Information Technology

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

IST102C: PC Applications

Credits 3

Introduces students to desktop PC applications with an emphasis on topics from a user perspective. Topics include use of an operating system, word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, internet, and hardware and software considerations. Students may not receive credit for this course, IST 102AC, and IST 102XC.

IST103C: Programming with Raspberry Pi

Credits 3

Designed for students new to the world of IT. It emphasizes hands-on learning using Raspberry Pi to introduce key IT concepts that appear throughout the Networking and Software Development degree programs. Concepts include computing principles and terminology, the relationship between hardware and software, programming principles, system administration and automation, and an introduction to digital networks.

IST104C: PC/Mobile Hardware and Networking

Credits 3

An in-depth exposure to computer hardware concentrating on CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives. Students learn the functionality of computer hardware and suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Through hands-on activities and labs, students learn how to assemble and configure computer hardware and the basic installation of Windows operating systems. In addition, an introduction to networking is included. This course prepares students for the first exam in CompTIA’s A+ certification path, CORE 1 (220-1001). Students registering for this course should be proficient in daily computer use (such as downloading and installing software from the internet) and should be familiar with basic computer terms.

IST106C: IT Career Topics

Credits 1

A series of presentations and panel discussions lead by alumni, HR representatives and other industry leaders in the field on important topics in IT specifically regarding careers in IT. The goal of this course is to expose students to a variety of career types that incorporate IT. Students will have a better understanding of what IT career and IT programs they would like to pursue. This course also gives students a chance to get to know one another within the IT programs. Incorporated into this course are also brief assignments that help students plan their college work, learn how to interact with their professors, and learn how to start a resume. The in-person section in the fall semester also includes a field trip; students choose a business they would like to visit in the area.

IST109C: PC OS Security and Cloud Fundamentals

Credits 3

This course is a continuation of the current material taught in IST 104C with emphasis placed on CompTIA’s Core 2 Objectives. Labs and hands-on activities are used extensively to illustrate concepts. Topics include installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing computer operating systems. Significant time is dedicated to security topics, best practices, and exploring real-world security issues. Mobile devices, virtualization, and software diagnostic utilities are also covered. This course prepares students for the second exam in CompTIA’s A+ certification path, CORE 2 (220-1002).

IST110C: Programming Fundamentals

Credits 3

Introduces students to design and develop computer programs using the C# language. Students learn and resolve a range of programming problems by applying techniques of design, structured coding, debugging, error-handling, and troubleshooting. The course begins by exploring procedural syntax and concludes with an introduction to object-oriented programming. Topics include problem analysis, computer logic and flow control, decision and repetition structures, use of methods, arrays, program documentation, class definitions, and use of a debugger. No prior programming knowledge is necessary.

IST120C: Programming Essentials in Python

Credits 3

Covers all the basics of programming in Python, as well as general computer programming concepts and techniques. The course also familiarizes the student with the object-oriented approach. Students have access to hands-on practice materials, quizzes, and assessments to learn how to utilize the skills and knowledge gained on the course and interact with some real-life programming tasks and situations. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with general computer programming concepts like conditional execution, loops, Python programming language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment, as well as with general coding techniques and object-oriented programming. This course is aligned towards the PCAP industry certification and once students complete this course they will be ready to take the PCAP –Certified Associate in Python programming. The Python Institute offers students who successfully complete the PCAP | Programming Essentials in Python course a 51% discount on the list price for the PCAP | Python Certified Associate Programmer Certification exam taken at Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

IST140C: Database Design and Management

Credits 3

Introduces students to the basic concepts used in database design and advanced topics such as structured query language (SQL), data modeling, table creation, normalization, views, forms, queries, and reports. The lab component includes development of business applications using a relational database, MS SQL Server. This is an entry-level course. No prior database knowledge is needed.

IST154C: Introduction to Networks

Credits 3

Introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the modern internet and computer networks. Configuration of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses is covered. Other topics of discussion include ethernet protocol, media access control, routing principles, subnetting, and variable length subnet masking. By the end of the course, students will be able to build simple LANs that include basic router and switch configurations, successful implementation of IP addressing schemes, and network attack mitigation. A grade of C or higher must be achieved to continue to the next Cisco C2 Course.

IST170C: Introduction to Linux

Credits 3

This is the first of a two-course series that takes a computer professional knowing nothing about Linux to be a fully capable Linux administrator. Students learn how to install and configure a computer running Linux, perform maintenance tasks with the command line, manage hardware and disks, maintain the file system, and edit text files.

IST180C: Cloud Services and Windows Server

Credits 3

Focuses on the use of the Windows Server operating system in a business environment. Topics include business analysis and matching system needs with an appropriate solution that includes physical, virtual and cloud based servers. Students will also study software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions and implement these solutions on a cloud provider platform.

