What You Will Learn
Information Technology bridges gaps between technology and business with a global reach. There is tremendous growth for specialists in information technology in industries such as finance, healthcare and education that invest in technology solutions. Wherever your interests lie, there is a need for information technology.
This associate of applied science (AAS) degree program at CCM teaches you how 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
According to PayScale, the average salary for an Information Technology Specialist is $61,461 in 2024.
Curriculum
Our Information Technology Degree 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
Information technology specialists work closely with a variety of technology products, including software, hardware, and databases, from their design to regular repair and upkeep.
Here are some potential job pathways you can be eligible to pursue with an associate degree from CCM!
- Computer Technician
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Database Developer
- System Administrator
- Web Developer
The program is designed for seamless transfer to a four-year college or university, if you choose to do so upon graduation, to advance in your career pathway.
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Software Engineer
Why Study Information Technology at CCM?
An associate degree in IT from CCM puts you in the career fast-line and compliments any industry. It also allows you to continue learning through certifications and job experience to stay at the top of your field.
- Collaborate in active learning lab classrooms using state-of-the-art technology
- Pursue a specialized track options that matches your area of interest including Cybersecurity, Networking, Web Development, Mobile App Development, Digital Forensics or Data Science
- Join an extra-curricular activity as CCM has over 50 clubs so you can get to know others in your field and learn outside of the classroom
- Small class sizes so you get individual attention from faculty with events each semester to strengthen your knowledge base even more
- Faculty have industry experience to give you a real world understanding of the technology field
- CCM is a supportive environment with free tutoring and faculty office hours
- Flexible terms and class schedules that fit into your busy life
Where you can go!
CCM graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce. Many continue their education to complete a four-year degree at New Jersey’s public and private institutions like Fairleigh Dickinson, Kean, Montclair, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Ramapo, Rutgers and William Paterson. Other students have recently attended out-of-state schools such as Pace, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology and East Stroudsburg.
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?rnrnThere’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Ouru003ca href=u0022https://www.ccm.edu/financial-aid/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003e Financial Aidu003c/au003e 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.
Your Information Technology Faculty Advisor
Chair, Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
