The Personal Computer Technical Specialist describes a series of specialized computer-related degree programs in some of the most in-demand career fields. They include Networking Specialist, Cisco Networking (which also has two certificate-level programs) and Data Assurance and IT Security.

The Business/CIS/Engineering and Technology Division also offers degrees in Web site development and programming. For information on these A.A.S. degrees, please see the Web Information Technology and the Computer and Information Systems programs elsewhere in this catalog.

Networking Specialist                     #3700

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Graduates of this program are prepared for professional careers in the computing network field. The program takes students from the beginning architectural design process through installation, configuration, administration and tuning of microcomputer network environments.

Work and employment

Successful graduates have found work as network support specialists, software support specialists, network administrators, network specialists, help desk/network support personnel, and telecommunications specialists.

CISCO Networking                         #3750

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Graduates of the program are prepared to obtain Cisco’s CCNA certification.

Work and employment

Successful graduates have found work as network support specialists, software support specialists, network administrators, and network specialists among others.

Certificates available
–    Cisco Networking
–    Cisco Advanced Networking

Data Assurance and IT Security                 #3775

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Graduates of this program are prepared for a career in computer network and Internet security. Responsibilities include developing information security strategies, performing analyses, installing security software, monitoring network traffic, and developing emergency plans.

Work and employment

With the increased concern over computer security issues, employers are looking for people with skills in this area. Graduates secure jobs such as security specialists, network specialists, security technicians, security support specialists, and security assistants.

PC Technical Specialist

Course requirements                            (49 credits)
Required for all three degrees                        (10 credits)         

CIS     102    Introduction to Computers and Information Systems                 (3)
*    WEB     101    Programming Related to the Internet        (4)
    PCT     270    Introduction to Unix/Linux                (3)

PCT Electives                                (10 credits)
With the approval of the Business/CIS director, select courses with any of the following prefixes: CIS, PCT, or WEB.

Choose one area of specialization                    (29 credits)    
Networking Specialist (Microsoft and Novell) #3700
*    CIS     276    Introduction to C/C++ Programming            (4)
*    WEB     102    Advanced Programming Related to the Internet                        (4)
*    PCT     262    Computer Service and Repair            (3)
*    PCT     110    Network Essentials                    (3)
*    PCT     112    Windows Server Fundamentals            (3)
*    PCT     114    NetWare Fundamentals                (3)
*    PCT     210    Introduction to TCP/IP                (3)
*    PCT     290    Special Topics in Networking            (3)
      EET     100    Introduction to Electronics            (3)

Cisco Networking #3750
*    CIS     276    Introduction to C/C++ Programming            (4)
*    PCT     112    Windows Server Fundamentals, or
*    PCT     114    NetWare Fundamentals                (3)
*    PCT     120    Cisco Networking I                    (4)
*    PCT     122    Cisco Networking II                    (4)
*    PCT     124    Cisco Networking III                (4)
*    PCT     126    Cisco Networking IV                    (4)
*    PCT     262    Computer Service and Repair            (3)
      EET     100    Introduction to Electronics            (3)

Data Assurance and IT Security #3775
*    PCT     112    Windows Server Fundamentals, or
*    PCT     114    NetWare Fundamentals                (3)
*    PCT     120    Cisco Networking I                    (4)
*    PCT     122    Cisco Networking II                    (4)
*    PCT     124    Cisco Networking III                (4)
*    PCT     126    Cisco Networking IV                    (4)
     PCT     130    Introduction to Network Security            (3)
*    PCT     132    Advanced Network Security                (3)
*    PCT     275    Cisco Firewall Design                (4)

General Education Course Requirements                (15 credits)
*    ENG    101    Composition I                     (3)
*    ENG     103    Composition II, or
*    ENG    105    Business Communication, or
*    ENG    110    Introductory Technical Writing            (3)
*    SPH     131    Fundamentals of Speech, or
      SPH     141    Business and Professional Speech            (3)
*    MTH     120    College Algebra, or
*    MTH     160    Topics From Finite Mathematics, or
*    MTH     220    Elements of Statistics                (3 - 4)
      BUS     170    Human Relations in Business, or
      PSY     170    General Psychology, or
      SOC     190    Introduction to Sociology                (3)