Information Technology, Associate of Science Degree
(95 credits)
Program Description
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Information Technology (IT) provides students with broad and versatile skills to solve a wide range of problems in the field. The core of the curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of IT with a focus on computer hardware, operating systems, system administration, networking, and information security. Students will learn how to handle current and future IT business needs. The program prepares students for industry standard certifications, such as those from Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA.
The Information Technology Department ensures that all graduates have current competencies in the IT field. Students in Salish Kootenai College’s Associate of Information Technology Degree who take longer than two years to fulfill the curricular requirements stated in the catalog in effect when the student entered will be required to select a subsequent catalog and possibly repeat core Information Technology degree courses. This policy applies to all students, including undergraduates who change curriculum and transfer students. Department advisors will work with students to determine how to proceed.
Students transferring to SKC with Information Technology credits from another college will need to work with department advisors to determine if the credits transfer into the A.S. degree plan. Advisors will work with students in order to develop the best pathway to graduation.
The Associate of Science Information Technology Program prepares students for entry level IT helpdesk technician and technology support positions within the workforce. Students will develop the knowledge and skills that are essential within the IT industry. Students will analyze and interpret the fundamentals of IT and IT infrastructure and will focus on on-premise technology support. Students will learn about hardware and software installations, the Windows and Linux operating systems, system configurations, networking, cloud computing, security, and troubleshooting. The AS level program utilizes curricula that focuses on the following certifications: CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, and the Microsoft 365 Modern Desktop Administrator Associate Certification.
Career Opportunities:
Students who complete the program will qualify for entry level technology positions such as Helpdesk Support Technician, User Technology Support Analyst, User Support Specialist, or Network Associate. Salary information from the Montana
Department of Labor for occupational statistics can be found here: Computer User Support Specialists
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Information Technology Associate of Science program, students will be able to:
- Interpret and differentiate technical terms used within Information Technology.
- Demonstrate how to install, configure, and maintain client systems.
- Discuss and compare technology changes within IT infrastructure.
- Determine how to analyze and solve end-user issues with various troubleshooting techniques.
- Perform teamwork to deploy local area networks based on case study parameters.
- Identify and describe ways to be culturally respectful when assisting indigenous end-users with technical support.
Curriculum
Fall (First Year)
| ITEC101 | IT Fundamentals and Career Exploration | 4 |
| ITEC139 | PC Technician I | 4 |
| ENGL101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| IDST101 | SKC Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
The IT Department has designated ITEC 100 as a course that emphasizes information literacy.
Winter (First Year)
The IT Department has designated
ITEC 140 as a course that emphasizes information literacy.
Spring (First Year)
| ITEC107 | A+ Exam Preparation | 2 |
| ITEC176 | Windows Administration | 4 |
| ITEC189 | Networking I | 5 |
| NASD101 | History of Indians in the United States | 3 |
| SPCH100 | Basic Communications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Fall (Second Year)
Winter (Second Year)
Spring (Second Year)
Preparation for Certifications
Students who complete a sequence of courses as specified below are prepared to take the tests for the specific certification.
A+ Certification Preparation:
CCNA Certification Preparation:
Microsoft Certification Preparation:
Total Credit Hours: 95