Information Technology Specialist
Short-Term Certificate
One-Year Certificate
Overview
This program gives you the foundational skills to obtain an entry-level position in the growing field of information technology (IT). Whether you are looking for a quick entry into the workforce or opportunities to upskill within your current field, these certificates provide the skills employers are looking for.
Career opportunities include:
- help desk specialist
- IT support specialist
- technical support specialist
- software testing specialist
- facilities maintenance
The Information Technology Specialist Short-Term Certificate is just six classes and is the quickest way to begin a career in IT.
The Information Technology Specialist One-Year Certificate can be completed in one calendar year (three semesters) and continues your education to expand your job opportunities.
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
Short-Term Certificate
Information Technology Specialist Short-Term Certificate
Total hours required: 16
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Principles of Computer Programming^ |
2 |
|
|
Operating Systems & Security |
2 |
|
|
PC Hardware: Troubleshooting & Maintenance |
3 |
|
|
Total |
7 |
|
| Semester 2 | ||
| CIT-103 | Technology Integration & Support | 3 |
|
Networking |
3 |
|
|
.Net Programming* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
9 |
|
*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
One-Year Certificate
Information Technology Specialist One-Year Certificate
Total hours required: 31
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Principles of Computer Programming^ |
2 |
|
|
Operating Systems & Security |
2 |
|
|
PC Hardware: Troubleshooting & Maintenance |
3 |
|
|
College Algebra* |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
10 |
| Semester 2 | ||
|
Technology Integration & Support |
3 |
|
|
Networking |
3 |
|
|
.NET Programming* |
3 |
|
|
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
12 |
| Semester 3 | ||
|
Project Management |
3 |
|
|
Composition I |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
9 |
*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
Program Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Perform end user support including identifying and implementing solutions to user requests.
- Analyze technical requirements to determine resource requirements and the impact the solution will have on an organization.
- Design, plan, budget and propose an IT project for an identified need within a specific scope.
- Install technical hardware and software including network, database and security components.
- Perform routine maintenance to maintain the currency of an operating system, network, database and security needs.
- Identify and resolve technical problems using troubleshooting and research techniques
Continue Your Education
Credits earned for the information technology specialists certificates count toward COTC’s Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the information technology associate degree
The IT Specialist Short-Term Certificate can be completed in just two semesters (less than a year) and is the quickest way to begin a career in information technology.
The IT Specialist One-Year Certificate can be completed in one calendar year (three semesters) and continues your education to expand upon job opportunities.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
The IT Specialist short-term certificate is primarily offered face-to-face.
The IT Specialist one-year certificate is primarily offered face-to-face, although the general education courses can be completed online.
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.