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 Advising: Contact Jim Conley at (815) 921-3157. Students are strongly encouraged to seek program advising while pursuing their degree and/or certificate. Please call to make an appointment.

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 Advising: Contact Jim Conley at (815) 921-3157. Students are strongly encouraged to seek program advising while pursuing their degree and/or certificate. Please call to make an appointment.

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

Sample 2-Year Plan of Study

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

This sample is intended to represent a guide for students to plan their educational program.

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 Advising: Contact Jim Conley at (815) 921-3157. Students are strongly encouraged to seek program advising while pursuing their degree and/or certificate. Please call to make an appointment.

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.

Sample 2-Year Plan of Study

This sample is intended to represent a guide for students to plan their educational program.

PC Technical Specialist

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

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

Cisco Networking #3750

Data Assurance and IT Security #3775

General Education Course Requirements                (15 credits)