IST200C: Spreadsheets

Credits 3

This course provides training in introductory and advanced topics related to spreadsheet creation, formatting, and printing. Topics include row and column operations, formula creation (including functions), graph creation and printing, database management techniques, and macro design and execution.

IST210C: Object-Oriented Programming

Credits 3

Begins with an introduction to the Java programming language and then uses both Java and C# programming languages to cover topics such as: arrays, strings, collections, exception handling, and object-oriented programming. Object-oriented programming covers problem conceptualization, class definition, object instantiation, method definition and invocation, the principles and practices of reuse, inheritance, and polymorphism. It also introduces GUIs and event-driven programming.

IST215C: Advanced Windows Programming

Credits 3

Builds on the concepts learned in IST 210 and uses .NET Framework and C# programming language. Besides using object-oriented programming, students learn and use functional programing to design and develop moderately complex applications. Students also learn data structures and algorithms, generics, collections, WPF, UWP, and entity framework. Hands-on labs include performance analysis of sorting and searching algorithms, as well as business applications development with a GUI that uses ADO or entity framework to access a database.

IST216C: Introduction to Web Programming

Credits 3

Explores frontend web development technologies and techniques with a focus on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and supporting libraries and frameworks. Students should be familiar with basic programming concepts prior to taking this course.

IST218C: Mobile Application Development

Credits 3

A hands-on training course for designing and building mobile applications on the Android platform. This course walks students through a series of app-driven exercises showing the relationships among application building blocks.

IST240C: Advanced Web Programming

Credits 3

Students learn to design, build, and deploy a modern web application. Topics include database integration, asynchronous communication, design patterns, and security. Coursework combines conceptual and hands-on learning components and concludes with an independent web application development project.

IST254C: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials

Credits 3

Topics covered include but are not limited to implementation of virtual local area networks (VLANs), configuration and troubleshooting of inter-VLAN routing, configuration of dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) on networking devices utilizing IPv4 and IPv6, and the purpose and evolution of spanning tree protocol (STP). An introduction etherchannel is also included. Students will learn about wireless LAN concepts and configurations as well as routing protocols. A grade of C or higher must be achieved to continue to the next Cisco C3 Course.

IST256C: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

Credits 3

Students will learn how to configure routers and switches for advanced functionality. Topics of discussion include but are not limited to SingleArea open shortest path first (OSPFv2) concepts and configuration, networking security concepts such as access control lists and network address translation, and wide area network (WAN) concepts. Students will learn about quality of service (QOS) and how VPNs are used. The course will focus on network design, management, and troubleshooting. Network virtualization and automation will be introduced.

IST260C: CyberOps

Credits 3

Provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed for a security analyst working with a security operations center team. Students will learn core security skills needed for monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to security events, thus protecting systems and organizations from cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Course aligns directly to a certification from Cisco.

IST263C: Network Security

Credits 3

Gives students the skills needed to identify and resolve computer and network security issues. The course will provide students an introduction to firewalls and other network security components that can be used to work together to create an in-depth defensive perimeter around a local area network (LAN). Students will learn how to identify threats, plan and design firewalls, develop a security policy, configure routers, workstations, servers, switches, and firewall equipment for various packet-filtering and security measures, create user authentication policies and methods, design and set up VPNs;  and maintain and troubleshoot these systems.

IST265C: Information Security

Credits 3

Covers basic security principles, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities; application, data, and host security; access control and identity management, and cryptography. It also covers mobile device security, cyberattacks and defenses, and recent developments and emerging trends in information security, such as virtualization. The course prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.

IST267C: Cisco VoIP

Credits 3

Incorporates both theory and hands-on labs on topics such as connecting IP phones to the LAN infrastructure, installing call manager express (CME), CME phone configuration, gateway and trunk concepts and configuration, and other topics pertaining to VoIP. Students successfully completing this course will have mastered the skills necessary to install a Cisco VoIP solution for a small- to mid-sized company.

IST270C: Advanced Linux

Credits 3

The second of two courses that introduce the basics of Linux system management; prepares students to earn a Linux Certification. It is designed as a natural extension of IST 170C and introduces advanced file-system management capabilities, security controls, and firewall configuration. Students will learn how to manage scheduled jobs, and perform troubleshooting tasks, network- and security-related tasks, and other administrative-related tasks.

IST290C: IT Career Development

Credits 2

Consists of a series of readings, exercises, and assignments designed to prepare students to succeed in their IT careers. Topics include resume writing, personal networking, job search resources, interviewing, compensation negotiation, and career development. 

IST294C: Senior IT Internship

Credits 2

This is a capstone course for the Information Technology curriculum providing application of skills acquired in a real-world environment. Students will test their ability to organize and interpret data, develop, apply programmed solutions to problems, and submit thorough documentation of the task.