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Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 20 career programs.
At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.
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The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!
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.
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101
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.
Successful graduates have found work as network support specialists, software support specialists, network administrators, network specialists, help desk/network support personnel, and telecommunications specialists.
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101
Graduates of the program are prepared to obtain Cisco’s CCNA certification.
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
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101
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.
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.
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)