Computer Information Technology

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Technology prepares students for positions in the workplace through the use of various systems, applications, languages and products. The concentrations offered at Nashville State Community College include Cyber Defense, Networking, Programming, Systems Administration and Management, and Systems Analyst. The program consists of a common core of General Education and Computer Information Technology major core courses, combined with subject-specific courses designed to address skills within the concentration area.

These subject-specific courses focus on those skillsets identified by employers as essential in today’s workplace and, where appropriate, will prepare students for industry-recognized certification examinations. The concentrations are designed to ensure that students have the proper experience, training, and skills to begin work in the chosen field upon successful completion of the chosen program of study.

Program Outcomes

Students will be able to:


  1. Utilize diverse disciplines to enhance communication, research, business and technology skills in the workplace.
  2. Execute programming languages in the process of design and implementation while developing and maintaining software.
  3. Develop effective problem-management and decision-making skills.
  4. Demonstrate various networking media and connections to explain the features and capabilities of networking software.
  5. Demonstrate skill and knowledge in preparation for industry-recognized certification examinations.

Note: This program is not designed as a transfer program to a four-year institution.

Concentrations

The Cyber Defense Concentration will focus on topics in cyber security and digital forensics. The students will learn how to fortify computer networks in order to prevent security breaches from cyber terrorists or other intruders. In addition, students will learn how to recover data using digital forensics techniques. Students will also develop strong critical thinking skills and will learn by doing within a hands-on lab environment along with real world internship experiences.

Students in the Networking Concentration will complete coursework and hands-on experiences in planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of networks of different sizes. In addition to networking skills, students will also complete Computer Science coursework in security, operating systems, server management, and programming, in combination with other technology courses. Certifications applicable to this concentration may include Network+, A+, and Cisco CCNA, among others.

This concentration is a preparation for a career as a programmer or software engineer. Emphasis is placed on issues related to knowing how to use the features of object programming languages like java, the design and implementation of classes and objects, the process of developing and maintaining software. Students will also develop strong critical thinking skills and will learn by doing along with real world internship experiences. This concentration may include preparation for the Oracle certified Associate (Java Programmer Certification).

The Systems Administration & Management Concentration focuses on the design, implementation, management and troubleshooting of computer systems. Required courses prepare students to acquire, install, configure, upgrade and secure standalone, networked and mobile systems. Areas of emphasis include Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems.

The Systems Analyst concentration prepares the student to solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the needs of their organization. The concentration includes diverse disciplines to enhance the communication, research, business, and technology skills of the student.

The Information Security Technical Certificate provides students with the necessary skills to protect an organization’s resources using security tools on a variety of operating systems. The program covers methods employed by hackers to compromise computing devices, and prepares students to recognize compromised systems. The program emphasizes the importance of security policies and the techniques to effectively design such policies.

Class Schedule

Program Announcement

If You Major in Computer Information Systems, Computer Technology, or Computer Networking effective Fall 2016 NSCC will offer only one computer-related degree: Computer Information Technology

Contact Us

Johannah Williams, Dean, K-240B
Phone: (615) 353-3117

Helen Kunkel, Secretary III, K-240A
Phone: (615) 353-3369

Yvonne Anderson, Secretary II, C-237A
Phone: (615) 353-3771

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