Information Technology Specialist

Design - General

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST General Info

NCC’s Information Technology Specialist graduates will be prepared to provide technical assistance to computer users, particularly in a small-business setting. Students will gain experience in a variety of IT skills including hardware, software applications, networking and programming, and principles of customer service. Students interested in this field should enjoy working with people, be able to answer questions and give advice to customers and co-workers. People working as Information Technology Specialists should be adept at learning about new technology and be willing to work on both hardware and software systems. Students will work towards a diploma during their first year of study and complete their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the second year of study.

Future Ready Iowa logo

NEW: Future Ready Iowa Scholarships

FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP

THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. This is not a needs based scholarship. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For a full list of every NCC program that qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship  – click here.

Want to learn more about our Information Technology Specialist program?

Request your free information packet now

Award

  • Associate of Applied Science degree
  • Diploma option is available after two semesters

Length

  • 2 Years | 4 Semesters & 1 Summer Term

Student Profile

  • Good communication skills
  • Good computer skills
  • Problem-solver
  • People person
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ability to multi-task

Program Location

  • This program is fully online, however, some courses are available on campus.

Contact Admissions

Student Story TYLER GENGLER

“The instructors were very helpful! The skillset I received at NCC has helped me to be successful in my career.”

Computer Grad
Currently employed at Interstates, Sioux Center

TYLER GENGLER

Requirements for this program

Programming

Course #TitleCredits
TERM 116
CIS121-EIntro to Programming Logic3
COM753-ETechnical Communications3
OR
SPC122-AInterpersonal Communications3
OR
SPC112-APublic Speaking3
CSC110-AIntroduction to Computers3
NET114-EFoundation of Information Technology3
NET170-EConfiguring Windows4
TERM 215
BCA152-AComprehensive Spreadsheets3
NET303-EWindows Workstation Operating System3
MAT110-AMath for Liberal Arts3
NET142-ENetwork Essentials3
CIS210-AWeb Development I3
Total Credits31
Information Technology Specialist Diploma Awarded
TERM 3 (SUMMER)6
PHI105-AIntroduction to Ethics3
HUM110 -AChanges and Choices3
OR
SOC110-AIntroduction to Sociology3
TERM 413
BUS162-CWorkplace Professionalism3
CIS307-EIntro to Databases3
NET612-EFundamentals of Network Security3
NET167-EComputer Systems & Troubleshooting4
TERM 514
CIS171-EJava3
CIS185-EOracle Academy: Database Design5
CIS750-EProject Management3
NET785-EFundamentals of Desktop Support3
Total Credits64

Network and Security

Course #         TitleCredits
TERM 116
CIS121-EIntro to Programming Logic3
COM753-ETechnical Communications3
OR
SPC122-AInterpersonal Communications3
OR
SPC112 -APublic Speaking3
CSC110-AIntroduction to Computers3
NET114-EFoundation of Information Technology3
NET170-EConfiguring Windows4
TERM 215
BCA152-AComprehensive Spreadsheets3
CIS303-EWindows Workstation Operating System3
MAT110-AMath for Liberal Arts3
NET142-ENetwork Essentials3
CIS210-AWeb Development I3
Total Credits 31
Information Technology Specialist Diploma Awarded
TERM 3 (SUMMER)6
PHI105-AIntroduction to Ethics3
HUM110-A Changes and Choices3
OR
SOC110-AIntroduction to Sociology3
TERM 416
BUS162-CWorkplace Professionalism3
NET167-EComputer Systems and Troubleshooting4
NET617-EImplementing Security Policies and Procedures3
NET612-CFundamentals of Network Security3
CIS307-CIntro to Databases3
TERM 512
CIS750-EProject Management3
NET351-EPython for Cyber Security Professionals3
NET425-ENetwork & System Defense3
NET197-EIntermediate Networking3
Total Credits65

Help Desk Technician Certificate

Course #TitleCredits
NET114-E Foundation of Information Technology 3
NET303-EWindows Workstation Operating Systems 3
NET785-EFundamentals of Desktop Support3
Total Credits9

Frequently Asked Questions

Information Technology Specialists work in a variety of businesses, offices, or call centers. Depending on your area of specialization, you have the potential to work in a variety of fields, including Customer Support/Help Desk Technicians, Programmers, Computer and Network Security Specialists, Entry-Level Database Administrators, or Computer/Network Sales Associates.

Salaries start at $15 per hour with potential to earn $30 per hour.

Your first year of study will prepare you to provide technical support to computer users and help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. During your second year, you will be able to focus your studies on programming, network and security, database management, or a combination of these areas. Many of your classes will be hands-on courses.

All of the courses in this program can be taken entirely online allowing you the flexibility of completing your degree from home. The program allows you to customize your degree, diploma, or certificate as a full or part-time student.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.