Computer Information Technology Degree

Associate in Science Degree

The Computer Information Technology (CIT) degree program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded technical foundation and offer options in which they can concentrate their skills in either software development or networking. For students who enter the program without a firm grasp on a career direction, the program’s core gives a broad range of subject areas that the students can experience before formalizing their concentration.

A report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor explains, “To keep IT systems running, a large workforce is needed to maintain networks, create new software, and ensure information security. In addition, the proliferation of smart phones has given rise to a new “app economy,” in which new employment opportunities are available for workers who create the programs that run on mobile devices.” The CIT degree incorporate courses networking, programming, network security, and mobile device programming. All of these are high-demand areas of IT.

An internship experience enhances the curriculum and allows the student to apply their skills to an on-the-job experience. Upon graduation the student is prepared to obtain a job in the Information Technology field or pursue an advanced degree at a four-year college or university.

PROGRAM REVIEW

Students should meet with a Guided Pathways Advisor/Faculty Advisor to review graduation requirements and plan for future semesters by logging into MyCommnet and clicking on Degree Works.

Computer Information Technology by Degree Requirements

First Semester (Fall)		15-16 Credits
ENG101, Composition (or ENG101E or ENG*101-ALP)	General Education Requirement: Written Communication	3
MAT*137, Intermediate Algebra (or higher, depending on placement)	Gen Ed for Career Programs: Quantitative Reasoning	3
CST*120, Introduction to Operating Systems	Program Requirement	3
Choose one: CSC105, Programming Logic OR CSC116, Introduction to Programming with Javascript	Program Requirement	3
Choose one: CSC*101, Intro to Computers OR Open Elective if student confirms computer proficiency	Program Requirement	3
Second Semester (Spring)		15-16 Credits
CST*201, Introduction to Management Information Systems	Program Requirement	3
ENG*202, Technical Writing	General Education Requirement (1 of 2): Written Communication	3
Choose one:  Programming languages (CSC* or CST) to be selected with advice from Program Coordinator (for students in the Programming Track) OR CST163, Windows Server Administration (for students in the Networking Track)	Program Requirement	3
ECN*102, Microeconomics	General Education Requirement: Social Phenomena	3
General Education Requirement: Science Elective - Choose one course, with or without lab, from one of the following competencies: Scientific Knowledge & Understanding OR Scientific Reasoning		3 or 4
Third Semester (Fall)		15-16 Credits
Choose one: DGA* elective OR CST*141, Computer Hardware OR CSA/CSC/CST Elective	Program Requirement	3 or 4
COM*173, Public Speaking	General Education Requirement (2 of 2): Oral Communication	3
Choose one: rogramming languages (CSC* or CST) to be selected with advice from Program Coordinator (for students in the Programming Track OR CST231, Communications Networking (for students in the Networking Track)	Program Requirement	3
CSA*140, Database Applications	Program Requirement	3
CST*270, Network Security Fundamentals	Program Requirement	3
Fourth Semester (Spring)		15 Credits
Aesthetic Dimensions Elective	General Education Requirement: Aesthetic Dimensions	3
CSC*231, Database Design I	Program Requirement	3
Choose one: Programming languages (CSC* or CST) to be selected with advice from Program Coordinator (for students in the Programming Track) OR CST228, Voice and Data Interworking (for students in the Networking Track)	Program Requirement	3
PSY* or SOC* Elective	Program Requirement	3
CSC*295, Coop Ed/Work Experience	Program Requirement	3
Total Program Credits:		60-62

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

Develop the ability to analyze, develop, and design code through knowledge and comprehension of information systems concepts and skills.
Develop the strategic and critical thinking skills through development of the ability to identify, gather, measure summarize, verify, analyze, design, develop and test programs and hardware design.
Develop the ability to identify and solve unstructured problems in unfamiliar setting and exercise judgment based on facts.
Develop communication through development of proficiency in oral/written/electronic communication skills and the development of the ability to explain programming concepts and code and related technical issues to others.
Develop leadership skill through the development of the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, including organization, control, and assessment of group-based work, and provide leadership when appropriate.
Develop the skills to apply current technology, analyze business problems, and design and develop software and solve technical issues; apply word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, email, and collaborative software skills in a professional context.
Develop the skills to communicate using network technologies, access information via internet, and understand information integrity and security issues.

OUTLOOK

Information Technology (IT) is an essential component of the today’s workplace. The need for highly skilled computer professionals will continue to grow and computer professionals will be expected to integrate knowledge of a wide array of emerging tools, including mobile devices, cloud computing, security systems, to name a few. Additionally, work is done in diverse teams using collaborative software and integration is as important as system development. The student seeking to enter this field will require a broad range of expertise from operating systems installation to application support.

The employment outlook for computer support specialists, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020. There is a growing need for these skills as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software to newer technology. Additionally, mobile computing and health care IT require new software application which will increase the demand for specialized application development skills. BLS also reports that “The need for stronger cyber security will drive the demand for developers to design new software to detect, contain, and prevent viruses.”

The Connecticut Department of Labor projects technical occupations are expected to gain more new jobs that any other occupational group. The nationwide and local trends all indicate that there will be a significant need of skill IT professionals to meet the growing demands of the Connecticut labor force.

TRANSFERABILITY

Courses within the Computer Information Technology degree transfer to Central Connecticut State University and other colleges with the State University system. Students seeking to transfer should seek the advice of the Program Coordinator.

Note About Financial Aid
Federal regulations stipulate that a student may only receive financial aid for courses that count towards their degree/certificate. To comply with this regulation, MxCC must track the courses that a student is registered for that count towards their degree/certificate program. Courses identified as not meeting program requirements will not be included in the calculation of financial aid eligibility. Pre requisites will be covered. This procedure is now in effect. Eligibility ceases once a student attempts 90 credits for a typical 60 credit program.

Becoming Connecticut State Community College
STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. Click here for more details about this merger.

Associate in Science Degree

PROGRAM REVIEW

Computer Information Technology by Degree Requirements

First Semester (Fall)

15-16 Credits

Second Semester (Spring)

15-16 Credits

Third Semester (Fall)

15-16 Credits

Fourth Semester (Spring)

15 Credits

Total Program Credits:

60-62

Learning Outcomes

OUTLOOK

TRANSFERABILITY

Program Coordinator

Dr. Lin Lin

Related Programs

Quickly Find a Department