What You Will Learn
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Information Technology program offers a field of career options, bridging the gaps between technology and business with a global reach. There is tremendous growth in information technology employment as industries like finance, healthcare, and education invest in technology solutions and you can learn to:
- Build and repair computers
- Support and maintain software
- Build and troubleshoot networks
- Create a website or other app
- Prevent cyber attacks
- Analyze data and make predictions
- Work in teams to solve technology problems
Curriculum
The information technology program features a 40-credit core of cutting-edge computer science and computer architecture courses, plus a 20-credit general education foundation, meeting the demand of industry.
Careers in the Field
Associate degree:
- Computer Technician
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Database Developer
- System Administrator
- Web Developer
Bachelor’s degree:
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Software Engineer
According to PayScale, the average base salary for graduates with an associate degree in information technology is $68,000. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science have a mid-career pay of $122,500.
Why Study Information Technology at CCM?
There are many reasons why you should study IT at CCM:
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Build in-demand skills to launch or advance your career in tech.
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Choose your path with tracks in Cybersecurity, Networking, Web & Mobile Development, Digital Forensics, and Data Science.
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Prepare for certifications that employers want.
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Transfer with ease to nearby four-year institutions.
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Learn by doing in state-of-the-art labs and hands-on classrooms.
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Get involved through clubs, conferences, and networking events.
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Benefit from small classes taught by faculty with real-world experience.
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Fit school into your life with flexible terms and schedules.
Note: You must see a faculty advisor to plan your sequence of courses. For the most up-to-date listing of courses, see the Curriculum Checklist.
Where You Can Go
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are designed primarily for students to enter the workforce after graduation and CCM Information Technology (IT) students are well prepared to do so. IT provides the structure for an organization’s computing environment and an IT degree from CCM compliments any industry, placing you in your career faster and enables you to continue learning through certifications and job experience to stay at the top of your field.
Many AAS students do choose to continue their education at a four-year institution. If you’re considering transfer, it’s important to plan ahead and connect with your academic advisor. CCM Information Technology students frequently transfer to:
In-State:
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Rowan University
- Rutgers University
- William Paterson University
Out of State:
- Liberty University, VA
- New York Institute of Technology, NY
- Pace University, NY
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
- Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
Visit our Transfer Services page for more information.
Paying For Your Information Technology Education
Earning an associate degree in information technology is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Software Engineering
Software engineering practices are examined in the context of the system development life cycle, comparing traditional structured approach and the object-oriented approach, with the main focus on object-oriented approach. Topics include user stories, use cases, object-oriented modeling, comprehensive project management, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams, Agile techniques, and user-interface design. Class projects provide students with practice in developing soft skills necessary to work as part of a team. Students participate in a semester-long team project to design an application using system analysis and design techniques.
Network Security
This course provides an in-depth study of network attack techniques and methods to defend against them. Areas of study include communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, and operational and organizational security as it relates to network hardware, software and data. Topics include authentication, attacks, virtual private networks, email protection, web security, wireless, firewalls, intrusion detection, cryptography, disaster recovery and computer forensics regarding networked systems. Using a hands-on approach, powerful tools to diagnose and correct security breaches are investigated and manipulated. This course is mapped to the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education Knowledge Units and vendor-neutral certification exam.
Fundamentals of Programming (Python)
This is a fundamental course in problem solving and programming. This course introduces concepts such as how to solve problems by designing and implementing algorithms using a popular programming language. Topics include: pseudocode, algorithms, variables, constants, using decisions and loop structures to construct effective code, using built-in functions, creating functions and modules, and simple debugging techniques for detecting errors. Use of real-world problems in Web Development, Cybersecurity and Data Science are explored. No prior programming experience is required.
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