Information Technology
Associate of Applied Business
Overview
Information technology (IT) professionals provide support for nearly every business, hospital, educational facility and household. Technology continues to develop and change at a rapid pace, requiring a workforce with technical knowledge to design, develop, support and maintain the software, hardware and infrastructure required for quality systems.
By completing this degree, you’ll be ready to begin working in IT right away. You’ll also be prepared to continue your education if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Majors
COTC offers two majors in information technology (IT).
IT Specialist
The IT specialist major prepares students to support IT users, maintain computer systems and networks, and write basic programs through hands-on projects.
Career choices:
- software or app developer
- entry-level systems analyst
- help desk technician
- database supporter or administrator
- network administrator
- website developer
Programming and Software Development
The programming and software development major gives students hands-on experience with real-world information system applications.
Career choices:
- computer call center associate
- computer sales associate
- entry-level software developer
- data processing technician
- help desk technician
- network administrator
Students can choose one major, or they can pursue both majors by taking additional classes. The curriculum in the IT program at COTC prepares students for a variety of career choices.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
After completing either certificate, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge with professional certifications in CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ to demonstrate to employers you have the skills they’re looking for.
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, students must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll.
Plan of Study
IT Specialist Major
Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology
IT Specialist
Total hours required: 60
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
PC Applications in Business |
3 |
|
|
Principles of Computer Programming^ |
2 |
|
|
User Support Concepts |
3 |
|
|
Operating Systems & Security |
2 |
|
|
Composition I*^ |
3 |
|
|
Critical Thinking* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
16 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Networking |
3 |
|
|
Internet Programming I*^ |
3 |
|
|
.Net Programming* |
3 |
|
|
Technical Writing* |
3 |
|
|
College Algebra* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
Introduction to Business |
3 |
|
|
PC Hardware: Troubleshooting & Maintenance |
3 |
|
|
IT Project Management^ |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
|
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Technology Integration Support |
3 |
|
|
Java Programming* |
3 |
|
|
Database |
3 |
|
|
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity |
3 |
|
|
|
Technical Elective – IT Capstone |
2 |
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Technical Electives | ||
| Total of 2.00 semester credit hours required to complete this requirement | ||
|
IT Specialist Capstone* |
2 |
|
|
IT Internship* |
2 |
|
|
IT Cooperative Work Experience* |
2 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
^A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required to progress and graduate from this program.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Programming and Software Development Major
Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology
Programming and Software Development Major
Total hours required: 60
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Business |
3 |
|
|
Principles of Computer Programming^ |
2 |
|
|
PC Applications in Business |
3 |
|
|
Operating Systems & Security |
2 |
|
|
Composition I*^ |
3 |
|
|
Critical Thinking* |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
16 |
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Internet Programming I*^ |
3 |
|
|
Database^ |
3 |
|
|
.NET Programming* |
3 |
|
|
Technical Writing* |
3 |
|
|
College Algebra* |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
15 |
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
Visual Basic I |
3 |
|
|
IT Project Management^ |
3 |
|
|
Systems Analysis & Design* |
3 |
|
|
Internet Programming II*^ |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
15 |
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Java Programming* |
3 |
|
|
Internet Programming III* |
3 |
|
|
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Psychology* |
3 |
|
|
|
Technical Elective – IT Capstone/Internship/Work Experience |
2 |
|
|
Total |
14 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Total of 2.00 semester credit hours required to complete this requirement | ||
|
Programming & Software Development Capstone* |
2 |
|
|
IT Internship* |
2 |
|
|
IT Cooperative Work Experience* |
2 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
^A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required to progress and graduate from this program.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Transfer Options
Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreements with four-year colleges.
- Capital University
- DeVry University
- Franklin University
- Ohio Dominican University
- The Ohio State University
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the information technology associate degree
Students who enroll full time may complete the information technology associate degree in two years.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
The IT associate degree requires face-to-face classes for hands-on learning.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.