Information Technology Systems Administration, Associate in Applied Science Peninsula College

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Information Technology Systems Administration trains students, using industry-based skill standards. Students will design, implement, secure, and support Microsoft, Unix/Linux, and other industry-standard networks, client, and server systems. Students will learn about the fundamental business context where IT systems function including business communication skills. Classroom instruction and practical experiences are combined into a course of study that provides students with broad exposure to the principles of network management and basic a basic understanding of the current information technology business environment.

Special Features

• This program helps prepare the student for a life-long learning process that accommodates rapidly changing technologies.
• This program can be completed online, or face to face depending on the mode that best fits each student’s needs.
• The practice examination used in this program is based on content that follows guidelines established by industry leaders.

Program Goals

For the education program to be effective, the curriculum is designed to promote the following outcomes:

• Prepare students for a variety of Information Technology, network support, computer support, and business-related job opportunities.
• Prepare students for professional certification exams, where applicable.
• Prepare students to communicate effectively with management, including Chief Information Officers (CIO), and Chief Financial Officers (CFO).

When this program is completed, the student will be able to:

• Determine the type of software or hardware necessary to complete an objective; understand the functions of different operating systems
• Access information from various storage mediums to locate and provide access to information in subdirectories
• Consider ideas that conflict with individual value systems
• Design, configure, troubleshoot, and deploy computer networks
• Use an operating system to access a variety of software
• Solve problems using the appropriate operating system utilities; apply systematic approaches and logic to solving problems
• Synthesize and apply information to meet an identified need
• Ask questions and give answers using discipline-specific vocabulary
• Respond to a heterogeneous technology climate
• Plan, install, configure and manage resources; connect and run applications; monitor, optimize and troubleshoot network software and hardware
• Provide organizations a safe, secure, and redundant information system

Sample Schedule

This Sample Schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in the fall quarter whose goal is to earn the Associate in Applied Science (AAS). The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however, some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.

First Quarter (Fall)

• Introduction to Computer Science
• English Composition I
• Fundamentals of Information Technology

Second Quarter (Winter)

• Applied Math for Professional & Tech Programs I
• Introduction to Networking
• Upgrading and Maintaining Your PC

Third Quarter (Spring)

• Business Communications
• Database Design and Implementation
• Introduction to Operating Systems

Fourth Quarter (Fall)

• Help Desk and Support Specialist
• Windows Domains
• Introduction to Multimedia Web

Fifth Quarter (Winter)

• CSIA 185 or CSIA 290 +
• Introduction to Economics
• Introduction to Unix/Linux Systems Administration

Sixth Quarter (Spring)

• Management Information Systems
• Database Driven Websites
• Social Sciences +

The Information Technology field continues to evolve. Information Technology plays an integral part in achieving management goals and objectives. Network and computer support personnel with experience and education earn living wages that vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to: specific skill sets, supply and demand, location, and current business and economic conditions. Job openings vary across the country.

• Network Engineer
• Systems administrator
• Systems support specialist