why pursue a career in Information Technology?
Computer networks are a basic but critical component of businesses. Each business network is built using multiple computers containing documents, applications, images, system tools, etc. Companies use network systems technicians to upgrade computer systems and develop wide area and local area network capabilities in order to keep vital company information accessible. Network administrators also keep their networks secure from a growing industry of hackers whose business it is to gather business intelligence by infiltrating a company’s data.
Certifications built into IT Program: Students in the Information Technology Associate’s program can earn up to eight industry-recognized certifications as part of their coursework.
Demand for IT Professionals
Demand for IT professionals is growing rapidly and employers are expected to hire 148,000 new workers in 2011 alone, according to an economist at Moody’s Analytics. Career analysts consistently document that the IT industry places in the top 5 hottest jobs in America, with an estimated 640,000 more IT workers with bachelor’s degrees needed by 2014. As demand continues to increase, the average salary also continues to rise.
Job projections for network and computer systems administrators remains among the fastest growing industries in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Median annual earnings of computer programmers are excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 edition.
The Information Technology degree program prepares students for occupations as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts, and other related IT careers. For related occupational information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET website.
SOC Codes (Standard Occupational Classification) related to IT careers: 11-3021.00 & 15-1081.00
Click here to learn about Industry Certifications for IT.
Overview
The Associate of Occupational Science in Information Technology program is a comprehensive, occupational career training program in information technology. This program provides 60 semester credit hours of instruction with extensive hands-on training, including projects and case studies. Day and evening classes meet 20 hours per week for 4 semesters (60 weeks or 16-months).The Information Technology program at Fountainhead provides you with the career training necessary to meet the needs and demands of all types of businesses. We help you develop the knowledge and skills to implement LAN (local area networks) and WLAN (wireless local area networks), and develop, maintain, and incorporate security features to protect your network against unauthorized use. This program can help graduates launch careers in technology-related fields with job titles such as Network Administrator, Computer Technician, or Network Engineer.
Outline
Typical Course Outline
Associate of Occupational Science in Information Technology
| BC205 | A+ Essentials | 4 |
| BC206 | A+ IT Technician | 3 |
| BC207 | Introduction to Linux | 3 |
| BC204 | Introduction to Networking | 5 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| WS201 | Web Site Design | 3 |
| PJ202 | Project Management | 3 |
| PD203 | Professional Development | 3 |
| DB201 | SQL Database Management | 3 |
| PM205 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| MS301 | Installing & Configuring Microsoft OS | 3 |
| MS302 | Administrating Microsoft Active Directory | 3 |
| MS303 | Config Microsoft Network Infrastructure | 3 |
| MS304 | Microsoft Exchange Server | 3 |
| MS305 | Network Security & Scripting | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| CB305 | Cisco Networking | 3 |
| CB306 | Cisco Intermediate Networking | 3 |
| OS303 | Linux Administration | 3 |
| OS304 | Linux Integration | 3 |
| OS305 | Linux Security | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
Totals:
Lecture: 40 Semester Credit Hours
Lab: 20 Semester Credit Hours
Needed to Graduate: 60 Semester Credit Hours
Semesters may be offered out of the sequence shown.
Objectives
The Associate of Occupational Science in Information Technology is a career training program designed to provide training in the fundamentals of computers, with an intensive focus on computer networking, to qualified post-secondary students-generally those who have no experience in the computer industry. Students are expected to become proficient in widely used software programs such as Microsoft Windows® and Microsoft Office Suite,® and learn to design, install, and administer Microsoft Windows-based and Open Source Linux-based networks. Students will also learn troubleshooting skills for computer and computer-network repair, including knowledge of internal computer hardware systems and networking devices such as hubs, routers, bridges and switches. Learning these skills will permit the graduate to gain entry-level employment in the information technology industry.Degree Award
The Associate of Occupational Science in Information Technology degree will be conferred to graduates upon successful completion of academic requirements and fulfillment of financial obligations.
Placement & Tuition
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Q. How much will this program cost me? A.
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Q. What are my financing options to pay for this program? A. In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible:
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Q. How long will it take me to complete this program? A. This program is designed to take 16 months to complete. |
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Q. What are the chances of getting a job when I graduate? A. Graduates of Fountainhead College's Information Technology program for 2010-2011 have a total job placement rate of 100% and an in-field placement rate of 52.5%. Twenty-one graduates were placed in their field of study out of 40 students who graduated from this program during this time period. Fountainhead College actively pursues 100% placement of its graduates, however, employment is not guaranteed. |
* Based on average of 4 semesters
** Estimated Supply Cost
Comprehensive Cost & Expenditures Chart
- Changes to an Enrollment Agreement may require a $100 fee.
- Student receives a receipt for all funds paid to the college.
- Student receives invoices for all supply, textbook and fee charges.
- Student must purchase all required equipment and supplies from the College.
- Preexisting credit may be transferred which would change the total tuition.
- Online programs require the student visit the campus at the end of each semester.
- Online students are not required to purchase a laptop from the College.
- Other than the laptop, online students pay the same tuition and fees as residential students.
Faculty
Get to know your Information Technology Instructors.
Robert Holt
Senior Instructor: Novell, Linux, Cisco
Robert HoltRobert Holt is the lead instructor for Novell, Linux, and Cisco Systems related training. He also instructs in the Computer Core 1 semester where he assists the lead instructor with A+, Network+, and Linux+. Mr. Holt sets the example for how a Fountainhead class should be conducted, as well as coordinate Instructor Development Training, assisting the Director of Education as needed. He was a Master Training Specialist for the United States Navy from 1978 to 1982 where he taught all aspects of Data Communications and Data Systems, and he was responsible for curriculum development and the test bank center. He has consistently maintained Novell Certification all the way back to Classic CNE 5 and attended the Novell Linux Advanced Technical Training workshop in Provo, UT in 2004.
Courses Taught
- BC205: A+ Essentials
- BC206: A+ IT Technician
- BC207: Introduction to Linux
- BC204: Introduction to Networking
- IT4 CB305: Cisco Networking Fundamentals
- IT4 CB306: Cisco Intermediate Networking
- IT4 OS303: Linux Administration
- IT4 OS304: Linux Integration
- IT4 OS305: Linux Security
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Network Security & Forensics
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
- AS Industrial Technology, Walters State Community College
- AS Computer Science, Walters State Community College
Awards, Fellowships, Grants
- NCLA – Novell Certified Linux Administrator
- DCTS – Novell Data Center Technical Specialis
- NAI - Novell Authorized Instructor
- CompTIA Network+
- MCNE – Master Certified Novell Engineer
- CompTIA A+
- CNE – Certified Novell Engineer-NetWare 6
- CompTIA IT Project+
- Cisco CCNA
- CompTIA Linux+
- LPI Level 1
- NSTISSI-4011 Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional
- CNSSI-4012 Senior System Manager (SSM}
- CNSSI-4013 System Administrator (SA)
- CNSSI-4014A Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
- NSTISSI-4015 System Certifiers
- CNSSI-4016 Risk Analyst
