PURPOSE
The Information Systems Technology (IST) programs at TCC have three purposes: 1) to prepare students for employment in the computer and information technology field, 2) to provide computer-related skill development that supports career advancement in other fields, and 3) to offer advanced skill training for individuals already employed in the information technology field.
IST programs prepare students for employment as programmers, computer support specialists, network administrators, database specialists, and a variety of other technician-level positions in areas such as modeling and simulation, network security, web design, geographic information systems, and virtualization. Students interested in employment in the information systems field should complete the Associate of Applied Science degree. This degree program will provide students with a comprehensive set of skills that employers seek in new hires. Completion of one or more Career Studies Certificate programs by students with a previous college degree can be valuable for those seeking a career change.
PROGRAMS
The IST programs at TCC are offered as Career Studies Certificates, Certificate, and Associate degree.
- Each of the ten (10) Career Studies Certificates consists of technology courses that focus on a specific career area in the IST field:
- Database Specialist
- Geographic Information Systems
- Modeling and Simulation
- Network Administration
- Network Enterprise Administrator – Windows 2008
- Network Infrastructure Specialist
- Network Security
- Programmer Trainee
- Virtualization
- Web Development Specialist
(Most of the above focus areas prepare students to sit for either vendor-specific or vendor-neutral certifications.)
- The Certificate program builds on coursework completed in a Career Studies Certificate program by including general education and business courses.
- The Associate degree program builds on coursework completed in a Certificate program and includes additional general education, computer, and business courses.
ADMISSION
For entry into any of the college’s IST programs, students should have a strong foundation in microcomputer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, database, the Windows desktop, Internet, and e-mail. Students may demonstrate these competencies by challenging or completing ITE 115. Additionally, students are encouraged to complete the IT core requirements of ITN 101, ITN 106, ITN 107, and ITP 100 (or CSC 110) prior to specializing in any of the Career Studies Certificate programs. Some Career Studies Certificate programs alter these requirements slightly. Be sure to check the specific program requirements prior to enrolling in the core classes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The field of information technology is constantly evolving, and TCC frequently changes its courses and programs to keep them current. Please visit the following website for the most up-to-date information: www.tcc.edu/IST.
Students enrolled in many of the IST courses are eligible for free software from Microsoft Corporation as a result of TCC’s membership in the Microsoft Developers’ Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA). See www.tcc.edu/IST for details about MSDNAA.
Associate of Applied Science Degree:
Certificate:
Career Studies Certificates: