Information Technology & Systems Program
The Information Technology & Systems (IT&S) program provides an educational environment where fundamental knowledge and professional experience needed in the information technology profession is gained. Students are exposed to IT&S careers and technology through practical classroom experiences and lab activities. Students graduating from this program will be prepared to enter technology fields such as software development, helpdesk technical support or computer network design and support. Information technology skills are used in nearly every business. Information Technology & Systems specialization areas include:
- Estimated 35% growth for computer & IT occupations from 2021-31.
- Approx. 19,500 openings for IT Security Analysts over this decade.
- CCC fills the need for IT openings from displaced workers, occupation transfers, or baby boomers retiring from the labor force.
- AAS_INFO degree can be completed fully online.
- Certificates available in Cybersecurity, CISCO networking, and Information Technology Concepts.
View our catalog for more program information.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Create software applications using system development methodologies.
- Design, configure, troubleshoot and maintain networking environments for small business and enterprise organizations.
- Integrate technology resources into organizational and business processes using IT Service Management techniques applying effective front-line technical support.
- Demonstrate professional workplace skills to include: teamwork, ethical practice, legal considerations and effective customer service.
Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 377,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
The median annual wage for this group was $100,530 in May 2022, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
Job titles in this occupation include: Network Administrator, Network Analyst, Systems Administrator, Server Administrator, Computer Network Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Computer Support Specialist, Support Specialist, Software Support Technician, Helpdesk Support, Operations, Application Developer, Software Tester, Programmer/Analyst, Web Developer, Web Administrator and Database Developer.
Additional Program Information
- A majority of the Information Technology & Systems program is hands-on. Students will produce a variety of deliverables that can be included in a portfolio to take on future interviews.
- Courses are offered as lectures and also online.
- Our degree can be completed fully online. We also have courses in three out of the five general education categories.
- An Associate of Applied Science degree can typically be completed in two years for full time students. A diploma can typically be completed in one year for full time students. A certificate consists of 12 or 15 credits and can be completed in one semester depending on course availability.
Salary Outlook
The listed salaries are representative of Nebraska (but also depend on location and many other variables). The salaries listed here are overall for all workers, entry level position will be less and vary based on occupation.
- The median annual wage was $100,530 in May 2022, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
- The average starting salary for Networking Specialists has been $40,000 annually. The potential earning potential can be as high as $100,000 or more.
- Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. Median annual (2021) wage for computer user support specialists was $49,770. Median annual (2021) wage for computer network support specialists was $62,760.
- Currently 97% of our graduates are employed or have continued their education to a 4-year college.
Exciting Things in the IT program
Information Technology program areas continue to be remodeled to resemble the future technology students will experience in the work force. Curriculum focus is placed on industry standards, collaboration, team building as well as hands-on projects, so students can build portfolios to showcase their skills and abilities to potential employers. With updated classroom technologies, students can increase their debugging skills by collaborating with other students. Debugging, researching, and communication skills are top skills requested by our employers.
FAQs
- How much hands-on practice is included?
- A majority of the Information Technology & Systems program is hands-on. Students will produce a variety of deliverables that can be included in a portfolio to take on future interviews.
- How do instructors teach these courses? What’s a typical day in class like?
- Courses are offered as lectures, virtual, or completely online. Courses that are completely online have no set meeting time and may include videos, online activities, or textbook reading.
- How much of your program (not including general education courses) can be completed online?
- An Associate of Applied Science degree can typically be completed in two years for full-time students. A diploma can typically be completed in one-year for full-time students. A certificate consists of 12 or 15 credits and can be completed in one semester depending on course availability.
Personal Touch
Our Information Technology faculty are happy to work with students as they advise students throughout their program.
This personal touch helps students be successful in their academic career.
Our Information Technology & Systems program is set up to award students with achievements as they progress. Students are able to earn an Information Technology & Systems Concepts certificate after successfully completing the first semester (based on catalog requirements).
Student are then on track to complete their one-year diploma by the end of their first year.
Students can then ladder their academic plan to complete their Associate Degree by the end of their second year.
